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 Da'wah and Enjoining Right and Forbidding Wrong in The Light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah

A Book Review By
Jamalodden H.A. Abdurraheem
Marawi City, Philippines
(MA in Islamic Studies Graduate)

All praise is due to Allah, Rabbol Aalamin (the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Universe) Who perfected for us our religion, completed His favor upon us, and chose Islam as our religion (complete way of life) so that we shall not adopt any deviated path or any sects that follows a Bid’ah’s beliefs or actions. He says in the Holy Qur'an (which may be translated as):

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed my favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." [Al-Maidah 5:3].

 He also said in the Holy Qur’an (which may be translated as):

 “And whoever desires other than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers." [Al-Imran 3:85].

 I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah Alone, Who has no partner. He maintains and administers the heavens and the earth. It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although those who associate others with Allah dislike it. I bear witness that Muhammad (Sallallho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is the last and final messenger of Allah to all mankind and has completely and perfectly conveyed the message of Allah. Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) says in the Holy Qur’an (which may be translated as):

 “Indeed, We have revealed to you, (O Muhammad), as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him." [An-Nisah 4:163].

 He (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) also says (which may be translated as):

            “And We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muhammad], except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe." [An-Nahl 16:64].

 Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) said (which may be translated as):

            “I have been sent to complete the qualities of good character."

 May Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) send His prayers and His greetings upon Muhammad, his family, his Sahabas, and the Tabi-ins and all those who follow their footsteps to the right path.

Da’wah and enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, every time that this topic is discussed, I always remember the Ayah in the Holy Qur’an which tells about the story of Prophet Ambraham (Alaihis Salaam) when he met the most tyrant and transgressor king of his time in this world. In fact, the said king was one of the “Tagots” (because he considered himself god). Iblis is the leader of the Tagots. The Ayah says (which may be translated as):

 “Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Rabb [merely] because Allah had given him kingship? When Abraham said, “My Rabb is the one who gives life and causes death,” he said, “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said, “Indeed, Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.” So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” [Al-Baqarah 2:258]

 This story is one of many examples given by Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) in the Holy Qur’an that implied how important the Da’wah is, and how He grants wisdom to those whom He chose in doing Da’wah and become a good pattern for those who follow their footsteps. Prophet Abraham (Alaihis Salaam) did not argue negatively with the king (e.g. to tell him for example that he is liar because it is impossible as he is not god) when he replied by pretending that he can give life and causes death like the Rabbol Aalamin. Instead, Prophet Abraham (Alaihis Salaam) understands his situation very well that he is dealing with the most tyrant king that needs to be dealt with wisdom. Therefore, he wisely replied by saying, “if you can give life and cause death like my Rabb as you claimed then my Rabb is bringing up the sun from the west, so bring it up from the west if you are really like Him” and the most tyrant and most strong king of his time was finally defeated . 

Therefore, Da’wah and enjoining right and forbidding wrong is a very long and very important topic to discuss, especially nowadays that the Muslim Ummah needs to be reminded to revive their faith and sincerity with Allah and to His religion. The Muslim Ummah is getting farther and farther from the real teachings of the Book of Allah; the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). The E-book we read about Da’wah and Enjoining Right and Forbidding Wrong in the light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, compiled by Dr. Norlain bint Muhammad Dindang which include the Introduction to the Salafi Da’wah, Inviting Towards Allah, The Qualities of the Caller by the Noble Shaykh/ Abdulaziz bin Baaz, The Enjoining Right and Forbidding Wrong by Sheikhul Islam ibn Taymiyyah, and the Questions and Answers Concerning Ad-Da’watus Salafiyyah by Al-‘Allamah ‘Ubayd Al-Jaabiree is only a few among the written books about this topic. The reason behind it is, enjoining right and forbidding wrong is, although a collective obligatory (fardh kifaya) to the Muslim Ummah but it is a very important duty and responsibility as it is the prophet’s mission in this world. The people by their own different races, colors, conditions, strengths, and characteristics are in dire need of it in order to organize and systemize their life as an individual or as a society or as a nation. Islam is not merely a religion of worship (i.e. does and don’t) but a complete way of life that promote peace, love, equality, justice, respect, etc., and denounced cheating, injustice, terrorism, and all other detestable acts.

