Avoid this obstacle O young student!

July 22, 2026 | Abdullah Jallow | Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da’wah – Calling To Islam, Featured, History of Islam, Methodology – ‘Manhaj’, Morals and Manners – ‘Akhlaaq’, Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf – Pious Predecessors, Worship – ‘Ibaadah’

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Ash-Shabee – may Allah have mercy on him – said:

Abu Salama, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to argue with Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and as result he was deprived of a lot of knowledge (1) and deprived of benefiting from him. Indeed, Abu Salama acknowledged this, expressed grief over his behaviour and regretted what emanated from it. In the latter (years) of his life, he said:

“If I had been gentle with Ibn Abbas, I would have acquired a lot of knowledge from him”. (2) [End of quotes]

Do not come across coarse and patronising when speaking to your elders who are upright upon the Sunnah and are known to be people who adhere to proofs. Regardless of how you feel when discussing a Mas’alah, do not be patronising, even though your verbal exchange may appear in the image of pursuing proof. Yes, proof is above everyone, but be gentle and respectful, not patronising.

[1] Jami Bayan Al-Ilm 1/521

[2] Sunan Ad-Darimi 1/394