How should advice be given? Should it be private or public? And who is qualified to offer it?

Advice is a prominent feature of Islamic brotherhood and a perfection of faith. It encompasses sincerity and the advisor's commitment to the advisee through good deeds, both in intention and action. It has manners that the advisor should embody, including: that the motive for it be love of good for the Muslim; that it be purely for the sake of Allah, free from deceit and treachery; that its purpose not be to shame or reproach; that it be given with a spirit of brotherhood, affection, wisdom, good admonition, and argumentation in the best manner; that it be based on knowledge, clarity, and proof; that it be in private unless there is an overriding benefit; choosing the best expressions and being gentle with the advisee; patience in the face of harm; keeping secrets and concealing the faults of the Muslim; verifying and confirming before advising; choosing the appropriate time; and that the advisor practices what he preaches and refrains from what he forbids.