Message to the Youth: Do Not Be an Aid to Satan Against Your Brother
Here is a word for the youth who have not yet repented: If you see your companion beginning to abandon a sin, do not break him—by God, do not remind him of his past to pull him back into it.
This is exactly what happened to our companion; when he refused to play songs, his friends did not say to him, “May God strengthen you,” but instead reminded him of his sins, mocked him, and tried to pull him back a step.
Warning Against Turning People Away from Allah’s Path
O my brother, if you cannot be an aid to repentance, then do not be an aid to Satan. Do not become a “whispering tempter” in the guise of a friend. Do not be among those described in the verse:
“Those who turn others away from Allah’s path and seek to make it crooked.”
Your friend may have taken a small step forward, trembling inside: “Can I continue? Will I remain steadfast?” Then do not come and stab this step yourself.
The Impact of Words on Steadfastness and Relapse
Do not discourage those who are repenting at the beginning of their journey. Perhaps a word of encouragement from you will be the reason for their steadfastness, and a word of mockery from you may be the reason for their relapse. So consider which of these two you choose to have in your scales on the Day of Judgment.