in intention but poor in execution; and he may even be ill-intentioned. Most of the time, one whose intention is evil will also behave badly, yet it can happen that he carries out his actions well in order to secure his wicked aim.

A person is to be praised for a good intention, but he will not be praised for a bad deed. If, however, it is known of him that he is ordinarily devoted to sincere advice and to conveying the Prophetic guidance, then his misstep is excused and an apology is sought on his behalf. Nor should his action—because it was out of step with wisdom—be seized upon as a pretext to disparage him or to burden him with blame he does not deserve. Rather, he is excused, the error is clarified to him, and he is advised and directed. One should say to him, “My brother, your statement—or your deed—is sound and good in itself, but it is not suitable in its manner, or at this time, or in this place.”

The main point is that the hadith of Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ—may Allah be pleased with him—contains an indication that a person ought to consult someone whose judgment is more mature than his own and whose knowledge surpasses his.

Among the further benefits is that the one seeking advice must present the matter exactly as it is in reality—its causes, its hindrances, and everything connected to it—so that the advisor can grasp the true picture and base his counsel on that reality. For this reason Saʿd said, “I possess wealth and none will inherit from me except a daughter.” His words “I possess wealth” explain the motive for the gift he wishes to give, and his words “and none will inherit from me except my daughter” clarify that there is no impediment—meaning, there is nothing to prevent me from giving a large amount since there is no other heir.

As for the advisor, he must fear Allah in the counsel he offers and must not be swayed by personal affection for the one consulting him, for some people, when consulted