Written by: Saad Mahmood
Edited by: Muhammed Tahmid Ahmed
Hadith 7 — The Deen is Sincerity
عن أبي رقية تميم بن أوس الداري رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “الدين النصيحة.” قلنا: لمن؟ قال: “لله، ولكتابه، ولرسوله، ولأئمة المسلمين وعامتهم.” [رواه مسلم]
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The deen (religion) is nasihah (advice, sincerity).” We said, “To whom?” He ﷺ said, “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” [Muslim]
The concept of nasiha in Islam is often translated in two ways: as advice and as sincerity. The word nasiha comes from the root nasaha, which carries meanings of correcting (as in straightening one’s thobe) and purifying (as in refining honey).
Advice cannot be given to Allah ﷻ or the Prophets, but sincerity towards them takes on a deeper meaning. It involves loving for Allah’s ﷻ sake, feeling dislike or anger towards disobedience of Allah ﷻ, expressing gratitude to Him, and making supplication in all states. Sincerity also manifests in gentleness towards people and genuine concern for their well-being.
Sincerity towards the Book of Allah ﷻ involves respecting it by reciting it properly and adhering to its guidance. Sincerity towards His prophets includes emulating their character and loving them as they loved their followers.
Sincerity towards leaders means obeying them in permissible matters, reminding them of their obligations, refraining from unjust rebellion, and making du’a for them, particularly in salah.
The topic of khuruj (rebellion) has long been debated among scholars. Some hold that it is never allowed, while others argue it is always justified. A balanced view acknowledges that khuruj becomes an issue when a ruler is still within the fold of Islam. If a leader calls people towards haram, the general principle is that preventing greater harm and maintaining unity among Muslims takes precedence over achieving specific objectives.
Sincerity towards the general public is primarily about offering advice and guidance. This responsibility is a fardh kifayah (communal obligation), requiring wisdom, influence, and consideration of societal security when advising others.
And Allah ﷻ knows best.