Manners In Islam - When One Is Praised

What Should One Say If He Is Praised

Adiy bin Arta RA said that when anyone of the Companions RA of the Prophet was praised he would say:

“O Allah, do not seize me for what they say (about me).And forgive me (my sins) that which they do not know.”

Bukhari










Explanation

When anyone is praised , his head swells with pride and he thinks of himself and tends to stay aloof from other people. If he is pleased with praise , he imagines that what is said about him is correct and the pride that comes to him is sin. This is why a supplication is made requesting Allah not to take him to task for what other people say about him and what might have caused pride in him. When people praise anyone, he must remember his sins because generally sins are not committed before other people. They know about a man’s knowledge and prowess but do not know about his sins. If other people praise a man and he takes stock of his sins then his pride is broken instantly and, because of realisation of sins, he must seek forgiveness. Hence, the request (and forgive that which they do not know).