SHAFAQNA – Islamic teaching is against flattery and the flatterer. It is narrated from the Prophet of Islam who said: Throw dust into the faces of flatterers [1]. And in another narration said: A person must not be satisfied by flattery of other people and must not be dissatisfied with their reproach. One day a man flattered another person in front of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Prophet (PBUH) said: If the person whom you flattered was present and had been satisfied with your flattery and had died at the same state, would have entered hell [2]. Flattery moves the flatterer towards hypocrisy and indignity and will expose the listener (the one who is being flattered) to dangers of selfishness, rebellious and moving away from good deeds and consequently destruction and plunging into the hell [3].
[1] Nahjul Fasaha, Page 581.
[2] Me’arajul Sa’aadah, Page 507.
[3] Qorar, Vol. 2, pages 414-417; Me’arajul Sa’aadah, Page 507; Akhlaq Bashar, page 244.