The Fruits of Eman (9): Benefit From Advice

Continuing our study of the fruits of eman, here are some additional fruits that spring from the tree of eman:

18) Benefit From Advice

In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ الذِّكْرَى تَنفَعُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Translation: And continue to remind, for surely the reminder profits the believers. (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 55)¹

Notice, here, who benefits from the reminders–not all humankind, but believers. Why? Try this hypothethical situation on for size: there’s a guy who’s sinning–say he’s drinking beer in front of you inside his home. You give him advice to stop drinking–and remind him of the rewards, punishments, etc. of good deeds and bad deeds. What happens? He’ll cry and acknowledge your advice and inshaAllah move to practical steps.

But, try the same thing on someone without eman, and what happens? He’ll ignore your advice, for sure–maybe even insult you. Or maybe he’ll take it a step further and mock Islam. (Try telling someone in a bar not to drink.)

What does this show? Simple equation: eman + sins = overcome sins.

And that is why you remind the believers–because it benefits them, and them alone.

May Allah write us all down as believers, ameen!