Is it hypocrisy to forbid something but then do it oneself?

Question

If I am exhorting my brothers and I warn them against some sins, but I fall into these sins myself, am I to be considered a hypocrite? Please advise me, may Allaah reward you with good.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

You have to repent from the sins and exhort your brothers against them. It is not permissible for you to continue committing the sin and not to advise your brothers, because by doing this you are combining two sins. You must repent to Allaah from that, whilst also advising your brothers. This does not make you a hypocrite, but it does place you in a category which is condemned as blameworthy by Allaah in the aayaat (interpretation of the meaning):

“Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do” [al-Saff 61:3]

“Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allaah) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture! Have you then no sense?” [al-Baqarah 2:44]

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