BENEFIT 2: Severity and Harshness: Another Perspective

I came across the faa'idah (benefit) that was posted earlier, and I pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala increases you all in goodness and grants barakah in everything you are doing. I truly admire the channel and benefit greatly from it, alhamdulillah. However, I wanted to offer some clarity regarding the topic discussed. I feel it’s important to clarify that such matters should be limited to ibadaat (acts of worship) and not necessarily applied to mu’amalaat (interpersonal dealings). For example, you mentioned imams highlighting faults or standing firm on the truth, which is admirable. But when it comes to our interpersonal relationships—such as with our children, spouses, or parents—it’s not just about standing firm on what’s right. Sometimes, even when you’re in the right, you need to be forgiving or overlook mistakes for the sake of kindness and maintaining harmony. Take the example of a parent who sees their child doing something wrong. While the action may clearly be incorrect, it might be wiser to forgive, ignore it for the moment, or even set aside your own perspective to consider theirs, especially if the issue isn’t about halal and haram but simply a difference of opinion. This is what’s referred to as "tawaadu"—humbling yourself and raising others, even if you think your view is correct. I know many individuals who are harsh because they believe they’re standing on the truth, but this attitude can cause strain, especially in personal relationships. For instance, a husband may be overly strict with his wife, thinking she’s wrong—and perhaps she is—but softness and understanding are still essential. Similarly, with parents, children, or other loved ones, being right doesn’t justify harshness. I believe this should be emphasised when addressing the concept of being harsh or severe. It’s important to distinguish between holding fast to one’s religion and the way we interact with others. The examples you’ve given are excellent, and I just wanted to contribute this perspective. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala bless you all, increase you in goodness, and reward you abundantly. Jazakum Allahu khayran. Benefited from Abu Rayḥānah AbdulHakeem Al-Amreeki