Author: Shukran Ahmadi
Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil: Importance and Methods (Part 4)
Practical Methods of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
Since enjoining good and forbidding evil is considered a fundamental and vital principle in Islam—and one of the defining characteristics of this Ummah—the Qur’an and Sunnah have provided comprehensive guidance on it and have outlined its methods. Some of these methods are as follows:
-
Practical Preaching and Setting an Example
Allah Almighty addresses the People of the Book, questioning why they do not act upon what they preach: “أَتَأْمُرُونَ النَّاسَ بِالْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ الْكِتَابَ أَفَلاَ تَعْقِلُونَ” Translation: “Do you command people to righteousness while you forget yourselves, even though you recite the Scripture? Do you not understand?”
And elsewhere, He addresses the believers: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ * كَبُرَ مَقْتاً عِندَاللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ” Translation: “O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you say what you do not do.”
Therefore, the most effective method of enjoining good and forbidding evil is through practical example. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would often take the lead himself before encouraging others. For instance, upon arriving in Madinah, he personally participated in building the Prophet’s Mosque, laying bricks himself, which the companions emulated. Similarly, in the Battle of the Trench (Ahzab), he personally joined in digging the trench to encourage the believers to strive for reward.
When prohibiting something, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would begin with his own relatives. In his Farewell Sermon (Ḥajjat al-Wadā‘), he said: “Be aware! All practices of the Age of Ignorance are placed under my feet (abolished). The bloodshed of the Age of Ignorance is abolished, and the first blood I abolish is that of Rabiʿah ibn al-Ḥārith, who was breastfed among Banū Saʿd and was killed by Hudhayl. All usury from the Age of Ignorance is also abolished, and the first usury I abolish is that of ʿAbbās ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib—it is entirely void…”
-
Respecting Individuals and Choosing Appropriate Conduct
The second principle for effective enjoining and forbidding, and for fostering cooperation and unity, is respecting the dignity of those being addressed.
The invitation should not humiliate the individual or make them feel disrespected in front of others. The enjoiner must aim for reform and goodwill, not treat the person as an adversary. Rather, they should see them like a patient in need of care and compassion. The inviter must always consider the rights of Muslims, protect their honor and dignity, and avoid public shaming.
-
Speaking with Gentleness, Kindness, and Compassion
