Ibn Bazz: Important questions and answers concerning enjoining good and forbidding evil
Important questions and answers concerning enjoining good and forbidding evil
Q 1: I heard that some scholars consider enjoining good and forbidding evil as one of the Pillars of Islam. Is this true?
A : Yes, some scholars are of this view. Although, no clear text concerning this matter is stated, it constitutes one of the major obligations in Islam.
The Pillars of Islam specified by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are five. He (peace be upon him) stated, “Islam is built on five (Pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing Salah (prayers); paying Zakah (obligatory charity); fasting Ramadan; and Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka‘bah).” (AgreeduponbyAlBukhariandMuslim)
Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed out the pillars and fundamentals of Islam. It is impermissible to add an additional pillar, unless there is valid textual evidence. However, enjoining good and forbidding evil is one of the fundamentals and obligations in Islam, but it must not be stated as the sixth pillar due to the lack of the evidence.
Similarly, Jihad (fighting/striving in the Cause of Allah) as well as abstention from Haram (forbidden) things are fundamentals of faith, but they must not be stated as two of the Pillars of Islam due to the lack of the evidence.
It should be noted that we must abide by everything that Allah has enjoined and avoid everything that Allah has forbidden.
Q 2: How does one forbid Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) by the heart?
A : It is to hate the Munkar and not to accompany its doers; for sitting with them without renouncement is to act like the Children of Israel, whom Allah cursed in His Statement (Glorified be He):
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Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dâwûd (David) and ‘Isâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allâh and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. 
They used not to forbid one another from AlMunkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do.
Q 3: We see many youth enthusiastic for resisting Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) but they do not it the proper way. What is your advice to such youth? What is the best way to denounce Munkar?
A : I advice them to learn first in order to be quite sure whether a matter is Ma‘ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) or Munkar through the Shar‘y (Islamic legal) proofs, so that when they raise there objections, it is done with insight. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: Say (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted be Allâh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh)."
I advice them to resist Munkar with leniency and kindness, so that their approach will be accepted and to be صلى االله عليه و doing more good than evil. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue )سـلم with them in a way that is better. and: And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Whoever is deprived of kindness is deprived of all good.” also: “Kindness does not become a part of anything without adorning it, and is not withdrawn
fromanythingwithoutmarringit.” TherearesomanySahih(authentic)Hadithtothesameeffect.
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The Da‘y (caller) to Allah, the enjoiner of Ma‘ruf and the forbidder of Munkar should be the first to practice what they preach, and the first to abstain from what they order people to avoid. Thus, they will not be like those whom Allah dispraises, saying: Enjoin you AlBirr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allâh) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)]! Have you then no sense? and: O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?
These youth must behave accordingly so that people will follow their good example and benefit from their words and deeds. May Allah grant us success!
Q 4: As you know, most of the material broadcast by the mass media such as television involves Fisq (flagrant violation of Islamic law), impudence and utter evil. Does the Shar‘y (Islamic legal) rule (Warding off evil is given priority over achieving benefits) apply here? I appreciate your guidance. May Allah guide you!
A : This is a great rule which will continue to be worked on: (warding off evil is given priority over achieving benefits) according to which rulers, scholars, prominent personalities and ordinary people should advise those in charge of the mass media. The public should advise one another and beware of the consequences that may befall them from that in their country or in other places.
People should avoid doing or listening to Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). They should be content with AlHaqq (the Truth) and lend their ears to its voice. The same applies to newspaper; people should read those publishing good and avoid the evil. A Mu’min (believer) should be selective and should not be like the collector of firewood at night who takes the serpent along with wood.
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Thus, audio and visual mass media should be selected to take what is good and avoid what is evil. Scholars along with rulers are, thanks to Allah, continuing to provide advice and guidance. We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to help us benefit from them and to guide rulers to what is good for their countries and peoples. He is the best One to be sought for help.
