Tag: The Prophet’s Methods of Dealing with People’s Mistakes

The Prophet’s Methods of Dealing with People’s Mistakes- p3

22 – Asking the person to forgive the one who wronged him.

23 – Reminding a person of the good qualities of the one whom he has wronged, so that he will regret what he has done and will apologize.

24 – Intervening to calm people down and put a stop to the fitnah (discord) between those who are making mistakes.

25 – Showing one’s anger about a mistake. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw or heard about a mistake, he would show his anger, especially if it had to do with matters of belief (‘aqeedah).

26 – Turning away from the one who has made a mistake, and avoiding argument with him, in the hope that he may come back to the right way.

27 – Rebuking the one who has made a mistake.

1 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) rebuked the Sahaabi who had make a serious mistake by asking him, “What made you do that?”

2 – Enquiring as to the reason that motivated him to make the mistake undoubtedly has an effect on the way in which he is treated.

3 – Those who have an excellent track record are not immune from committing major sins.

4 – The educator must be open-minded in dealing with his companions’ mistakes so that they continue progressing on the straight path. The aim is to reform them, not alienate them.

5 – The educator must appreciate the moments of human weakness that may overcome some of those who are with him, and he should not be shocked by a serious mistake on the part of one who is advanced or senior.

6 – Defending one who deserves to be defended even though he has made a mistake.

7 – If a person who makes a mistake has a great deal of good works to his credit, this should be taken into account when evaluating the level of his mistake and dealing with it.

The Prophet’s Methods of Dealing with People’s Mistakes

1- Hastening to deal with people’s mistakes and not putting it off.

2 – Dealing with mistakes by explaining the ruling (hukm).

3 – Referring people back to Islam when they make mistakes, and pointing out to them the principle that they are breaking.

4 – Correcting misconceptions that are due to something not being clear in people’s minds.

Mistakes generally come about as a result of misconceptions; if the ideas are put right, mistakes will decrease.

5 – Dealing with mistakes by repeatedly reminding people to fear Allaah.

6 – Showing compassion to the one who is making a mistake.

7- Not hastening to tell someone he is wrong.

A person who is seeking knowledge should not be too hasty to condemn any opinion that differs from that with which he is familiar.

8 – Remaining calm when dealing with people’s mistakes – especially when being too harsh could make matters worse and do more harm than good.

a. We should be gentle when dealing with one who is ignorant and teach him what he needs to know without rebuking him.

b. We should, also, hasten to remove anything objectionable when there is nothing to stop us from doing so.

9 – Explaining the seriousness of the mistake.

10 – Explaining the harmful effects of the mistake.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) explained that exaggeration when praising someone is a mistake which can have bad consequences.

11 – Practical teaching of the one who is making a mistake.

12 – Offering a sound alternative.

13 – Guiding people to that which will prevent them from making mistakes.

14 – Not confronting people directly with their mistakes and addressing the issue in general terms may be sufficient. the benefits:

a. It avoids a negative reaction on the part of the person who has made the mistake, and prevents him from being tempted by the Shaytaan to avenge himself or defend himself.

b. It is more acceptable to people and is more effective.

c. It conceals the person’s mistake in front of other people.

d. It increases the status of the educator and makes the advisor more beloved.

15 – Provoking public opinion against the one who has made the mistake.

This method is only to be used in very limited circumstances, when a great deal of thought has been given to the matter, to avoid any negative escalation of the situation.