Episode 1 - Why This Topic?

Peace be upon you

Why this topic?

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a widely popular book by the American author Dale Carnegie. I found it very useful in providing rules for changing people's beliefs and behaviors. Then, when I was guided to the life of the Prophet peace be upon him, I found these rules and others in a more beautiful and complete form. No wonder! You indeed have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example to follow.

The Prophetic Method in Advice and Education

Mu'awiyah al-Salami prayed behind the Prophet peace be upon him, and he did not know the prohibition of speaking during prayer. One of the worshippers sneezed, and al-Salami said to him, "May Allah have mercy on you." The companions looked at him in astonishment, and he said, "What is the matter with you? Why are you looking at me?" All this during the prayer. They hit their thighs to make him stop, so he stopped.

Al-Salami said, "When the Prophet peace be upon him finished the prayer, by my father and mother, I have never seen a teacher before or after him who was better at teaching than him. By Allah, he did not humiliate me, nor did he hit me, nor did he insult me. What did the Prophet do? He said to him, 'Indeed, this prayer is not suitable for any of the people's speech, but it is glorification, exalting, and recitation of the Quran.'"

Goals of the Series and Its Importance

Brothers, in each short episode, we will review a style from more than 30 prophetic styles of effective advice, with practical applications and live examples, God willing. We need them to live in harmony with people and, at the same time, influence them positively. We need them to achieve what Allah brought us out for: "You are the best nation ever brought forth to people, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah."

Consequences of Neglecting Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

If we do not achieve this mission, what is the result? Our Prophet peace be upon him said, "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you must enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, or Allah will surely send upon you a punishment from Himself, then you will call upon Him, but it will not be accepted."

If we are pained by the wounds of the Muslims and want this bleeding to stop, if we fear that it will be our turn, if we call upon Allah and He does not respond to us, then this is the solution: effective advice in the prophetic manner.

Peace be upon you.