Q 5: You surely know the significant contribution of Islamic recordings in guiding people during our present time. Yet, some evildoers attempt to tarnish the reputations of shaykhs and accuse them of being materialistic and so forth. I hope that Your Honor will clarify this matter so that the facts are clear to people who do not know the truth.
A: There is no doubt that the focus on recording useful articles, sermons, and beneficial discussions is helpful to the Ummah (Islamic community); thus, whoever is involved in this work to benefit the Ummah will be rewarded. They should seek Allah's pleasure and be patient in this; even if they suffer from what you have mentioned, to pattern themselves after the Messengers (peace be upon them) and the virtuous people preceding them. Moreover, there is no harm in selling such tapes for nominal prices to avoid burdening people, and to be able to use the money earned in accomplishing their mission as well as helping people in acquiring Islamic knowledge and spreading it.
I recommend
acquiring and purchasing good tapes and benefiting from them, if they are useful, for not every person can deliver a useful speech that is worth recording.
So,
a knowledge seeker should choose the tapes of scholars who are recognized for their knowledge and scrutinize them to insure they are beneficial, then he/she should circulate these tapes to their family, fellow Muslim, and colleagues to hear. In addition to this, they should beware of recording harmful materials that have no benefits.
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Q 6: We are a large family, having a chauffeur who drives us to schools, markets, and visit to our relatives. What is the ruling on our going, we are females, with him inside and outside the town, given that we do not have men with us in the car?
A: There is no harm in this, if there are two or more females as long as there is no cause of suspicion. There is nothing wrong with going with him to the school or elsewhere. If it is possible to have a man with you, this will be much better, but this is not a must. The Khulwah (being alone with a member of the opposite sex) could be avoided just by having another woman or man, along with having no cause for suspicion, since it is not possible to always have a Mahram (spouse or unmarriageable relative) available. However, if the distance is too far or a woman is going to travel, she is not permitted to travel without a Mahram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A woman should not travel except with a DhuMahram (spouse or unmarriageable relative). 
(Agreed upon by Imams AlBukhari and Muslim)
It is also necessary to wear Hijab (veil) and beware of the causes of temptation to avoid any harm expected.
Q: I have a son who is over twenty years of age and he is a university student. He is always at odds with his mother because she, he claims, yells at his brothers at home. Now he does not greet her and has avoided talking to her for two months, yet he still has his meals and spends the night at home. What am I to do with him as a father, knowing that I advised him but he does not listen and insists on his crooked way? Please, advise! May Allah reward you best!
A : This person is doubly ignorant. He has committed major sin and disobedience. We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to grant us and him guidance. You have to warn him against this sin and prevent him from disobeying his mother, even if it requires that you punish him, prevent him totally from entering the house, or any other form of suitable discipline, as long as advice is of no avail. You can even report him
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to the police or the court if the parents fail to handle the matter. May Allah set right his affairs, give him sound judgment, and protect him from the evils of his self.
Q 8: What is your opinion on the companies that recruit nonMuslims from abroad for employment?
A : It is not permissible to bring nonMuslim employees to the Arabian Peninsula. This is against the Messenger's (peace be upon him) order to get the disbelievers out of it. He (peace be upon him) said, Two religions should not coexist in it [the Arabian Peninsula]. This order was implemented by `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). We have stressed this point many times in the radio broadcast program Nur `Ala AlDarb, newspaper articles and special letters to the concerned authorities, may Allah guide them to what is best. It is not permissible for nonMuslims to live in this Peninsula due to the reasons mentioned above, except for a pressing need, like vendors who sell imported goods and nonMuslim envoys coming as representatives of their countries to meet with top officials in this Peninsula. However, it is not permissible to allow them permanent residence in this country.
Also, it is not permissible to give them citizenship, as this will facilitate their permanent residence, due to the Messenger's (peace be upon him) command mentioned earlier. Any nonMuslim who is permitted to enter the country must be prevented from publicly practicing their religious rites.
