Consequences of Abandoning Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:
In a barren land filled with wild weeds and thorns, expecting the growth of flowers, fragrant herbs, and fruitful trees is illogical. Even fruitless trees sometimes require pruning and correction. Therefore, to achieve our goals in life, we must consistently evaluate ourselves, avoid sin and wrongdoing, and repent by turning back to God. By implementing His commands in our lives, we can move toward growth and success. Neglecting any of God’s commands results in severe consequences, just as obeying them brings rewards and blessings. In this text, I will briefly outline some consequences of abandoning the enjoining of good and the forbidding of evil.
1. Destruction and Ruin
The spread of sin and disobedience in society, coupled with indifference toward it, poses one of the major calamities and problems facing the Islamic community, leading to the destruction of humanity. Abandoning the enjoining of good and forbidding of evil—an obligatory duty for every Muslim—is often neglected in some societies, the grave consequences of which are frequently overlooked. This significant issue and grave sin are among the primary causes of humanity’s destruction and societal downfall, as Almighty Allah says: «وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ لِيُهْلِكَ الْقُرَى بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا مُصْلِحُونَ» (And your Lord would never destroy the cities unjustly while their people were acting righteously.)
Furthermore, one reason some of the Jews from the Children of Israel faced curses and condemnation was their neglect of enjoining good and forbidding evil. The narration of their curse by Allah affirms the words of the prophets, indicating that those who neglect enjoining good and forbidding evil should expect severe consequences, such as curses, condemnation, and destruction. As Allah the Almighty says: «لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَلَى لِسَانِ دَاوُدَ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ذَلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوْا وَكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ (78) كَانُوا لا يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَنْ مُنْكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ» Translation: (The disbelievers of Bani Israel were cursed by the words of David and Jesus, the son of Mary, because they disobeyed [and sinned] and transgressed [the limit]. They did not forbid each other from the abominable work they used to do; it was certainly bad what they were doing.)
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, articulated this matter very clearly «إِنَّ النَّاسَ إِذَا رَأَوُا الظَّالِمَ فَلَمْ يَأْخُذُوا عَلَى يَدَيْهِ أَوْشَكَ أَنْ يَعُمَّهُمُ اللَّهُ بِعِقَابٍ مِنْهُ» Translation: (Indeed, when people see an oppressor [in the act of committing injustice] and do not hold his hand [and do not prevent his injustice], it is near that Allah Almighty will inflict a punishment upon them.)
Ibn Arabi, may Allah have mercy on him, noted in relation to this hadith that “This hadith presents a significant jurisprudential issue: the punishment for some sins is deferred until the Day of Judgment, while the punishment for others arises swiftly in this world. Remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing is a sin whose punishment is immediate, often manifesting as a reduction in wealth, the spreading of poverty, and general calamities.”
From Ibn Arabi’s view, it is understood that various types of sins and vices exist; widespread sin can lead to suffering such as earthquakes and landslides, while others may manifest as plagues on society’s youth, sparking conflict, wars, famine, and drought. Such negligence could result in the victory of cruel enemies and the dominance of corrupt rulers over the Muslims, stripping good people of their qualifications and bestowing them upon the wicked. The primary reason for these misfortunes is society’s heavy engagement in sin and the failure to uphold the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil. This negligence leads society to the brink of destruction and decay, causing harm not only to individuals but also to the broader community.
The implications of wrongdoing are not isolated; those who are guilty do not only harm themselves— their corruption is contagious and influences others. As related in a hadith, the mother of the Believers, Zainab, may Allah be pleased with her, asked the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace: “Will we perish even though there are righteous people among us?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, replied: «نعم، إذا کثر الخبث» Translation: (Yes, when sins become widespread.)
Hazrat Huzaifah narrates from the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, that he said: «وَالَّذِى نَفْسِى بِيَدِهِ لَتَأْمُرُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَلَتَنْهَوُنَّ عَنْ الْمُنْكَرِ دَائِمًا هِيْنُ اللَّهُ أَنْ يَبْعَثَ عَلَيْكُمْ عِقَابًا مِنْهُ ثُمَّ تَدْعُونَهُ فَلاَ يُسْتَجَابُ لَكُمْ» Translation: (By the One in Whose hand is my soul, either you enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, or Allah (SWT) will soon impose a punishment upon you, after which no matter what you pray for, your prayers will not be answered.)
In the *Branches of Faith*, it is stated regarding the above hadith: “This hadith indicates that one of the strong reasons for maintaining a servant’s integrity in relation to God and ensuring their spiritual health is the practice of enjoining good and forbidding evil.”
Abandoning the enjoining of good and forbidding of evil leads to the widespread acceptance of sin. When sin becomes pervasive, Allah (SWT) punishes not only the sinners but also all Muslims, including those who refrained from committing the sin. However, due to a failure to uphold enjoining good and forbidding evil—which is obligatory for the wise and conscientious of society, depending on their level of understanding—the consequences affect everyone. As Hazrat Umar bin Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him, said: “Allah (SWT), does not punish all people for the sin of a specific individual unless those sins are publicly committed; in such circumstances, all people deserve punishment.”
Thus, we humans must always heed Allah (S.W.T) warning: «وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةً لَا تُصِيبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْكُمْ خَاصَّةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ» Translation: (And avoid the temptation that does not afflict the wrongdoers among you exclusively; know that Allah is severe in punishment.)
