[2][3][4][5][6] In contrast to Fatwa, Tafsir, and Fiqh, Nasîhat and advice literature can come from secular sources, and are not required to be written by Ulama (Islamic scholars).
), state that in medieval times, despite the backdrop of power of Muslim empires in which political quietism became a virtue of ideal citizens, the genre of Nasîhat and advice literature started thriving.
[19] The strategy of advice literature was subtle expression of political activism calling for equitable and sound governance within the four corners of religious diktats, while continuing pragmatic obedience to the authority in power.
[19] But much of advice literature explores beyond religion, for example, political theorist of the 11th century al-Mawardi attributes a pre-Islamic 6th-century quote of al-Afwah al-Awdi: "There is no benefit in leaderless people when disorder reigns, and they will never have a leader if the ignorant amongst them leads."
[20] He maintains that the Iranian empires encouraged the writing of advice literature to hide their incompetence caused by hereditary succession, and to retain servitude of vested interests.
[19] Ashraf Ali Thanwi's Bihishti Zevar, published in 1905, influenced the continuation of traditional patriarchal gendered role narratives among South Asian Muslims.
Notably, the desire for unambiguous answers extends to seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life as well, for example like participating in certain recreational activities like playing games, picking one's eyebrows, attending public swimming pools is permissible or not for Muslims.
[13] Guhl and Comerford (2021) says that while most of regular life advice literature is mundane, at times significant part of it also can suddenly move on the verge of toxic hate speech.