The Difference between Showing Good Character and Compromising in Deen

Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) wrote the following advice in a letter to an aalim, explaining to him how Ulama should meet other Ulama with whom they have some difference of opinion in deeni matters:

In Bukhaari Shareef, the statement of Hazrat Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is recorded:

إنا لنكشر في وجوه أقوام وإن قلوبنا لتلعنهم

Indeed, we smile at the faces of certain people (when meeting them), while our hearts are cursing them.

The reason for having hatred in our hearts for such people is that they are involved in open sins and evils. However, when interacting with them, we meet them with a good face for deeni reasons (i.e. perhaps the good conduct and good character which we show them will be a means of them changing or a means of us being saved from their harm).

Hazrat Sheikh (rahimhullah) thereafter mentioned that when this is the case in regard to people who are involved in open sins and evil (and the Sahaabah showed a good face and good character when meeting them), then to a greater extent, we should show a good face, good character and speak politely when meeting good Muslims (even though we have some deeni differences among ourselves).

In Bukhaari Shareef, the statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is also recorded. He said:

خالط الناس ودينك لا تكلمنه

Meet and interact with people, but do not cause harm to your deen.

The meaning of this statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is quite clear and evident, that it is important for one to show good character and adopt a respectful approach when dealing with such people (with whom one has a difference of opinion), however, one should never make compromises in one’s deen (by breaking the command of Allah Ta‘ala, or opposing the mubaarak sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)). Out of consideration for the person, one should not accept the wrong he says and regard it as part of deen, (rather one should explain the haqq to him). Similarly, out of consideration for the person, one should not remain silent when seeing him carry out any impermissible action in one’s presence.

This is the meaning of the statement of Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) “Do not cause harm to your deen”. Showing a good face, good character and adopting a respectful approach when meeting people is a separate matter, and making compromises in deen is a separate matter. We should always understand the difference between these two aspects.

(Mahabbat Naame – Hazrat Sheikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) 1/221)

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