Nasihah to the general and Common Folk of the Muslims
This includes:-
To observe and not voilate the rights of other Muslims
fulfilling our duties towards other Muslims. These obligations differ based on the group of Muslims (e.g. our parents, children, relatives, neighbours, etc.) – e.g. greeting them, visiting them when they are sick, making du’a for them, giving advice if they request for it, praying solat ul janazah for the one who dies, etc.
To observe the concept of wala’ which means:
i. to love each and every Muslim.
ii. to care for every Muslim.
iii. to give help to other Muslims.
iv. to defend and protect other Muslims .
If you do not love others, you will not care. If you do not care, you will not also help. If you do not help, you will not protect them. The reason why so many Muslims of this day and era do not care or help others is because there is something wrong with the wala’ aspect of love. We should have love for other Muslims, especially those Muslims who are suffering, so we will care and help them. The Scholars say one way to give help and the least that we can do is by making du’a (pray for them). There is also a counter concept to al-wala’ which is al-bara or disassociation with (for the purpose of leading others from doing evil). However we should avoid doing it:
v. for our very own interest. vi. if it will not lead the other person to amend his ways – we should not start with disassociation, we should begin with giving advice and educating. We should show love and concern and give nasihah in the proper and right way. If all else fails, then we can resort to the use of the concept of disassociation (if it will lead to the person changing). The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said that “he is a real Muslim if he is the one who the other Muslims are saved from his tongue and his hand” – the true Muslim is one who will not cause harm to others verbally or physically, in any way or by any means. Having mercy for the younger ones and showing respect to the elders – it is part of glorifying Allah that we give respect to the elder Muslims. Sacrificing one’s time, effort, money, etc. for the betterment of the Muslim society.
If we are the ones in authority, then we should act sincerely towards the rest of the Muslims as best as we can and do whatever is in their best interest. We should give nasihah to the people by, e.g. doing what is best for the ummah, defending the society, putting the right and qualified people in the right position and job. Any kind of leadership or authority, whatever might be the level or rank, is responsible for the people being lead – e.g. supervisors, managers, teachers, principles, etc.
Conclusion From exploring all the obligations mentioned above, we can learn that nasihah encompasses everything in the religion of Islam, Iman and Ihsan.