These reports speak of censure, yet numerous other authentic narrations allow praise. The scholars reconcile them by saying: if the person being commended possesses mature faith, firm certainty, disciplined character, and full awareness—so that praise will neither tempt him, delude him, nor stir his ego—then praising him to his face is neither unlawful nor disliked. If, however, one fears that any of those harms may befall him, praising him in his presence is strongly discouraged. By this distinction the seemingly divergent hadiths are harmonised.

Among the narrations that permit it is the Prophet’s ﷺ statement to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him): “I hope you will be among them,” meaning among those who will be invited to enter Paradise from every gate. In another hadith he said, “You are not one of them,” i.e., you are not among those who let their garments drag out of arrogance. He ﷺ also said to ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him): “Whenever Satan sees you walking down a path, he takes a path other than yours.” There are many such permissive hadiths; I have cited a number of them in my book al-Adhkar.

[Commentary]
The author (may Allah have mercy on him) transmits in Riyad al-Salihin the discussion of whether a person should praise his brother for qualities he genuinely possesses. This issue has several scenarios. The first is when praise brings about benefit—encouraging the person and affirming the noble traits he exhibits.