Action Items For The Muttaqun
Action Items for the Muttaqun (people who fear Allah):
If a Muslim is incorrect in his words or actions, do not embarrass or degrade him in correction; instead, kindly guide him to the Truth.
It is not “kind” to dilute the truth, so the kindness comes in the manners and the love for your brother or sister by showing him/her the truth when he is first seeking.
Your brother’s reaction to the truth is of no concern and should not stop you from speaking the truth in an appropriate manner. Too often, we see people more afraid of hurting another person’s feelings or angering them than telling them the truth. It is not kindness to withhold the truth from someone, but it is not kindness to dispute over a non-fundamental issue either once the facts have been presented. And if you don’t have facts to back up what you’re saying, DON’T SAY IT, or you will likely be the cause of fitnah!
Study the proper way to give dawah and IMPLEMENT this method when a difference of opinion occurs between people of the Sunnah.
Look at each difference as a learning opportunity and be sure to have your proof and facts together before challenging a Muslim, especially one whom you have no reason to believe to be non-trustworthy (such as if he is an established person of bid’a, or an established liar and has not told enough lies to re-establish himself as a truth-teller).
To avoid quarrels, sincerely ask questions to seek the Truth, just as the Muslim revert does before accepting Islam.
Take note of the humble method in which Sheikhs present their disagreements. The pious Muslim may dispute the facts and have no desire to tear apart the person with whom they disagree, but rather, rush to hide any sins of their fellow Muslim and stick to discussing the relevant evidence in Quran and Sunnah.
Stop thinking you have to force your views on others as though this is love. It is love to tell them, but what they choose to do with Truth is up to them. But surely Allah, SWT, has already decided who will choose guidance and who will choose misguidance.
BE HUMBLE. Stop talking about it; actually, be it. This not only applies to the person who realizes their views were weak but also to the person who presents the truth. Arrogance has no place amongst Muslims.
Be patient and take your time before reacting.
Understand that many people mean well but are simply using bad logic and need to be lovingly shown the right path.
Spend more time listening (to persons of good character and knowledge) than speaking, ESPECIALLY when there is a difference of opinion starting to form in the conversation.
Repent to Allah, SWT, for any fitnah you have created when speaking without having facts to back you up; for example, if someone gives you evidence, and you maintain your weak position instead of giving it up altogether and embracing the Truth in whole. For example, your brother sees you and says, “Hey, how’s it going?” and you, at some point, remind him, “Brother, the Quran instructs us to greet one another saying As salaamu alaikum, and so I recommend you only use that greeting.” Do you really want to create fitnah by disagreeing with such a strong, true point? Whether you agree or not, if you have no facts to support your view over another, THE CORRECT REPLY IS ALHAMDULILAH (or something similar) and perhaps even JAZAKALLAH, and then to GO SEEK THE TRUTH on your own time.
Remember, Allah Subhanuhu Wa Tala, Knows everything we do!