Chapter 10: Delivering Criticism & Correcting Mistakes

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Correcting someone else’s mistake is an expression of care. However, the way we deliver criticism often determines whether the feedback will be accepted with an open heart or rejected outright.

Many people have good intentions when rectifying errors, but because their message is delivered harshly, accusatorily, or publicly humiliating, those good intentions devolve into new conflicts. Islam teaches that correcting mistakes must be paired with an intent to heal and nurture the soul, rather than to tear down or destroy self-esteem.

ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.”
— QS. An-Nahl [16]: 125

4 Methodologies of Correction Inspired by the Prophet ﷺ

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the supreme educator. He was acutely observant of shortcomings around him, yet his method of correcting errors always prioritized character reform and safeguarding the dignity of his listener.

1. Correcting Anonymously / Generally (Anonymity)

If a mistake was made by an individual but possessed widespread implications, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently used open, general corrections without explicitly naming the offender (anonymity). This approach allowed the individual to realize their error independently without losing face in front of the public.

مَا بَالُ أَقْوَامٍ يَقُولُونَ كَذَا وَكَذَا

“What is the matter with people who say such and such…”
— HR. Abu Dawud no. 4788

When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ learned that certain companions were taking extreme measures in worship—vowing never to marry or never to sleep at night—he ascended the pulpit.

He did not point fingers directly at the individuals; instead, he addressed the community generally: “What is the matter with people who say such and such? For I fast and break my fast, I pray and sleep, and I marry women…” (HR. Bukhari no. 5063).

Daily Application:

In the Workplace: Offer general evaluation points during team meetings regarding quality standards without citing the name of the staff member who made the error.
On Social Media: Discuss common societal missteps educationally without tagging or singling out specific accounts.

2. Correcting Privately (Maintaining Confidentiality)

When an error was personal, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ addressed it directly and privately. Admonishing someone in public is not advice; it is a form of humiliation.

Imam Asy-Syafi’i emphasized this vital principle in his poetry:

“Advise me when I am alone, and avoid advising me in public. For advice given in public is a form of reproach that I dislike to hear.”

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ consistently called companions aside privately whenever he wished to provide deep correction regarding their oversights.

Daily Application:

Personal Correction: Invite a colleague or subordinate to discuss performance improvements in a closed room.
Message Privacy: Send feedback via private messages (private message) rather than commenting in group chats or public comment sections.

3. Criticizing the Action, Not Attacking the Character

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ maintained a clear distinction between the person and their action. He disliked the wrong deed committed, yet continued to show love and support to the individual so they would repent and improve.

A companion named Nu’aiman was caught drinking khamr on a few occasions and brought forth for punishment. An annoyed observer cursed him: “May Allah curse him! How often he is brought here!”

Hearing this, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ immediately reprimanded the person: “Do not curse him! By Allah, as far as I know, he loves Allah and His Messenger.” (HR. Bukhari no. 6780). He forbade destroying a person’s character and honor over a single transgression.

Daily Application:

Subject Focus: Use phrasing like “This report still lacks some accurate data” instead of “You are lazy and careless.”
Avoiding Labeling: Refrain from attaching negative labels to children, spouses, or colleagues when they make a mistake.

4. Offering Solutions & Teaching with Gentleness

Constructive criticism does not stop at stating what is “wrong”; it demonstrates the correct alternative. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ patiently and wisely guided those who made mistakes toward self-improvement.

A companion named Mu’awiyah bin Al-Hakam radhiyallahu ’anhu once spoke during prayer out of ignorance of the ruling. Other companions patted their thighs to silence him.

After the prayer concluded, Mu’awiyah recounted the gentle nature of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “May my father and mother be sacrificed for him, I have never seen an educator before him or after him who provided better instruction than him. By Allah, he did not scold me, hit me, or insult me.”

He simply said gently: “Indeed, this prayer is not the place for human conversation…” and then taught him the correct manner of prayer (HR. Muslim no. 537).

Daily Application:

Actionable Guidance: Provide feedback accompanied by clear operational instructions on how to rectify the error.
Empathetic Education: Understand a beginner’s lack of knowledge and instruct them step-by-step without shouting.

Simple Real-Life Practice

Here is a comparison of communication styles when offering criticism in everyday interactions:

**Less Ideal Way (Personal Attack & Public Humiliation):** *(In the company WhatsApp group)* "Whose report is this? Terrible work, typos everywhere! Do you even care about your job?"

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**Prophetic Way (Private & Solution-Focused):**
*(Via private message / one-on-one)* "I noticed a few data points on page 3 that aren't fully precise yet. Let's review the figures together so that the results are solid when presented to the client."

**Less Ideal Way (Labeling Character):** "You are so lazy! You always forget to turn off the AC when leaving the room!"

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**Prophetic Way (Focusing on the Action):**
"The AC in the room was left running earlier. Let's make it a habit to check the switch before stepping out, so our electricity usage stays efficient."

Checklist Before Delivering Criticism

Closing Message:
Advice delivered with gentleness is medicine for the soul, whereas criticism delivered with arrogance is poison to relationships. Be a healer of mistakes, not an executioner judging others’ flaws.