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The question

When is the reprimand of conscience blameworthy, and when is it praiseworthy?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Linguistically, "conscience" refers to what the heart holds of good and evil. Its use has become widespread recently in both praise and blame, leading to the absence of jurisprudential terms such as piety () and awe (khashya). Reproach is praiseworthy if it stems from falling short in acts of obedience or engaging in prohibitions, serving as a motivation for repentance and uprightness. The believer blames and holds himself accountable, viewing his sins as grave, while the wicked person does not rebuke himself and carries on. As for self-reproach over missing out on worldly gains and desires, it is blameworthy because it indicates discontent with Allah's divine decree and destiny. Allah the Almighty said: "So that you may not grieve over what has escaped you, nor exult over what He has given you." And if self-reproach is for missing out on something forbidden, then that is a sign of wretchedness.

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Where this answer came from
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Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
45573
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
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