Author: "Abu Aisha"
Mu’tazila Sect (23rd part)
Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil
Mu’tazila’s Perspective:
According to the Mu’tazila sect, commanding the good is considered obligatory. Qazi Abdul Jabbar, a key representative and spokesperson of the Mu’tazila, writes: “There is no doubt that enjoining good and forbidding evil is obligatory.”
In another instance, he states: “Know that the purpose of enjoining good and forbidding evil is to ensure that good deeds are carried out and evil deeds are prevented. When certain individuals fulfill this purpose, it becomes obligatory for the rest to follow suit; hence we deem [enjoining the good and forbidding the evil] as a necessary obligation.”
Zamakhshari, a renowned commentator and Mu’tazila scholar, asserts: “Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is presumed to be obligatory.”
Mu’tazila Argumentation
Qazi Abdul Jabbar emphasizes: “The Book, the Sunnah, and consensus indicate the necessity of enjoining good and forbidding evil.”
Each of these rationales is articulated as follows:
Rationale from the Qur’an:
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (s.w.t) mentions regarding enjoining good and forbidding evil: «کنتم خیر أمة أخرجت للناس تأمرون بالمعروف وتنهون عن المنکر» “You are the best nation that has emerged for the people, you command the worthy work and forbid the unworthy work.”
Following this verse, Qazi Abdul Jabbar adds: “Allah (s.w.t) has praised us for enjoining good and forbidding evil; therefore, if it wasn’t obligatory to do so, Allah (s.w.t) would not have commended us for performing these actions.”
Their reason from the Sunnah:
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, stated: «لیس لعین تری الله تعصی فتطرف حتی تغیر أو تنتقل»It is not right for the eye that [one who] observes Allah Almighty to be disobeyed [somewhere]; Unless it changes that sin [stops the wrongdoing and prevents it] or it is transferred from there and leaves.
Their reason from Consensus (Ijma’a):
Qazi Abdul Jabbar underscores: “The consensus (Ijma’a) supports this view since there is unanimity on the matter.”
The Mu’tazila’s reasons that enjoining good and forbidding evil is Obligatory (Farz Kefaye):
Allah (s.w.t) says: «ولتکن منکم أمة یدعون إلی الخیر ویأمرون بالمعروف وینهون عن المنکر وأؤلئک هم المفلحون» “And there should be a group of you who call to good deeds and command righteous deeds and forbid unworthy deeds; and they themselves are saviors.”
Allamah Zamakhshari says in this regard: “The term ‘مِن’ which mentioned in verse “ولتکن منکم أمة”implies differentiation, for this reason enjoining the good and forbidding evil is considered a necessary obligation.”
Their reason From the Sunnah:
The Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked about the best of people. His response was: “The best among you are those who invite others to perform good deeds, prohibit evil deeds, exemplify piety, and show mercy.”
This narration underscores that commanding good deeds and forbidding evil are not Obligatory; they serve as catalysts for encouragement and persuasion. The distinction between these actions is essential, as indicated by the Prophet’s words.
