Don't Praise People Excessively, Then What Should Be Done? Always Remember This Message of the Messenger of Allah SAW

The Islamic guidance on the art of praise, as detailed in this article from Republika, offers a profound insight into maintaining humility and sincerity in human interactions. The admonition against excessive flattery, rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serves as a crucial reminder for Muslims to navigate social commendations with wisdom and spiritual awareness.

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Woe to you, you have cut off your companion's neck! You have cut off your companion's neck!

Republika, as a publication dedicated to Islamic perspectives, emphasizes the potential pitfalls of unchecked praise. The Hadith cited, where the Prophet warns, "Woe to you, you have cut off your companion's neck! You have cut off your companion's neck!" multiple times, powerfully illustrates the danger of inflating someone's ego to a point where it becomes detrimental to their character and actions.

The article wisely steers readers toward a more balanced approach. Instead of absolute pronouncements, the recommended practice is to preface praise with phrases like, "I think so-and-so is like this, and Allah is his judge, and I do not purify anyone before Allah." This nuanced expression acknowledges human fallibility and reserves ultimate judgment for the Divine, thereby safeguarding both the speaker and the recipient from potential arrogance and self-deception.

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If one of you praises his companion - it is inevitable - let him say: 'I think so-and-so, and Allah is his reckoner, and I do not purify anyone before Allah. I think him to be such and such, if he knows him to be so.'

From an Islamic viewpoint, this teaching is not merely about etiquette; it's about fostering a community grounded in truthfulness and spiritual consciousness. It encourages individuals to focus on self-improvement and sincere deeds rather than relying on external validation. While secular societies might encourage effusive praise for motivation, Islam prioritizes inner reflection and accountability to God, a perspective that Republika consistently champions.

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The essence of the prohibition is that whoever exaggerates in praising another with things he does not possess, then the one praised cannot be safe from conceit due to his belief that he is indeed at that level, so he might neglect deeds and increase in goodness out of reliance on the praise he received.