In this discussion, we will talk about the most important and most neglected obligation in Islam, which is the duty of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. As expressed by the leader of the revolution and some other prominent figures, this duty has become a diminished or forgotten obligation in our Islamic society.
In this article, we will discuss the most important and most neglected obligation in Islam, which is the duty of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. As expressed by the dear leader of the revolution and some other prominent figures, this obligation has become a weakened or forgotten duty in our Islamic society.Enjoining good and forbidding evil is an obligatory act in Islam because it helps the collective growth of the Muslim community towards happiness and removes the obstacles in this journey. It is not simply a good or recommended act. If we see someone neglecting an obligation or committing something forbidden, it is not just a matter of reminding them as a kind gesture; it is a duty, just like performing our obligatory prayers or fasting.
The obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the essential principles of Islam, and for its proper execution, we need a thorough understanding of its rulings, conditions, and guidelines.
One of the key reasons why this duty has become so neglected and, in some cases, severely suppressed in the Muslim community is the behavior of some rulers who did not follow religious principles and paid little attention to their obligations, let alone enjoining good and forbidding evil.
In history, many Islamic scholars lived in fear and exile, focusing more on preserving the essence of Islam rather than dealing with more specific matters.
Humans by nature are inclined to seek comfort and avoid harm, and performing the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil is not always easy and can carry the risk of harm. As a result, Muslims are not exempt from this tendency.
This neglect continued to such an extent that its destructive effects on the Muslim community became apparent, leading to the need for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) to rise against all innovations and deviations.
The Qur'an contains numerous verses, over a hundred, related to responsibility, enjoining good, guiding others, advising, and warning, to name a few related concepts. For example, it says: "Enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong," and "And exhort one another to the truth."
In the hadiths, we have around 900 narrations from the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) about enjoining good and forbidding evil. These narrations address its importance, necessity, place, methods, etiquette, rulings, and conditions.
Despite all this emphasis in the Qur'an and the hadiths, why are we indifferent to these matters? Why have we become so unconcerned with the sins around us? We remain silent and pass by sins, yet call ourselves Muslims. Are we merely claiming to be Muslims?
First, enjoining good and forbidding evil is a communal duty, meaning it is obligatory for all Muslims, just as prayer is obligatory for them.
Second, it is a collective duty (kifā'ī), meaning that while it is required of the community as a whole, if some do it, it can relieve others of the obligation.
Third, just because someone occasionally enjoins good or forbids evil does not mean they are a true practitioner of this duty. It is not enough to do it sometimes; one must consistently fulfill this duty.
We must not neglect this essential obligation in Islam. Just as we learn the rulings of prayers, fasting, and other religious duties, we should also learn about enjoining good and forbidding evil. If we fail to do so, we are not fulfilling our duties as Muslims, and it becomes an excuse worse than the sin itself.
Let us commit ourselves to learning about and practicing this important duty in the best way possible, making a positive impact on our social environment.
