What is Obligatory Upon the One Seeking and Giving Advice?

It is the duty for the one who seeks advice to mention the matter exactly as it is. He shouldn’t be indirect. In fact, he should mention the matter truly as it is, so that the one giving advice can understand clearly, and that he builds his advice based on this reality. Therefore, Sa'ad said: “I have wealth and no one to inherit from me except my one daughter.” So, his saying: “I have wealth” is a clarification of the reason why he wants to give wealth (in charity). “And no one to inherit from me except my one daughter” is a clarification of the absence of a preventive, meaning that there is no problem in giving too much (in charity); because I don't have any (other) heir. This Hadeeth entails that a person seeking advice should mention the causes, obstacles and everything that is related to the matter so that the advisor has (enough) evidence and confirmation. So, he advises based on what he sees to be right. And the person giving advice must fear Allah, Almighty and Sublime, regarding what he advises. And emotions must not affect him regarding anyone who seeks advice. (That’s) because with some people, if a person seeks his advice, and (the advisor) sees that he is more inclined to one of the two matters or one of the two opinions, he directs him to the one he (the one seeking advice) likes. He says: I like to approve what I see is appropriate for him; this is wrong, a great mistake and a betrayal! It is Wajib (obligatory) when (someone) consults you to say what you think is right whether he agrees to it or not. And if you did so, you would be a sincere adviser, and you would’ve done your duty. Then, if he accepts and sees that it is right, then that’s that. And if he doesn’t accept it, you are not held liable. However, if you draw a conclusion from his words that he is inclined to something, and you give advice based on it, then this is wrong. (It is) a terrible mistake; a betrayal. Even though, you might draw a false conclusion that he wants such and such and he doesn't want it. So, you lose from two sides, from the side of misunderstanding and from the side of bad intention.