This Simple Matter Should Not Be Turned Into a DARVO Narrative or Blame-Shifting

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: “When should advice be given in private or openly?”

Response: The one giving advice does what is best. If he sees that it is more beneficial in secret, he advises secretly; if he sees that it is more beneficial to do so openly, he does so; but if the sin is committed in secret, the advice can only be given in secret. If he knows about his brother that he sins in secret, he advises him in secret and does not expose him. But if the sin is committed openly, – seen by the people, for example, a person starts drinking alcohol in a gathering, then one must denounce it openly; or if a person started calling (others) to drink alcohol or to fornicate, whilst one is present, he should say, “O my brother! This is not permissible”.

Majallah Al-Islaah. (Number 17/241). Date: 23/6/1993