In Praise of Honest Criticism
The shaikh, Dr. Muḥammad ibn Ghālib Al-ʿUmarī, may Allāh protect him, said:
When criticism is honest, it’s more beloved to a person of intelligence and understanding than [having] good things said about him, since it’s through [honest criticism], that things that need straightening out get straightened out, matters of shortcomings and defects get redressed, and [incorrect] leanings and tendencies get set aright.
As for criticism for its own sake, it doesn’t bring about benefit; rather, it brings about harm, just as false praise [does].
It’s been said: Your friend is the one who’s frank with you, not the one who [always] approves of you.
Source: twitter.com/m_g_alomari. 28 Jun 22.
حينما يكون النقد صادقا فهو أحبّ إلى العاقل من الثناء عليه.
إذ به تقويم الاعوجاج، وإصلاح الخلل، واستقامة الميلان.
وأما مجرد النقد لذاته، فلا ينفع، بل يضر؛ كالكذب في الثناء.
وقد قيل: صديقك من صدَقك، لا من صدّقك.— د.محمد بن غالب العُمري (@m_g_alomari) June 28, 2022