Question:
The listener (N. N. N.) sent several questions, asking in one of them about the correct way to enjoin good and forbid evil, and what is the wisdom meant in such a context?
Answer:
This is a great question and worthy of careful attention, because enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the most important duties and obligations in Islam. Furthermore, undertaking this responsibility by people of knowledge, faith, and insight is one of the greatest causes for the righteousness of society, its safety from Allah’s punishment, and its steadfastness on the Straight Path.
For this reason, Allah (Glorified and Exalted) says:
“You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah.” [Aal ‘Imran: 110]
He made them the best nation because of these good deeds. And He says:
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.” [Aal ‘Imran: 104]
He described them with success for this great matter—their calling to goodness, enjoining right, and forbidding wrong—thereby making them successful due to their righteous actions. Success means attaining every good and acquiring the means to happiness.
Allah (Exalted and Glorified) also says:
“The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat, and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [At-Tawbah: 71]
He promised them mercy for their righteous deeds, among which are enjoining good and forbidding evil.
Knowledge and Insight
This indicates that this duty rests upon both believing men and believing women; it is not exclusive to anyone over another. Rather, it is an obligation upon all believing men and women, and it is one of their great characteristics and noble morals.
However, it must be done with wisdom and knowledge—not with ignorance, nor with violence and harshness. One must enjoin good and forbid evil based on knowledge and deep insight regarding what Allah has commanded and what He has prohibited.
- The Good (Al-Ma’ruf): Everything Allah and His Messenger have commanded.
- The Evil (Al-Munkar): Everything Allah and His Messenger have forbidden.
Therefore, the one who enjoins and forbids—whether male or female—must possess insight and knowledge. Otherwise, they should refrain so that they do not inadvertently enjoin evil or forbid good.
Allah says:
“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): “This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge’” [Yusuf: 108]
Meaning: with knowledge. And He says:
“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.” [An-Nahl: 125]
Calling to Allah (Da’wah) falls under the same category as enjoining good and forbidding evil, as it involves clarifying the truth and manifesting it to the people. Thus, the one who enjoins good is calling to Allah, and the one who forbids evil is doing the same. The only difference is that the one enjoining and forbidding may possess authority to deter evil and enforce good, whereas the ‘caller to Allah’ (Da’i) operates on a broader scope—guiding people to the truth—even if they lack the authority to enforce it.
Gentleness and Proper Manner
In summary, the duty upon the caller to Allah, the one enjoining good, and the one forbidding evil is to act upon knowledge and clear guidance so as not to command what opposes the Sharia or forbid what accords with it.
It is also required to act with gentleness, avoiding violence and coarse language. Rather, it should be done with good words, a pleasant approach, and kindness, just as Allah (Exalted and Glorified) says:
“And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you” [Aal ‘Imran: 159]
And He said to Moses and Aaron when sending them to Pharaoh:
“And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh).” [Ta-Ha: 44]
Thus, the person enjoining or forbidding should be gentle with people, commanding and prohibiting using good phrasing so that it is closer to being accepted and benefiting them.
Exceptions
An exception is made for the one who acts unjustly, transgresses, and stubbornly refuses. Such a person is met with a different approach involving reprimand and discipline if they do not comply with the command to do good or refrain from evil.
However, initially, people are addressed in the best manner, guided, and advised until they adhere to the truth. As for the one who remains obstinate and refuses, their case is handled differently through appropriate measures such as censure, strictness, disciplinary action, imprisonment, or other measures required by the pure Sharia.
And Allah is the One whose help is sought. Yes.