When people misunderstand you…

 

Giving dawah or advice is never an easy task. Especially when people begin to misunderstand you and your advice. However, I often have to  remind myself and others, that, if you are sincere in trying to spread goodness to others whilst people misunderstand you; then let it be a reminder to continue improving yourself regardless of their thoughts and opinions.

This is because our job is to relay. As for guidance, that is in the hands of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Continue your dawah regardless of whether or not the people you are advising accept the message, or just brush it under the carpet. For you have done your bit in tieing the camel; now the rest is in the Hands of Allah.

My first teachers, (my parents) and all those who Allah سبحانه و تعالى has blessed me with as teachers to this inheritance of our Prophet ﷺ have taught me never to be negatively swerved by public opinion.

Our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came with the ultimate truth to a people who also carried their own opinions and what we too could call ‘our two cents/pence’ today as well.

There were some who  misunderstood him when they had access to him to clarify their misconceptions, whilst others blatantly and arrogantly denied him. I traversed the Qur’an and never found Allah Almighty praising both these parties.

We can also learn such a lesson from the words of Ghandi who said: “Never allow people to walk in your head with their dirty feet.”  A profound statement indeed.

So dear reader, do good and preach good for Allah سبحانه و تعالى’s sake and do not be swayed by the views of a people. Our love for the message of our beloved ﷺ mandates this, and should be higher than this.

Also remember, those who truly want to improve *will* clarify their misunderstandings by asking you. That is what a person who truly wants to improve does. It’s natural law.

Finally, I would like to remind that just as we have a right to our view, others too have a right to theirs. However, it is how we react to the views of each other  that is the ultimate test.

Disclaimer: Whilst the above is true, it must also be stated that we should never ever feel better than the rest or become a judge of people’s intentions. Not letting people swerve you negatively is one thing. Feeling better than them is another! Allah Almighty does not love the latter. May Allah guide us and protect us. Ameen.

This worldly life is indeed difficult. May Allah سبحانه و تعالى grant us Jannah and a death whilst He is pleased with us. Ameen.