Question

What is the meaning of ‘mudahin’ in the following quote?

قال سفيان الثوري رحمه الله: إذا رأيت القارئ/الرجل محببا في جيرانه، محمودا عند إخوانه، فاعلم أنه مداهن

 

Answer

This has been cited in several books without a complete chain. Among them, Tambihul Ghafilin, pg. 93 and Siyaru A’alamin Nubala, vol. 7 pg. 278.

 

Translation

Sufyan Thawri (rahimahullah) said, When you see a person who is loved by all of his neighbours, and praised by all of his associates, then know that he flatters people. i.e. He does not enjoin good nor forbid evil, and therefore people like him.

‘Mudahin’ refers to a flatterer.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar