When Praising a Muslim Brother or Sister
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 2650
قَالَالنَّبِيُّصلىاللهعليهوسلم:((إِذَاكَانَأَحَدُكُممَادِحاًصَاحِبَهُلاَمَحَالَةَفَلْيَقُلْ:أَحْسِبُفُلاَناًوَاللَّهُحَسِيبُهُ،وَلاَأُزَكِّيعَلَىاللَّهِأَحَداً،أَحْسِبُهُ–إِنْكَانَيَعْلَمُذَاكَ–كَذَاوَكَذَا)).
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Transliteration
Qala an-Nabee ﷺ: 'Idha kana ahadukum madihan sahibahu la mahalata falyqul: 'Ahsibu fulanan wallahu haseebuhu, wa la uzakkee 'alal-Allahi ahadan, ahsibuhu - in kana ya'lamu thaka - kadha wa kadha.'
Translation
The Prophet ﷺ taught us: 'If one of you must praise his brother, let him say: I consider so-and-so to be… and Allah is his Reckoner. I do not purify anyone over Allah. I consider him to be… if he knows him to be so.'
Context
When someone feels compelled to praise another Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ guided them to do so with humility and by attributing ultimate knowledge and judgment to Allah. This teaches us to be cautious about our own assessments and to avoid excessive praise that might lead to arrogance.
Benefit
This guidance helps maintain sincerity and humility in our interactions, ensuring praise is balanced and does not lead to undue pride in the one praised or the one praising.
When to Recite
When offering praise to another Muslim.