In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
A man went to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, “O Ibn Abbas, I want to enjoin people to do good and forbid them from doing evil.” Ibn Abbas said, “And have you reached that level?” He said, “I hope that is so.” He said, “If you do not fear to be exposed by three Verses of Allah’s Book, then do so.” The man asked, “And what are they?” He mentioned this Verse:
“Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allâh) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves…” (Quran 2:44)
And then asked, “Have you applied the implications of this Verse?” He said, “No.” Ibn Abbas then mentioned the second Verse:
“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do.” (Quran 61:2-3)
After that he asked, “Have you applied the implications of this Verse?” He said, “No.” He then mentioned the third Verse regarding Shuaib (Peace be upon him):
“…I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you…” (Quran 11:88)
And then he asked, “Have you applied the implications of this Verse?” He said, “No.” Ibn Abbas said, “Then begin with yourself.”
Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 205