Criticize Indirectly

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “What is wrong with the people that they raise their eyes up to the sky in their prayers? … They must stop or else their sight will be snatched away.” [Bukhaari]

If you really do need to criticize, then package it well and present it with kindness.

If the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) noticed a person making a mistake in religious matters, he would avoid confronting him directly. Rather, he would say, “What is wrong with the people, who do such-and-such?”

On one occasion the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) noticed that some people raised their eyes to the sky during prayer. This is wrong, for one should look at the place of prostration during prayer. He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “What is wrong with the people that they raise their eyes up to the sky in their prayers?”

When they did not cease to do this and continued to look up, he did not expose them or mention them by name. Rather, he said, “They must stop, or else their sight will be snatched away.” [Bukhaari]