22 – Chapter on Sincere Counsel

Allah the Exalted says, “Believers are but brothers” (al-Ḥujurāt 49:10). He also relates from Noah, peace be upon him: “and I give you sincere advice” (al-Aʿrāf 7:62); and from Hūd, peace be upon him: “and I am to you a trustworthy adviser” (al-Aʿrāf 7:68).

[Commentary]
The author—may Allah have mercy on him—entitles this section “Chapter on Sincere Counsel.” Naṣīḥa is to extend sincere advice to others. It means that a person loves good for his brother, calls him to it, clarifies it to him, and encourages him toward it. The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) made the whole religion revolve around naṣīḥa, declaring three times, “Religion is sincere counsel.” They asked, “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims, and to their common folk.” The opposite of naṣīḥa is plotting, deception, treachery, and trickery.

The author begins the chapter with three Qur’anic verses.
The first is Allah’s statement: “Believers are but brothers” (al-Ḥujurāt 49:10). That is, when brotherhood is truly realized among them and they are characterized by it, this brotherhood must yield the fruit of sincere counsel.

It is therefore incumbent upon the believers to be as Allah has said: “Believers are but brothers.” They are brothers in faith, and the brotherhood founded upon religion is stronger than brotherhood—