Bringing them to the Arabian Peninsula for employment is not permissible. Rather, Muslims are to beware of them and to dispense with them by appointing Muslim workers. Muslims should be given priority to occupy all vacancies. However, in some special cases, this restriction can be lifted when there is an extreme necessity deemed by those in authority. Therefore, nonMuslims may be recruited to take jobs or professions that Muslims cannot do. Upon completing such tasks, they are to be returned to their countries. The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted the Jews to stay in Khaybar when there was a need for that. Then they were expelled by `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) when there presence was no longer justified.
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Q 9: Many people wrote about the role of the Masjid (mosque) and Minbar (pulpit) in Islam. There are people who say that some people have deviated the role of the Minbar, while others say that they are prevented from making use of the beloved and purest place on the earth; namely the Masjid. They can not sit, study, or learn inside it. Other people may say that Minbars are used for other goals than that of Da`wah (call to Islam). They are used to invite people to a political party, a ceremony, and so on.
A: Undoubtedly, the Masjid and Minbar are two longserving tools used for instructing the Muslim community in particular and people in general and conveying the Message of Allah (may He be Praised). Allah (Exalted be He) sent the Messengers (peace be upon them) to convey His Message and teach people His Shari`ah. From 'Adam (peace be upon him) and then Noah, they preached the mission in Masjids and Minbars whether the Minbar is inside the Masjid or outside, built or made of wood.
A camel, horse, or any other animal or raised place may be used as a Minbar to convey Allah's Message.
In conclusion, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has ordained His slaves to convey His Message and teach people what His Messengers brought by any possible means. The Masjid and the Minbar are the most important means that can be used for conveying this Message and spreading Da`wah, as the Masjid is the place where Muslims gather for many events, such as the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer. All scholars and preachers have to care about and restore Da`wah, the greatest message, and to help people comprehend the religion.
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Along with the Masjid, other means such as radio, television, press, and speeches can be offered in gatherings and ceremonies, as well as writing and any other means can be used to convey religious and worldly obligations to people. They have to convey Allah's Message and Shari`ah.
The followers of the prophets and their successors including the people of knowledge and faith must convey Allah's Message and Shari`ah so that the evidence is established and every one, young or old, male or female, or follower or deviant, can comprehend the religion and be inexcusable.
It is impermissible for rulers and authorities to prevent any scholar from using a Minbar to teach people unless it is proven that he is not qualified for this task or calls to falsehood.
Qualified persons who call to the truth and guidance must be encouraged, supported and provided with the facilities that can be used for conveying Allah's commands and Shari`ah. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Help you oneanotherinAlBirrandAtTaqwâ(virtue,righteousnessandpiety);butdonothelponeanotherinsinandtransgression. Allah (Glorified be He) also says: By Al‘Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism)
and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al M a‘ ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (AlMunkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Religion is based on advising one another." Upon this we said: "For whom?" He replied: "For Allah, His Book, His Messenger and for the Muslims, leaders andsubjects." (RelatedbyMuslim)TherearemanyproofsfromtheQur'anandSunnahtothateffect.
All people of knowledge in every place, who are versed in the Qur'an and Sunnah, have to discharge the duty of Da`wah, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil as much as they can. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can
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Wherever they are, they must convey Allah's Message. This task is not restricted to a particular place; it can be done inside the Masjid, at home, in the street, or in vehicles. They have to do it everywhere as much as they can. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, Then! Are the Messengers charged with anything but to convey clearly the Message?
Allah (Glorified be He) also says: O Messenger (Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم)! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it
were a single sentence. The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says: May Allah brighten (the face of) a person who hears my words, comprehends them, and then conveys them as he has heard them; for perhaps the one informed comprehends more than the one who hears. When he (peace be upon him) gave a Khutbah (sermon), he used to say: Those who are present should convey it (this information) to those who are absent. During the Farewell Hajj, while standing on `Arafat he (peace be upon him) gave the last Khutbah while riding his mount saying, Those who are present should convey it (this information) to those who are absent, as the informed one might comprehend it (what I have
said) better than the present audience who will convey it to him. He also said, "You are going to be asked about me, so what will you say?" They replied, "We shall testify that you have conveyed (the message), advised (us), and performed your role." He kept pointing
towards the sky and then towards the people and saying, "O Allah! Be witness to this. O Allah! Be witness to this." (Related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih).
