SeekersGuidance - Making 70 Excuses for Others in Islam – A Key Duty of Brotherhood – Blog
“If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.”
The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Overlook the slips of respected people.”
Ibn Ajiba (Allah have mercy upon him) mentions that making excuses for others returns to the Prophet’s words (peace and blessings be upon him) that, “A believer is a mirror of the believer.” So what you see in your brethren is a reflection of what is within you–so beware.
“If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.”
Why 70 Excuses?
This is because the default assumption about all humans and their actions is that they are sound and free of error. This is considered our operating certainty. After this, if we find something that makes us doubt about them, we are not permitted to leave this operating certainty that they did not err for mere doubts or misgivings.
“Believers! Leave much doubt, for most doubt is sinful.” [Qur'an, 49.12]
The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Overlook the slips of respected people.”
Ibn Ajiba (Allah have mercy upon him) mentions that making excuses for others returns to the Prophet’s words (peace and blessings be upon him) that, “A believer is a mirror of the believer.” So what you see in your brethren is a reflection of what is within you–so beware.
