A Recall of al-Allāmah Rabī’s Various Circumstantial Clarifications on Softness and Harshness- Part 4

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, was asked:

“Our Shaikh, one of the affairs that have become circulated and aroused an intense feeling among the Salafis is that there are people who claim that advice is obligatory before warning. Is there a statement you can give in this matter?”

Response: I answered this question before – may Allah bless you. We have been put to trial with these types of affairs, so you find a person spreading falsehoods, lies, and slander against others- both about individuals and in general; and if you give him advice, (respond with) criticism or something, he says: “Why did they not warn me, why did they not advise me, and why did they not explain to me”. Corrupt excuses. We seek from these people to repent to Allah and return to the truth with complete good manners and humility, and to leave such excuses. Assume that this one made a mistake and did not speak, and did not advise you, then return to the truth and reprimand him thereafter. As for spreading (trouble) amongst the people, persisting in your falsehood and mistakes, and saying, “They did not do and they did”, this is empty talk.

It is obligated to a believer to return to Allah. You publish your mistakes in books, tapes, etc. If you hid your mistakes and committed them in the darkness of your house, (known between) you and Allah, this person discovers you, he would have advised you – between you and him. As for disseminating your statements and (publicising) deeds in the world, then someone comes and publishes- meaning, replies to you, there is nothing wrong with this -May Allah bless you. Leave these excuses that (arise) from many of the people of falsehood who are rebellious in falsehood and stubbornness.

شيخنا من الأمور التي صارت تروج وصارت عطفا على السلفيين هي أقوام يدعون وجوب النصيحة قبل التحذير فهل من قول منكم شيخنا في هذا الباب؟