Forbidding EvilA responsibility that is often neglected

Obligation of this Ummah

• Ye are the best of peoples evolved for mankind

enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and

believing in Allah.

• Ale Imran,3:110

Success depends upon it

Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good enjoining what is right and forbid what is evil and they will attain felicity.

Ale Imran,3:104

What is the meaning of nahi anil munkar?

• Munkar is all those acts which are evil and

deplorable.

• In Islamic terminology, munkar is everything which is

forbidden by Allah (SWT) and Prophet Mohammad

(SAW).

• It is obligatory for Muslims to stay away from munkar

and make efforts to stop others in the family and

society at large from munkar.

Who is responsible?• Individuals: Prophet (SAW) said,” Each one of you is

a leader and is responsible for those he leads”

• Organizations: Muhasiba is an important function in

a Jama’ah.

• Society: Prophet (SAW) said that on the day of

Judgment a neighbor will bring his case against his

neighbor because he did not stop him from evil and

did not tell him right from wrong.

• Government: Officials are responsible to remove

evils in the society by enforcing laws.

Consequence of neglecting this obligation

Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected faith by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary: because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses. Nor did they (usually) forbid one another the iniquities which they committed: evil indeed were the deeds which they did. Al Maida,5:78,79

Chastisement of people who violated Sabbath law

Violation of Sabbath law• Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea.

Behold! they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. For on the day of their Sabbath their fish did come to them openly holding up their heads but on the day they had no Sabbath they came not: thus did We make a trial of them for they were given to transgression.

• 164 When some of them said: "why do ye preach to a people whom Allah will destroy or visit with a terrible punishment?" Said the preachers: "to discharge our duty to your Lord and perchance they may fear him."

• 165 When they disregarded the warnings that had been given them We rescued those who forbade evil; but We visited the wrong-doers with a grievous punishment because they were given to transgression. A’raaf,7:163-165

Warning to the scholars of Bani Israel

• Many of them dost thou see racing each other in sin and rancor and their eating of things forbidden. Evil indeed are the things that they do. 771

• Why do not the Rabbis and the doctors of laws forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed are their works. Al-Maida,5:62-63

Forbidding evil is a quality of believers

• The believers men and women are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers practice regular charity and obey Allah and His apostle. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power Wise. Taubah,7:71

Qualities of believers

• Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance: that serve Him and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the Cause of Allah; that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limits set by Allah; (these do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers

Punishment for not forbidding evil

• Prophet (SAW) said, "I swear by the name of one in

whose hand is my life that you shall enjoin good

and forbid evil. (If you don’t do it) then the time is

near when Allah (SWT) shall send His chastisement

upon you. Then you will make dua and it will not be

accepted.

• Reported by Abu Darda in Tirmidhi

Levels of forbidding evil• Prophet (SAW) said, “ Whosoever amongst you

witnesses a munkar, he should remove it with hand.

If he is not able to do so, then he should do it with

his tongue. If he is not able to do so, then he should

feel bad about it in his heart. This is the weakest

level of Iman.

• Muslim and Tirmidhi

Pre requisites (Imam Ghazali)

• 1- To be adult and sane

• 2- To be Muslim

• 3-To be righteous- How could one correct others if

he has not corrected himself. (Imam Ghazali says

that this is desirable but should not be a condition)

• 4- Force of law to be used by the government

• 5- Take into consideration the age, status and

knowledge of the person when forbidding evil

• 6- Ability and power to carry out the task

When one estimates no positive effect of his effort• 1- When one knows there is not going to be a

positive effect and bring harm to him, then one

may refrain from it. One may do Hijrah

• 2- When one knows it will be beneficial and there is

no harm to him, then it is obligatory

• 3- When one knows it will be not beneficial but

there is not going to be harm, then it is mustahab.

• 4- When one knows it will be beneficial but will bring

harm to him, then it is mustahab.

Types of harms which may be inflicted

1- Harm could come to individual or his family in

• Knowledge or its acquisition

• Physical being and health

• Material wealth

• Status

2- There could be different level of “dharar” or harm in these valuables and one has to assess the capacity to sustain harm

3- If a greater harm and sin could result due to forbidding an evil, then one should refrain from doing it.

3 types of evils (according to timings)

• A sin or crime punishable by law has been

committed. This is to be dealt by the authorities.

• A sin or crime is in progress. To stop this crime is

obligatory as long as it does not result in a bigger

sin or crime.

• An evil is expected due to circumstantial evidence.

In this case one must try to stop it from happening

by advice and creating fear of retribution in this

world and before Allah (SWT).

Application of these guidelines

• Individual level:

1. We should do our self Muhasiba.

2. We should encourage Muhasiba at family level.

• Society at large:

1. Muslim friends, neighbors

2. Non Muslim society

• Islamic organizations, masajid, schools

• Government Level

• Muslim Ummah

Jazakallah for your attention

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