Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … Imam Mubarakpuri rahimahullah, while discussing this hadith, has presented two interpretations: (1) It is better that this hadith be understood according to its apparent meaning, just as the narrator of the hadith, Sayyiduna Miqdad ibn Aswad radi Allahu anhu, did. Otherwise, (2) if it is to be interpreted, then its meaning would be that the one who praises should be rendered unsuccessful and disappointed, his hopes dashed, and he should not be given anything because of his praise, so that he may be rebuked and deterred from doing so. All other interpretations are far-fetched. (It should be remembered that the one who praises is called the "madih" and the one who is praised is called the "mamdūh".) Imam Ghazali rahimahullah has said: There are six calamities in praising someone—four relate to the madih and two to the mamdūh.

(1) The one who praises, in excess, mentions such attributes which the person in question does not actually possess, thus he is deemed a liar. (2) The madih, while praising, outwardly expresses such love and affection which he does not possess inwardly, thus he is deemed a hypocrite. (3) Sometimes the madih speaks without investigation and thus puts himself in danger. (4) At times, the mamdūh is an oppressor, but the madih, by praising him, pleases him and thus becomes a disobedient servant of Allah. (5) Because of praise and commendation, the mamdūh may develop the disease of arrogance and pride, and (6) sometimes it may happen that the mamdūh becomes so conceited by his praise that his deeds are rendered void. (Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi)

Dear readers! Despite such severe warnings, in the present age, on stages set up before audiences and attendees, there is excessive praise of one another, whether religious leaders are seated on that stage or political leaders. Similarly, on occasions of elections, rallies, and conferences, the advertisements that are published also display excess in mentioning the titles and attributes of the leaders, such as: "Perfect Saint," "Embodiment of Sincerity," "King of Oratory," "Destroyer of Shirk and Innovation," "Asset of Islam," "Benefactor of Islam," "Practicing Scholar," "One Who Stays Awake at Night."