**Chapter Ten** **On Governmental Rulings** **Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil** **1- The Virtue of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:** Allah Almighty says: {And let there be from you a nation inviting to good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.} [Al-Imran: 104].

And Allah Almighty says: {You were the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.} [Al-Imran: 110].

And from Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, he said: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "By Him in Whose hand is my soul, you must enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will soon send upon you a punishment from Him, then you will call upon Him and He will not answer you." (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi).

And from him, may Allah be pleased with him, he said: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "The first thing that diminished the Children of Israel was that a man would meet another man and say: 'O you, fear Allah, and leave what you are doing.' So he would say: 'It is only upon myself, as for you, what do you care about what you do?' So when it was like that, they were deprived on that day, their hearts were deprived, and they struck each other." (Narrated by Abu Dawud).

And from Hudhayfah, may Allah be pleased with him, he said: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "By Him in Whose hand is my soul, you must enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will soon send upon you a punishment from Him, then you will call upon Him and He will not answer you." (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi).

**2- Conditions for Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:** The one who enjoins good and forbids evil must meet certain conditions, including: a) Knowledge: The enjoining person must know what he is enjoining as good and what he is forbidding as evil. b) Gentleness and Forbearance: He must be gentle in his invitation and forbearing in his dealings, not harsh in speech or ignorant in action. c) Sincerity: He must purify his intention for Allah Almighty, seeking His face and pleasure through his actions. d) Not Leading to a Greater Evil: His forbidding of an evil should not lead to a greater evil than it. e) Starting with Himself: He must be the first to obey good and refrain from evil. f) Ability: If he is weak or fears tribulation for himself, it is not obligatory upon him.

**3- Levels of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:** There are three levels of enjoining good and forbidding evil: a) By Hand: By changing the evil with his hand, such as breaking a musical instrument, dispersing a forbidden gathering, or preventing someone from committing a forbidden act. b) By Tongue: By changing the evil with his tongue, such as advising good and deterring from evil. c) By Heart: By disliking the evil in his heart, by hating it and detesting its practice. This is the weakest form of faith.

**4- When is it Obligatory and When is it Recommended?** Enjoining good and forbidding evil is obligatory upon all Muslims, each according to his ability and capacity. It becomes an individual obligation if it is specific to a person and not others, or if that person is the cause of the evil occurring. It becomes a collective obligation if some perform it, it is lifted from the rest. It is recommended if there is no apparent benefit, or if there is a outweighed harm.

**5- The Importance of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:** Enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the greatest rituals of Islam. It is the safety valve for society, through which rights are preserved, honor is protected, and punishments are implemented. It is a sign of the vitality and advancement of the Islamic nation.

**6- Guidelines for Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:** The one who enjoins good and forbids evil should observe the following guidelines: a) Gradualness: Starting with the easiest and then the easier. b) Kindness: Using good words and a gentle approach. c) Avoiding Ostentation and Seeking Fame. d) Considering the State of the Person Being Admonished: Whether he is newly converted to Islam, ignorant, or persistent. e) Consulting Scholars and Experts When Needed.

**7- Some Issues Related to Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:** - It is not permissible to change an evil with a greater evil. - It is not permissible to change an evil by word or deed except by one who has knowledge and insight. - If the evil is apparent and there is no fear of tribulation from changing it, it is obligatory to change it. - If the evil is hidden, or changing it would result in tribulation, it is preferable to leave it, unless the evil involves general harm. - The ruler must implement punishments and prevent crimes.