How to Handle Criticism
Like the Prophet ﷺ
The following is an excerpt from Tarāshe by Muftī Taqī ʿUthmānī,
showing how to respond to criticism with divine grace.
In our journey of faith, facing criticism is an inevitable test of our character and patience. Whether it is well-intentioned advice or an unjust remark, our response reveals the depth of our īmān. The ultimate guide for navigating these challenging moments is the sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. He endured immense criticism with a grace that disarmed opponents and strengthened the hearts of believers, teaching us that a beautiful response is in itself a form of daʿwah. His example transforms potential conflict into opportunities for guidance and unity, reminding us to focus on winning hearts, not just arguments.
A profound example of this prophetic grace occurred after the Battle of Ḥunayn. The Prophet ﷺ distributed the spoils of war, strategically giving a larger share to the new converts from Makkah to soften their hearts and strengthen their ties to Islām.
Some of the Anṣār (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhum), the valiant helpers from Madīnah, felt overlooked and began to voice their concerns. One of them remarked, “The Messenger of Allāh has met his people.” When the Prophet ﷺ learned of their discontent, he did not react with anger or defensiveness. Instead, he gathered them and addressed them with immense love and tenderness. He acknowledged their unparalleled sacrifices for Islām and then posed a heart-moving question: “Are you not pleased that the people take sheep and camels, while you take the Messenger of Allāh back to your homes?” Upon hearing this, the Anṣār (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhum) wept until their beards were soaked with tears, realizing the immeasurable spiritual blessing they possessed.
This incident offers timeless, practical lessons for handling criticism in our own lives:
First, listen with an open heart. When faced with criticism, our first instinct is often to defend our ego. The prophetic approach is to pause and listen attentively. Try to understand the critic’s perspective, for even in unjust criticism, there may be a lesson or a misunderstanding that needs clarification. This empathetic listening validates the other person’s feelings and opens the door for a constructive resolution.
Second, respond with wisdom and patience. Avoid reacting impulsively. Take a moment to compose yourself and ask Allāh for guidance. If the criticism is valid, humbly acknowledge it and express gratitude. If it is based on a misunderstanding, clarify the matter with gentleness and clarity, just as the Prophet ﷺ did. A calm and wise response has the power to extinguish the flames of discord and replace them with mutual respect and understanding.
Third, seek validation from Allāh alone. Remember that your ultimate accountability is to your Creator. When criticized, turn to Him in supplication (duʿāʾ), asking for strength, wisdom, and forgiveness for any shortcomings. This reliance on Allāh detaches your self-worth from the opinions of others, allowing you to respond with a pure intention focused on pleasing Him.
Handling criticism with prophetic grace is a hallmark of a strong and beautiful character. It is a spiritual practice that transforms personal challenges into opportunities for growth, fosters unity within the community, and earns immense reward by reflecting the sublime wisdom and patience of the Prophet ﷺ. May Allāh grant us the humility to accept truth, the wisdom to respond with grace, and the strength to follow the noble example of His beloved Messenger ﷺ. Āmīn.
