Aside from praise, criticism is something that we have to learn to disregard. Criticism is the general inclination and past time of the foolhardy and ignorant, and as such there is no shortage of the same in the society we live in.

Many people write to me and say : “Maulana, you mentioned this (or that) and when we practised on what you taught us, we were criticized and mocked. A big joke was made of the
whole thing and you too were criticized.”

Why the ridicule and mockery?Because ridiculous customary
practices of marriages and Walimas, wherein extravagance, show, Haraam entertainment and the likes are done away with; or because a person is keeping his beard the Wajib fist
length, or because a woman decided to practise on the very important Qur'aanic injunction of adopting the Hijaab and fulfilling the wujoob (obligation) of veiling her face, etc.

I write and tell them : Why must you worry ? You should be happy that at least you are gaining some proximity to Nabi صلئ الله عليه وسلم , the Ambiyaa (‘Alaihimus Salaam) and the Sahabah-e- Kiraam رضي الله عنهما . When they propagated or practised the true
Deen, many did not accept it. Many disliked it.

Allah Ta’ala says :

“…THERE NEVER CAME A MESSENGER TO THEM BUT THEY
USED TO MOCK AT HIM.”
[SURAH YASEEN 36 : 30]

Many called the Ambiyaa (‘Alaihimus Salaam) mad, insane, sorcerers, liars, etc. (Na-oozu Billahi min zaalik). Not only were the most derogatory titles showered upon them, their abuse was also physical. They hit, tortured and persecuted Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم  and his noble companions رضي الله عنه .

We are not recipient to all of this. We just have to contend with a few words blown in the air. In fact, sooner or later, the same critics see light and enmity changes to love and
obedience.

… Then again, nafs can well be involved in this also. On a little introspection we will find our nafs to be the motivating force behind our anger.

Sometimes when we are criticized then our ego and pride is injured, and the other condition is a feeling of hurt when someone utters derogatory statements in regard to matters of
Deen.