Forbidding evil as much as possible
20-7-2011 | IslamWeb
Question:
I see immoral acts in the streets of our city that provoke my tears, but I cannot forbid it except with my heart. Am I sinful? What advice would you give me?
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
May Allaah The Almighty reward you for being offended for His sake and for forbidding evil with your heart. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever honors the symbols of Allaah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.} [Quran 22:32]
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, swore by Allaah The Almighty that if people do not enjoin good and forbid evil, Allaah The Almighty would punish them and then they would supplicate to Him but He would not respond. (At-Tirmithi).
He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also commanded whoever sees a wrongdoing to alter it with his hand; if he is unable, then with his tongue; if he is unable, then with his heart; and this is the least degree of faith. (Muslim)
If you are unable to do more than that, you are not sinful but - Allaah willing – you will be rewarded. If you can do more than that, it becomes obligatory upon you, as stated in the Hadeeth.
We advise you to fear Allaah The Almighty in your own actions and those of your family. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allaah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.} [Quran 66:6]
Do your best to offer advice to those who are heedless about Allaah The Almighty and begin with those close to you such as your immediate family, then your relatives, neighbors, acquaintances and others. Convey the religion of Allaah The Almighty to them using all available means. You could give a religious cassette, a leaflet or a booklet, and show kindness to them and be willing to advise them. Finally, it is important to realize that there are certain conditions that should be met if a woman is going to enjoin good and forbid evil.
Allaah Knows best.