Discussion on the fear of creation, its example, and its ruling.
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
The Shaykh : Among such matters is also what some people do: fearing creation to the extent that it prevents them from doing what Allah and His Messenger ordered, or from leaving what Allah and His Messenger forbade. They fear people as they fear Allah. You will find a man who does not speak the truth, even though he is able to speak it, out of fear of creation. This is contrary to the path of the believers, for Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, said in His Book: [Al-Ma'idah 5:54] Say the word of truth and do not fear except Allah, Mighty and Majestic. The word of truth has a profound effect on hearts, even if in the long run. It may not be beneficial in the present moment, but it will have an impact. Look at the statement of Musa (peace be upon him) when the magicians gathered against him and threw down their ropes and staffs, until he felt fear in his heart. Then Allah the Exalted said: [Taha 20:68-69] Musa (peace be upon him) said a word to them: [Taha 20:61] A word from a man speaking to his enemy. Did this word have any effect on them? Answer me. What was the effect?
[Taha 20:62] Each one came to see a different opinion. It is well known that disagreement is a cause of failure, as Allah the Exalted said: This single word had this effect, becoming like a bomb thrown among a gathered group of people.
But is every word of truth to be said in every place, or is it to be said in the place where it can be beneficial? The first or the second?
The student: The second.
The Shaykh : The second. That is to say, a person should not be reckless and say the word in a place where the harm will not be removed by his saying it, or where the harm will not be removed by his saying it; rather, a greater harm may result.
You do not leave speaking the truth, but look at where you place this statement. You may say it in a place where those who blame you will blame you, but say it in a place where it will have an effect. This varies according to the people. If your son commits a wrong and you say, "My son, this is wrong. Beware of doing it, for if you do it, I will do such and such to you," is this appropriate or not?
The student: Appropriate.
The Shaykh : Appropriate, but would you say such a statement to an adult, sane stranger whom you saw committing this wrong? No, but you speak with appropriate words. Perhaps the words are not appropriate in that context, but they may be appropriate in another place. For example, if you see a man who has let his garment hang below his ankles, and he is a noble, prominent man who is beneficial to the people with his wealth and status, and you see him with his garment hanging in a gathering, is it wise to say to him in that place: "So-and-so, you are committing a major sin. Fear Allah and raise your garment"? Or is it not appropriate? There is no doubt that it is not appropriate, because the man sees himself as having a status and a rank. So, lower yourself to his rank. Speak with him in private and say: "My brother, this is forbidden for him, and this is among the major sins. It is not permissible for you to let your garment hang below the ankles."
they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills
يجاهدون في سبيل الله ولا يخافون لومة لائم ذلك فضل الله يؤتيه من يشاء(68) Allah said, "Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior. (69) And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is but the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is."
لا تخف إنك أنت الأعلى وألق ما في يمينك تلقف ما صنعوا إنما صنعوا كيد ساحر ولا يفلح الساحر حيث أتىWoe to you! Do not invent a lie against Allah or He will exterminate you with a punishment; and he has failed who invents [such falsehood]."
ويلكم لا تفتروا على الله كذباً فيسحتكم بعذاب وقد خاب من افترىSo they disputed over their affair among themselves
فتنازعوا أمرهم بينهمAnd do not dispute, lest you fail and your strength be lost.
ولا تنازعوا فتنفشلوا وتذهب ريحكمBut is every word of truth to be said in every place, or is it to be said in the place where it can be beneficial? The first or the second?
The student: The second.
The Shaykh : The second. That is to say, a person should not be reckless and say the word in a place where the harm will not be removed by his saying it, or where the harm will not be removed by his saying it; rather, a greater harm may result.
You do not leave speaking the truth, but look at where you place this statement. You may say it in a place where those who blame you will blame you, but say it in a place where it will have an effect. This varies according to the people. If your son commits a wrong and you say, "My son, this is wrong. Beware of doing it, for if you do it, I will do such and such to you," is this appropriate or not?
The student: Appropriate.
The Shaykh : Appropriate, but would you say such a statement to an adult, sane stranger whom you saw committing this wrong? No, but you speak with appropriate words. Perhaps the words are not appropriate in that context, but they may be appropriate in another place. For example, if you see a man who has let his garment hang below his ankles, and he is a noble, prominent man who is beneficial to the people with his wealth and status, and you see him with his garment hanging in a gathering, is it wise to say to him in that place: "So-and-so, you are committing a major sin. Fear Allah and raise your garment"? Or is it not appropriate? There is no doubt that it is not appropriate, because the man sees himself as having a status and a rank. So, lower yourself to his rank. Speak with him in private and say: "My brother, this is forbidden for him, and this is among the major sins. It is not permissible for you to let your garment hang below the ankles."