The three paths of guidance: the path of praise and blame.
Ustad Abdini explains that there are three paths to guide the soul towards God.
The first way: the path of praise and blame (maslak-e mada wahama).
This is the way a person does things because society praises them, and avoids things because society condemns them.
For example: Courage is seen as good because people say "Bravo! "Generosity is good because people say "Well done! "Modesty is good because the people around you see it as respect. If a person practices these qualities because the general public approves of them, this is the first way.
Why is it praised?
Because human nature (pitra) is the source of this praise and blame. As long as the praises of society are consistent with human nature, this path is a path of praise.
The danger: when society turns upside down.
But this way has a big flaw. It totally depends on the standards of the people around you. If a society becomes corrupt and its culture changes, the things that were once considered good (such as modesty and protective jealousy) may be seen as bad. The things that were once considered bad may be praised.
The lesson from the Prophet's family (a. that.).
This is why we must look at the highest standard – the standard set by the Prophet (II) and his family. In Sadya's life, A.S., we see the absolute peak of this. She did not seek the praise of the people of Kuwait or state streets. Her standard was completely divine. She did not work to please the audience; she acted to please God.
When we realize that the only standard that really matters is God's standard, we are protected from the changing tides of society. We do not seek the praise of the people; We seek God's pleasure.
Mimber of Sayyed Fatima al-Zahra (a. Q.) -. November 10, 2026.
Practical Islam - Said Samer Hakim.