Lowlier Than Thou – Naseeha tips from Ibn Rajab
Have you wondered who Thou is? Y’know, Thou. If you don’t know who I’m talking about, allow me to explain.
Thou is a person who’s identity is shrouded in mystery. Apparently, Thou is very holy; so holy, in fact, that no one to this day has claimed holier status than Thou. Thou usually pops up when people are either giving or receiving religious advice. For example, one person notices a mistake or problem with another and tries to give them Naseeha. During this instance, a problem occurs from either the sending or receiving end, and things get heated. Then, out of nowhere, enters Thou.
“I don’t appreciate your holier than Thou attitude!”
Now you know who I’m talking about. Thou.
Thou’s appearance is a sign that Naseeha has failed and, unfortunately, Muslims are now used to having Thou present at every scene of Naseeha, or sincere advice. Either the Naseeha has been given improperly, or has not been welcomed for acceptance in the first place, or even worse, both. Advice turns into fights, family ties are severed, friendships are put on hold, and Shaytan sits back happy that Thou has showed up at yet another site of Naseeha failure.
So how do we prevent Thou and their holiness from showing up all the time? Simply by understanding what Naseeha is all about.
There’s an art and science behind Naseeha that we Muslims need to pick up on. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (rahimuhullah) wrote a piece entitled “The Difference Between Naseeha and Ta’eer” which illustrates the difference between advising someone and chastising them. Using some bits from it and other sources, I found some ways we can properly practice Naseeha, increase our love and respect for our fellow Muslims, and insha’Allah never have to deal with Thou and their holiness ever again. Read more »