So remind, if the reminder benefits

Question : The questioner says: Please give us a ruling, may Allah reward you with good, on the meaning of the saying of Allah the Exalted: Is the intention to remind people in every situation and every person? Or is the meaning to remind in specific places and among people with whom the reminder is expected to be beneficial?

Answer : Yes, in this noble verse the exegetes differed on whether this is a condition, or whether it has a legal implication, or not. Some said: "Remind if the reminder benefits," and if the reminder does not benefit, then you are not obligated to remind. Others said: "Remind if the reminder benefits or if it does not," because conveying the message is obligatory upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in all circumstances. As for the phrase "if the reminder benefits," it is a form of rebuke toward them, just as you might say, "Advise so-and-so if the advice benefits him." This does not mean that I am saying, "Advise him only if the advice benefits him, and otherwise do not." Rather, the meaning is that I am rebuking him and saying, "Advise so-and-so, because this man does not benefit from advice, so advise him, perhaps with repetition he will benefit." The verse is actually susceptible to both opinions, and perhaps the wisdom behind the expression in this form is that it applies to two situations, and that a person should look at the situation in which reminding is beneficial.