Some scholars have observed, “Whoever brings you a report will carry a report about you.” In other words, the one who ferry-runs people’s words to you will just as readily transmit your words to others. Therefore, beware of him: do not follow him, and pay him no attention.

This narration also demonstrates the Prophet’s ﷺ superb teaching method: he deliberately chose devices that would awaken the listener, especially when he sensed any inattentiveness. The aim of speech is comprehension, absorption, and retention, so the speaker should adopt whatever style best secures those goals.

Someone might ask, “What if a person conveys another’s words as a form of sincere advice? Suppose he notices a man who is infatuated with a companion, disclosing his secrets to him and keeping his company, while that companion in fact betrays those confidences and deceives him. May he warn the first man about him?”

The answer is yes. He may say, “Brother, be on guard against so-and-so; he repeats your words and speaks ill of you in such-and-such a way.”

This falls under the rubric of sincere counsel. His purpose is not to create division but to benefit his brother. Allah, Exalted is He, says: “And Allah knows the corrupter from the reformer” (Q 2:220). And Allah alone grants success.