Consequences of Abandoning Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
It was previously mentioned that one of the severe and unfortunate consequences of abandoning the enjoining of good and the forbidding of evil is the destruction and downfall of a person. Neglecting this divine command can lead to one’s ruin. Continuing that discussion, we will address other consequences of this sin:
1. Loss of the Attribute of Being the Best Nation
The second consequence of abandoning the enjoining of good and forbidding evil is the denial of the title of “best nation” from the community. Allah, the Almighty, has described us as the best of nations in the Noble Quran, and the reason for this superiority is linked to the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil. This means that if we command people towards good and restrain them from evil, we are the best of nations. However, if we neglect this religious duty, the immediate result will be that we are no longer the best members of society, and our position of superiority will be taken from us. Consequently, we will fall from the pinnacle of virtue, losing Allah’s great grace, and we will cease to be the servants and creatures who are superior and better than others. As Allah says, «كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ» Translation: “You are the best of nations produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil and believe in Allah.”
Undoubtedly, one of the reasons why Allah has chosen and favored this nation over others is that this nation is not only the “Nation of Invitation” but also known as the “Nation of Response.” Due to their response to Allah’s call, He has chosen, guided, and favored them over other nations and described them with great and beautiful qualities. Enjoining good and forbidding evil is, in fact, a compliance with Allah’s commands. Allah has instructed all Muslims to organize groups and institutions to effectively convey the religion correctly, with the most direct way being through enjoining good and forbidding evil. These groups must make successful strides in this direction and perform their duties properly. Otherwise, this distinction and superiority over other nations will certainly be taken away, and Allah’s punishment, along with Hellfire, will follow.
2. Boldness of the Corrupt and Immoral Against the Virtuous
The third unfortunate consequence of abandoning the enjoining of good and forbidding evil, which befalls those who neglect this obligatory duty, is that corrupt and immoral people, who have no constructive role in religion, gain the audacity to criticize and mock Muslims, ridiculing them. Obedience to Allah brings divine support, and those whom Allah assists and supports become honored, dignified, and respected, with no one daring to confront or attack them.
Conversely, those who neglect and ignore Allah’s commands not only face accountability in the Hereafter but also experience humiliation in this world. This humiliation reaches a point where corrupt and immoral individuals find the audacity to insult and curse them.
