The Ruling on Describing Some Matters of Religion as Trivialities and the Method of Advising

Question:
He says: Shaykh, if I see a man eating with his left hand, or drinking with his left hand, or smoking in the gathering, should I say that this matter is a triviality and there is no need to change it until I win his heart, and then afterwards I explain to him that this is forbidden, as you say?

Answer:
No, it is not said that way. It is not said that they are trivialities. There are no trivialities in the religion; it is all good, all substance. For example, some of it is obligatory, some of it is recommended, and some of it is a foundation that is essential. Therefore, it is not permissible to call anything of the religion a triviality or a hair of no value. If you see someone smoking, advise him. If he is drinking with his left hand, encourage him to use his right hand, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded. Do not say this is a triviality. Disregarding the prescribed matters leads to abandoning the obligatory ones. So the believer advises his companion, but with a good manner, a kind manner, a beneficial manner, and a manner that affects the hearts. He must urge him to keep up the prayers in congregation; you command him to pray in congregation. If you see someone being harsh with his parents, advise him. If you see harshness in other matters of religion, such as his fasting, his zakah, his Hajj, or otherwise, advise him so that he performs these obligations with sincerity, submission to Allah, and uprightness. Yes.