Examples of the consequences of not using wisdom in calling to Allah.
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The Shaykh : Let us suppose, for example, that we see a wrong in a certain society. Is it appropriate to attack this wrong and break it or tear it apart, or to speak harshly to those who commit it?
Or is it more appropriate to speak with gentleness and kindness? If that is effective, fine; otherwise, we refer the matter to others who can convey it to the authorities. Which is better?
There is no doubt that patience is better, using gentleness and kindness. If that leads to the removal of the wrong, that is what is desired. Otherwise, one refers the matter to people of higher status who can convey it to the authorities, and by doing so, one’s conscience is cleared, because Allah the Exalted says:[At-Taghabun 64:16].
If we were to attack this wrong and break what we break, or tear what we tear, the result would generally be the opposite: the intended goal would not be achieved, we would not be saved from harm, and this might even become a blemish on the call in general.
Therefore, I urge you—from this place—and I say to you words for which I consider myself responsible before Allah Mighty and Majestic. This is because the common people say, and I say it in the common tongue: every experienced person is better than a doctor. Why?
Because the experienced person has encountered things that he dealt with himself, but the doctor prescribes medicine, which may or may not be effective.
This is the important point in this matter.
[Yusuf 12:108].
This brief word, may Allah make it beneficial for me and for you, suffices for what we used to do of commenting on the recitation of our imams, and then we return to the intended purpose in explaining the hadith of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
Or is it more appropriate to speak with gentleness and kindness? If that is effective, fine; otherwise, we refer the matter to others who can convey it to the authorities. Which is better?
There is no doubt that patience is better, using gentleness and kindness. If that leads to the removal of the wrong, that is what is desired. Otherwise, one refers the matter to people of higher status who can convey it to the authorities, and by doing so, one’s conscience is cleared, because Allah the Exalted says:
So fear Allah as much as you are able
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْIf we were to attack this wrong and break what we break, or tear what we tear, the result would generally be the opposite: the intended goal would not be achieved, we would not be saved from harm, and this might even become a blemish on the call in general.
Therefore, I urge you—from this place—and I say to you words for which I consider myself responsible before Allah Mighty and Majestic. This is because the common people say, and I say it in the common tongue: every experienced person is better than a doctor. Why?
Because the experienced person has encountered things that he dealt with himself, but the doctor prescribes medicine, which may or may not be effective.
This is the important point in this matter.
Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."
قل هذه سبيلي أدعو إلى الله على بصيرة أنا ومن اتبعني وسبحان الله وما أنا من المشركينThis brief word, may Allah make it beneficial for me and for you, suffices for what we used to do of commenting on the recitation of our imams, and then we return to the intended purpose in explaining the hadith of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).