Does the Prophet have the obligation to correct any mistake that he sees?
- Does the Prophet have the obligation to correct any mistake that he sees according to the verses of the Quran and hadiths?
Dear Brother / Sister,
The Prophet (pbuh) has the duty of correcting mistakes.
“We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.” (an-Nahl, 16/44)
It is emphasized in the verse above that the Prophet was given the duty of explaining the decrees in divine revelation. Since he has the duty of explaining people “the issues that they did not know”, it is clear that correcting “the issues that they knew wrong” is included in that duty.
Similarly, it is possible to understand it from the following verse too: “Verily this Quran doth explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.” (an-Naml, 27/76) Dispute about an issue indicates that some people made a mistake about it. In that case, those explanations of the Quran aim to “correct the mistakes”. The issues that are not clear in the verses and the ones explained by the Prophet (pbuh) are included in it.
Similarly, it is stated in the verse below that the Islamic ummah “enjoins what is right and forbids what is wrong” in the following verse: “Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah.” (Aal-i Imran, 3/110) Doubtlessly, “enjoining something” means informing people about what needs to be done and correcting mistakes. “Forbidding something” means correcting the mistakes that need to be corrected.
Since that duty is given to the ummah, it is unthinkable that it should not be given to the Prophet (pbuh).
- According to a narration, Anas stated the following:
“I served the Prophet (pbuh) for ten years. He never said 'Ugh!' to me; he never said 'Why did you do it?' for something that I did and 'Why did you not do it?' for something that I did not do.” [Abu Dawud, Adab, 1 (IV, 246)]
It is understood from the narration above that he acted very tolerantly related to the issues that are not contrary to religious decrees and that were not about haram-halal; he did not blame people for such mistakes.
Questions on Islam
- “...He who strives against them with his heart is a believer and beyond that there is no faith even to the extent of a mustard seed.” Will you explain this hadith and the issue of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil?
- Is there a verse or hadith about everybody being busy with themselves, not with others?
- How should we act in our communication with the people who do not know the religion but who are very prejudiced regarding the issue? What should we do in our communication with them? Should we discuss with them or should we keep silent?
- How should a child be trained and religiously educated? How should we teach Allah to children?
- Is a person held responsible if he orders the things that he does not do according to the verse "Why do you say the things that you do not do?"
- Why do we follow a madhhab?
- Is it appropriate to tell others to do what you do not do yourself?
- Will you give information about wudu, ghusl, (mazi, wadi, mani, breaking wind) and delusions (misgivings) related to worshipping?
- How should we give advice to our family members who have no religious knowledge?
- I feel delusions as if I pass wind when I have wudu and as if I break wudu. What should I do? I feel delusions while making ghusl too.
