-
Giving Advice In Public
Asalamualaikum,
Sometimes I come across videos from religious personalities where they will publicly comment upon actions committed by a Muslim in public. The argument that’s used is that if something has happened in public, then it should be addressed publicly as well, so that the masses can be well informed as well. I believe I’ve also heard the argument that in some cases it becomes ‘obligatory’ to address these actions in public.
I think that the idea makes sense overall, but sometimes I get the impression that this might fall under backbiting? In some cases, the person might not even identify themselves as a representative of Islam, so to be held at such a high standard where their actions are constantly under a microscope seems a bit harsh to me. Furthermore, when a person’s name is featured in a title and an entire video of ten minutes in length is dedicated to them, I can’t help but feel that it must be embarrassing for the other person.
So, taking all of the above into consideration, is it a necessity to address one’s actions publicly or is this backbiting? Does it fall under the etiquette that a Muslim should display? And is there a better way to go on about doing so?
JazakAllah
-
10 Replies
-
Giving Advice In Public
updated 2 years, 3 months ago
3 Members
·
10
Replies
-
There is not such rule in Islam. Different methods are used for different kinds of offences to deal with them. One may debate one is better in certain situation than the other.
-
JazakAllah Dr. Irfan Shahzad,
But is there any harm in addressing a person’s mistakes in public? Would it ever be considered an usurpation of their rights?
-
-
I think it is absolutely wrong unless the person agreed to it, but still there may be other parties involved that may be mentioned that may not have consented.
If the event is used as a lesson for others then it can be mentioned with made up names and places.
Mentioning the person and humiliating in public is against the guidance of Islam. If it is intended as a punishment perhaps it may be valid, but if it is a personal deed for which the person has repented and corrected the wrongdoing, then mentioning in public is absolutely wrong in my opinion.
-
JazakAllah Mr. Nadeem Minhas,
But I mean strictly in the case that the person had originally committed the deed in public. So, everyone would already be aware of what they have done.
-
I think if it was a public sin and after the person has repented with Allah, then the victims and then corrected the wrongdoing as much as possible an then afterwards the person wants to repent in public voluntarily, I think it is the most noble thing and epitome of humility, humbleness and repent.
-
JazakAllah Mr. Nadeem Minhas,
Sorry, I don’t think I’m being clear in exactly what I mean.
I’m referring to a situation in which a person publicly advises another individuals on their shortcomings in religion in the event that the person’s shortcomings are public for one reason or the other.
From the perspective of the person who is giving the public advice, I’m wondering if there is ever any harm in addressing a person’s mistakes in public? And would it ever be considered an usurpation of the rights of the person whose mistakes are being addressed?
-
Sorry for my misunderstanding Brother Haseeb. Quran specifically states to hide one’s personal shortcomings and the sins for which the person has repented. It is not allowed.
-
JazakAllah Mr. Nadeem Minhas,
But as per Dr. Irfan Shahzad, “different methods are used for different kinds of offences to deal with them”. This is why I’d like him to clarify how we can determine whether we are harming another person in the process of giving them advice publicly. Again, this is in the case that they have committed whichever questionable deed in public/on a public format.
I’m just going to tag Dr. Irfan Shahzad so that he can clarify. @Irfan76
JazakAllah
-
-
This has to be decided by the person himself with all honesty. This is his discretion.
-
JazakAllah Dr. Irfan Shahzad. I will keep this in mind.
-
Sponsor Ask Ghamidi
