Throwing Dirt in the Face of the One who Praises You

Questioner: Is it correct for the one who is praised to throw dirt in the face of the person who praises him?

Shaykh Sulayman Ruhaylee: Praising a person in their face is of different types. Thefirst type is praising with lies. Thus he praises the person while he is untruthful, and this is not permissible. He says: “You have this and that quality.” And everything he says is in contradiction to the truth. (He says) “You are; MashaAllah, a man known for truthfulness.” While in reality this person is the biggest liar there is. (He says) “Masha Allah, you do not backbite the Muslims.” While in reality the person does not sit in a gathering except that he backbites. This is not permissible.

The second type is to justifiably praise the person, when the person is not safe from this being a fitna for them. He praises the person in their face, justifiably, while the person is not safe from this praise being a fitna for him, such that it is feared that this may beguile him; as we mentioned in the lesson concerning praise. This type of praise is not permissible. And the one who praises him has cut his neck. And if you find those who praise the people throw dirt in their faces. This is the category (who has dirt thrown in their faces)

The third type is to praise the person in their face while they are safe from this being a fitna for them. There is no harm in this type of praise; as was done by the Prophet prayers and peace are upon him, with Abu BakrAsSiddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, and with Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.

The fourth type is to praise the Muslim for qualities that he possesses behind his back. And this is desired. To spread the virtues possessed by a Muslim this is something which is desired.

Explained by Shaykh Sulaymaan Ar-Ruhaylee (hafidhahullaah)
Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee