Cooperation in Public and in Private

Q: Is cooperation in public better, or in private?

A: Cooperation can be done in private and in public, and the default is that it is done in public, so that the listener knows what is being said and benefits from it. Thus, cooperation, guidance, and advice are public for the sake of the society; this is the default. However, if the Islamic interest requires not being public, out of fear of harm from some people—because if one advises or guides publicly, they may not accept it or may become arrogant—then private advice is required in that case.
The advisor, guide, and counselor must seek what is most beneficial. If advice, calling to Islam, and helping in good are done publicly and benefit those present and the benefit spreads, then he does that. And if the interest requires that mutual advice be done in private, then he does that; because the goal is the attainment of good and benefit for the one being advised and for the society. Therefore, the means that leads to that is what is required, whether it is private or public. The advisor and the caller to Allah is like a doctor who seeks the appropriate time, quantity, and manner.
So the caller to Allah and the advisor to His servants must seek what is most appropriate! What is most beneficial! And what is closest to benefit!