Author: Abu Aisha
Mu’tazila (26th part)
Preface: Enjoining good and forbidding evil are among the fundamental principles of Islam.
This principle holds a very high position and importance in Islam. Numerous verses of the Quran and hadiths of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) bear witness to this. In this article, we will explore the following topics: “Types of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil, conditions that enjoin good and forbid evil, and departure from obedience to the ruler.” Before we discuss these issues, I feel it is necessary to state the position of “commanding good and forbidding evil” in the light of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the sayings of the scholars; because this topic is one of the important issues in Islamic Shariah for which Allah sent prophets and messengers, entrusting them with this great responsibility.
The position of enjoining good and forbidding evil:
Enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the most important actions and basic responsibilities in Islam. The religion of Islam cannot remain stable without enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. There are countless verses and hadiths that indicate the status and dignity of enjoining good and forbidding evil.
Enjoining the good, forbidding the bad, and showing benevolence to people are rituals of faith by which the people of truth, including prophets, messengers, and their followers, are recognized. Their responsibility is to make things known; that is, to establish monotheism, worship Almighty Allah, uphold justice, adhere to virtuous conduct, and forbid the evils of polytheism, disobedience, oppression, and corruption on earth.
Quoting the story of Hazrat Luqman, Allah Almighty advises: «یا بني أقم الصلاة وأمر بالمعروف وانه عن المنكر واصبر على ما أصابك إن ذلك من عزم الأمور» (Son! Establish prayer, enjoin good, forbid evil, and be patient with whatever befalls you, for this is one of the great deeds.)
In another place, Allah refers to wise people among nations before, affirming the need to prevent corruption, with only a few saved from ruin.
Furthermore, Allah highlights enjoining good and forbidding evil as one of the special characteristics of believing men and women by emphasizing mutual support in promoting good and discouraging bad behavior.
The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, strongly advocated for this responsibility, urging his followers to perform good deeds and avoid evil in various hadiths, underscoring the importance of this duty.
It is said in a hadith: “Whenever one of you sees an evil deed, he should change it with his hand and stop it. If unable, then with his tongue, and if still unable, then with his heart, which is the weakest form of faith.”
The Messenger of Allah emphasizes, “Command good deeds and forbid evil deeds before you pray, or your prayers may go unanswered.”
He also warns, “I swear by the One who has my life in His control, command good and forbid evil, or face severe consequences where your prayers won’t be answered.”
These hadiths unequivocally highlight the significance and consequences of enjoining good and forbidding evil in society.
Scholar Sheikh Mohammad Shoukani stresses the social benefits of this practice, emphasizing its crucial role in strengthening religious beliefs and nurturing worldly benefits.
Sheikh Saleh bin Usmin emphasizes that enjoining good and forbidding evil are potent pillars crucial for the unity and integrity of the Ummah, safeguarding it from division fueled by personal desires.
Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is pivotal in Islam—an ongoing jihad undertaken by Muslims as a fundamental principle in establishing Islamic civilization. This duty represents the essence of all prophets’ missions, distinguishing this nation and securing both individual and societal happiness through the upholding of good and the eradication of evil.
Enjoining good and forbidding evil stands as a crucial aspect of preserving the Islamic path for the entire community, constituting a social responsibility incumbent upon all Muslims. This duty is essential in combating societal corruption within Islamic societies.