When he (peace be upon him) sent `Ali to Khaybar to call the Jews to Islam and fight them in case of rejecting the call, he said Invite them to Islam and inform them what is obligatory for them from the rights of Allah, for, by Allah, if Allah guides aright even one man through you that is better for you than to possess the most valuable camels. (Agreed upon by Imams AlBukhari and Muslim)from Sahl Ibn Sa`d AlAnsary (may Allah be pleased with him).
In his Sahih,Muslimnarrated on the authority of Abu Mas`ud AlAnsary (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer. There are many
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Ayahs and Hadiths concerning calling to Allah (may He be Praised) and guiding people to goodness and enjoining good and forbidding evil.
People of knowledge and faith among rulers and others in Islamic countries and every place have to convey Allah's Message and teach people the principles of religion with wisdom and good manners which encourage people to accept the truth. Allah (may He be Praised) says, Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. (SurahAlNahl 16:125)Allah (Glorified be He) also says: And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong (Surah Al`Ankabut 29: 46). He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says, And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh’s (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims." He (may He be Praised) addresses the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harshhearted, they would have broken away from about you
When Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) sent Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) to the Pharaoh, He says, "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)." It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says: Whoever isdeprivedofforbearanceandgentlenessis,infact,deprivedofallgood. TherearemanyAyahsandHadithswhichstress this meaning.
Every Muslim has to comprehend the religion and ask the people of knowledge
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about problematic issues. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes himcomprehendthereligion. (AgreeduponbyImamsAlBukhariandMuslim).
People of knowledge have to teach, convey the knowledge that Allah (Exalted be He) granted them and help people comprehend the religion. They have to hasten and compete with each other to do this necessary task with honesty, sincerity and patience. They strive to convey Allah's religion to His slaves and teach them the obligations and prohibitions stated by Allah (Exalted be He) in the Masjid, lessons of knowledge held in the Masjid, and Khutbahs given on Fridays, `Eid and other occasions. Not every one has the chance to know these matters in schools, institutions, and universities. Not every one can find the school that teaches Allah's Purified Shari`ah and the components of religion including the Qur'an and Sunnah, as they were revealed and reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Radio, television, the press, and religious occasions such as Fridays and the two `Eids must be means for the people of knowledge and faith to convey religious teachings to people. They have to do so in every place through giving lessons and holding knowledge circles inside Masjids and other places.
Every knowledge seeker who is versed in the religion and every scholar whom Allah (Exalted be He) granted insight must make use of his knowledge and seize any chance to call to Allah (Exalted be He). They have to teach people Shari`ah, the obligations and prohibitions of which they are not aware and to enjoin good and forbid evil.
This is a duty that all scholars should discharge since they are the successors of the Messengers and the heirs of the prophets, so they have to convey Allah's Message, teach His Shari`ah, and advise people to draw close to Allah (Exalted be He), His Book, and His Messenger. This should be done for the Muslims, leaders, and subjects. It should be done with patience. They must be encouraged, supported, and provided with the facilities that can be used for
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discharging this duty. Allah (may He be Praised) says, Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs. 
(Agreed upon by Imams AlBukhari and Muslim)It is reported on the authority of Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Allah helps His slave so long as the slave
helpshisbrother. (relatedbyImamMusliminhisSahihfromAbuHurayrah,mayAllahbepleasedwithhim).
I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to grant us, all Muslim brothers and sisters, scholars in particular and knowledge seekers in general success and guidance to the truth, for He is the Most Generous. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
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