Acknowledgment

[At-Ta'if]

This is just something I have been thinking about, and I've come to the realisation that whilst we are generally good at advising and reminding our brothers and sisters of their obligations and shortcomings (which is great), very little do we acknowledge the good in people.

If we look hard enough, we can find some sort of goodness in a Muslim, one way or another. Even if it may seem small, it might be valuable in the sight of Allah (swt).

We should strive to dwell on these points and expressly acknowledge the goodness in the form of a compliment so the individual can build on his/her goodness.

You know, a little compliment goes a long way. It will essentially build the self-esteem of the individual and strengthen your relationship with others.

Just a little pat on the back saying keep it up brother/sister and I'm sure that person will think about it when they put their head on the pillow that night.

Acknowledgment of goodness in a marriage will do much for that relationship; instill mutual respect, love, harmony and understanding.

So, for all the brothers and sisters who deal with the hardships of being a Muslim in this day and age, be it observing the hijab in the face of verbal abuse, or working hard to earn halal money to provide for your family, you're doing a great job, be proud of yourself and keep up the good work insha'Allah ta'aala.

Wassalaam.

[falah]

In psychology/education this called "positivie reinforcement".

[Najwa Al Mu'minah]

*pats myself on my back*

[At-Ta'if]

*pats myself on my back*

[from water]

Yeah I agree. There are a lot of people I respect very greatly on this forum, but I am usually hesitant to compliment, especially when it comes to sisters. I think the least one can do is make du`aa' for people though.

I think Muslims should like other Muslims in general, even the ones we don't see as ideal, and have loyalty to them and place them on the pedestal even if we are sometimes saddened or gloomy about some of their actions. We should care about their well-being and wish them guidance in that case, and take into consideration good things those people do as you said. I like a Muslim brother who has loyalty to Islam and Muslims, even if he is so liberal that he drinks. And I like him more than a Muslim always at the masjid but does not place other Muslims on the appropriate pedestal and spares kind words and compromise only for those other than them.

But yes there are definitely good people on this forum I believe, honest straightforward people as well as those that love the Qur'aan.

[Jayne]

Um.. how is this different to how you should treat everyone? Regardless of religion?

[Curiously_Undercover]

It isn't Jayne. I think it just a habit to refer most posts to Muslims specifically, since the vast majority on this forum are Muslim =}

We should always wish the best upon people, and if that person happens to be a non-Muslim, then for a Muslim wishing them the best would be asking Allah swt to guide them.

[At-Ta'if]

Um.. how is this different to how you should treat everyone? Regardless of religion?

Jayne - as Curiously_Undercover stated, I was referring to Muslims because the majority of members that constitute the forum are Muslims.

However, If I see that a non-Muslim is enjoining in goodness, I will certainly acknowledge and encourage it.

[*saRah*]

Mashallah nice thread akhi and a great reminder. I feel we have no struggle voicing our opinions/debating, yet we struggle to notice the good in people be it on this forum or in daily life.

[Islam_Junkie]

Just on the subject (and I also agree with what's being said)


The etiquette of praising a fellow Muslim

He (SAW) said: ‘If anyone of you is impelled to praise his brother, then he should say: “I deem so-and-so to be…and Allaah is his reckoner…and I don’t praise anyone, putting it (i.e. my praising) forward, in front of Allaah’s commendation, however I assume him so and so’…if he knows that of him.