He who called (people) to righteousness, there would be reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who called (people) to error, he shall have to carry (the burden) of its sin, like those who committed it, without their sins being diminished in any respect.
The Book of Knowledge - Sahih Muslim 2674
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding the spiritual consequences of calling others to guidance or misguidance.
Commentary on the Call to Righteousness
The first portion establishes that whoever invites people to goodness and righteousness shall receive rewards equivalent to those who follow that guidance, without diminishing the rewards of the followers. This demonstrates Allah's infinite generosity and encourages the propagation of beneficial knowledge.
Scholars explain this includes calling to Islamic monotheism, teaching Quran and Sunnah, enjoining good deeds, and forbidding evil through wisdom and beautiful preaching. The caller receives continuous reward as long as people benefit from their guidance.
Commentary on the Call to Misguidance
The second portion serves as a grave warning that whoever invites to misguidance bears the sin of both initiating the error and the sins of all who follow it, without reducing the sinners' burden. This applies to innovation in religion, false teachings, and promoting sinful practices.
Classical commentators emphasize this includes those who introduce religious innovations, spread false doctrines, or establish pathways to disobedience. The responsibility continues as long as their misguidance affects others.
Scholarly Conclusions
This hadith establishes the tremendous responsibility of scholars and callers to verify their knowledge and intentions before speaking. It encourages careful study under qualified teachers and warns against speaking without knowledge.
The wisdom behind this divine law is to motivate people to propagate goodness while deterring them from spreading evil, thereby preserving religious purity and protecting society from corruption.