Before we start the discussion of what is Commanding good and what is forbidden evil, it is better to know its definition and concepts well so that we do not fall into heterogeneity and fallacy in understanding its other topics; Therefore, in the discussion of what is the command of the good and the prohibition of the evil, two words have been used a lot, each of which determines the fate of human action in the field of sanctity, goodness and badness, goodness and ugliness, virtue and vice, and legitimate and illegitimate. They say and the other is “denied”; The proper, better and principled way is to first understand the definition of these two words, what their meaning is, and what issues and topics they cover before expanding this topic and before entering into details and types, principles and rules which it gives.
A. Ma’roof (Good): Islamic scholars have mentioned different definitions for (Ma’roof) and Munker (Bad), each of which conveys different angles and very wide concepts of these words, which is enough to mention a few brief definitions in this article.
Ma’roof in the word: it is taken from the word “orf” and is the opposite of “nekr” and “ma’raf” and “Erfan” are also from the same root; It means understanding something by thinking about its effects. As it is said about the wall between heaven and hell: «وَعَلَى الْأَعْرَافِ رِجَالٌ يَعْرِفُونَ كُلًّا بِسِيمَاهُمْ» Translation: (And there are men who recognize everyone by their marks.)
Ibn Fars has written in his definition for Ma’roof : The worی “ain (ع), ra (ر) and fa (ف)” is a correct principle that indicates different meanings; For example: it means calmness and confidence in something, as they say: “This is a good deed”, that is, it is compatible with the mood and does not disturb the calmness and peace.
The word “Ma’roof” is sometimes also used to mean custom and habit, which refers to people’s habits, and perhaps this is the reason why custom, if it is not contrary to the Shari’a texts, is considered one of the Shari’a evidence; As Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in various verses in the Holy Qur’an: «وَإِنْ أَرَدْتُمْ أَنْ تَسْتَرْضِعُوا أَوْلَادَكُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا سَلَّمْتُمْ مَا آتَيْتُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ» Translation: (And if you decide to get a nanny for your children, there is no sin on you; of course, on the condition that you pay the right of the nanny well.)