Ibn Bazz: Forbidding the evil according to one’s ability

( Part No : 7, Page No: 318) 

Forbidding the evil according to one’s ability 

I am a girl who lives in the students’ residence. Allah (Exalted be He) has guided me to the truth. I have begun to adhere to it, praise be to Allah. However, I am very upset because of what I see around me of sins and evil deeds, especially among some of my fellow­students such as listening to music and malicious gossip. I advised them often but some of them make fun of me and mock at me saying that I am being extreme. 

What should I do? May Allah reward you! 

You have to denounce the evil as much as you can by kind words and good manners. You should cite Ayahs and Hadiths that speak of that according to your knowledge. Do not take part in listening to music, gossiping, or other forbidden talks and deeds. You should withdraw as much as you can until they start taking about something else, because Allah (may He be Praised) says: And when you (Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’ân) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. 

If you denounce them according to your ability and withdraw from what they are doing, then their deeds or criticism of you will not affect you. Allah (may He be Praised) says: O you who 

believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allâh, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do. 

( Part No : 7, Page No: 319) 

Allah (Exalted be He) explains that the believer will not be harmed by those who go astray, if he adheres to the truth and follows true guidance denouncing evil, keeping steadfastly to the truth, and calling others to it. May Allah grant you a way out and benefit them by means of your guidance, if you are patient and seek reward. Receive the glad tidings of great goodness and good consequences so long as you remain steadfast in adhering to the truth and denouncing that which goes against it. Allah (may He be Praised) says: and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqûn (the pious). Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for Al­ Muttaqûn(thepious) Allah(GlorifiedbeHe)alsosays: AsforthosewhostrivehardinUs(OurCause),Wewillsurely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s religion Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers)." 

May Allah help you do what pleases Him and bless you with patience and steadfastness! May He help your sisters and family and colleagues to do that which He loves and which pleases Him! He is All­Hearing, Ever­Near, and He is the Guide to the straight path.