Persuading a person that he is making a mistake

engaging in a discussion with a wrongdoer with the aim of convincing him may lead to the removal of the blinds over his eyes and bringing him back to the straight path. an example of this is the report narrated by al-tabaraani (may allaah have mercy on him) in al-mu’jam al-kabeer from abu umaamah (may allaah have mercy on him), who said that a young man came to the messenger of allaah (peace and blessings of allaah be upon him) and said,

“o messenger of allaah, give me permission to commit zinaa (fornication or adultery).” the people shouted [at him] and [the prophet (peace and blessings of allaah be upon him)] said, “stop it!’ the messenger of allaah (peace and blessings of allaah be upon him) said, “let him calm down. come here.” he came and sat in front of the messenger of allaah (peace and blessings of allaah be upon him), who said to him, “would you like it for your mother?” he said, “no.” he said, “likewise, people do not like it for their mothers. would you like it for your daughter?” he said, “no.” he said, “likewise, people do not like it for their daughters. would you like it for your sister?” he said, “no.” he said, “likewise, people do not like it for their sisters. would you like it for your (paternal) aunt?” he said, “no.” he said, “likewise, people do not like it for their (paternal) aunts. would you like it for your (maternal) aunt?” he said, “no.” he said, “likewise, people do not like it for their (maternal) aunts.” then the messenger of allaah (peace and blessings of allaah be upon him) put his hand on his chest and said, “o allaah, forgive his sins, purify his heart and make him chaste.” (al-tabaraani, al-mu’jam al-kabeer, 7679 and 7759. additional material is included between square brackets).