Da’wah, and enjoining right and forbidding wrong is the highest and most honored works because it is the works of all the prophets who were the most honored and most noble people in the sight of the Creator; Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala). It is also the works of all the prophet’s successors like the most guided caliphates of Allah’s Messenger (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and the Ulamas (Muslim Scholars) who guided people to the truth because they love for them what is good and hate for them what is wrong in Islam for the sake of Allah. They strive hard to reform people’s conditions, to remove chaos and strife, and to condemn disobedience to Allah, and to His Prophet and the Muslim leaders who believe in Allah and His Prophets. Thus, Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) have praised those people who are enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. He says in the Holy Qur’an which may be translated as:

“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah." [Al-Imran 3:110]

 In the same Surah (chapter), Allah (Subhanho Wa Ta-ala) promised success to those who are enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong as he says in the Holy Qur’an which may be translated as:  

“And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." [Al-Imran 3:104]

 In another Surah (chapter) of the Holy Qur’an, again Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) promised mercy to those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. He says which may be translated as:

 “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakath and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those- Allah will have mercy upon them, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." [At-Tawbah 9:71]

 These are only a few among the mentioned evidences in the Holy Qur’an which show how Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) praised and promised a glad tidings to those who are enjoining right and forbidding wrong.  

In opposite to that, Allah (Subhanano Wa Ta-ala) warned and blamed those who neglect the enjoining of what is right and forbidding what is wrong. He says in the Holy Qur’an about the children of Israel who neglected it and followed their Hawaa (self desire) which may be translated as:

 “Cursed were those who disbelieved among the Children of Israel by the tongue of David and of Jesus, the son of Mary. That was because they disobeyed and [habitually] transgresses. They used not to prevent one another from wrongdoing that they did. How wretched was that which they were doing." [Al-Maidah 5:78-79] 

In one Surah (Chapter) of the Holy Qur’an, Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) warned us not to become one among the losers as He says which may be translated as:

“By time. Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." [Sura Al-Asr 103] 

Also, Da’wah and enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is among the important kinds of worship that bring us near to Allah because it is a sign of obedience to Him, while neglecting it is a sign of disobedience to Him. We learnt from the E-book that obedience causes ease and disobedience causes difficulty. Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) says which may be translated as:

“And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened [i.e., bestowed] upon them the blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.” [Al-A’raf 7:96]

“And whatever calamity befalls you, it is according to that which your own hands earned – and Allah forgives much” [As-Shurah 42:30] 

“Allah is not about to punish them while you are amongst them, and he is not about to punish them while they (i.e. some among them) seek His Forgiveness." [Al-Anfal 8:33] 

It is therefore the duties and responsibilities of the Muslim Ummah to make Da’wah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong according to their capabilities. The Muslim should not be taken by the reasons that enjoining right and forbidding wrong is the duty of the Ulamas (Muslim Scholars) only or the Da'wah institutions like some people or group of people used to say or believed. The Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) said which may be translated as:

 “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single Ayah (verse)…” [Sahih Bukhari] 

He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) also said which may be translated as:

“Whoever of you sees wrong being committed let him change it with his hand (i.e. by force). If he is unable to do that, then with his tongue, and if he is unable to do that then with his heart." [Sahih Muslim]   

However, there are some important conditions to be considered in enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, lest it will cause more corrupt (fasad) instead of reforms (Islah). Umar ibn Abdulaziz used to say:

 “Whoever worships Allah without knowledge corrupts more than he benefits” [Quoted from "Enjoining Right and Forbidding Wrong" by Ibn Taymiyah]

 To cite an example is the story of Mojahid who said, “While we were in the round of knowledge [old style of learning Islam] with the companions of Ibn Abbas, a man came to us and said, ‘is there anyone of you can give fatwa?’ At that time, Ibn Abbas was praying. We replied, ‘Give us your question’. He said, ‘Every time I urinated a discharged followed it’? We said, ‘Is it a sperm that cause to make a child’? He said, ‘Yes’. We told him, ‘You have to take a gusl (bath)’. The man left saying, ‘Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon’ to mean ‘In Allah we belong and to Him we shall return’ as a sign of unpleasant reaction, perhaps, because of the difficulty he feels (i.e., taking a bath after every urination in a place and condition they used to have). Upon hearing it, Ibn Abbas finished his prayer immediately and faced his companions to tell them to call the man back. Then he started asking his companions in what basis they gave the man a fatwa, is it from the Qur’an? They said, ‘No’, is it from the saying of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam)? They said, ‘No’, is it from the companions of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam)? They said, ‘No’, then, what is your basis? They replied, ‘From our own opinion’. When the man came back Ibn Abbas asked him, ‘Have you seen when it comes out from you, do you find desire from your private part?’ He said, ‘No’. ‘Do you find numbness in your body? He said, ‘No’. Ibn Abbas said, ‘That is only an Ibridah (cold inside) and it is sufficient for you to have wudho (ablution) only'.” [Kitab Akhlaq Al-Ulama (Character of the Scholars) by Al-Hafiz/ Abi-Bakr Muhammad bin Al-Husain Al-Aajorri].

One of these important conditions is knowledge. It is required upon a Muslim who is doing Da’wah and enjoining right and forbidding wrong to learn at least what is Ma’ruf (good) and what is Munkar (wrong) in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) says to Prophet Muhammad (Sallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) which may be translated as:

 “Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me.” [Yusuf 12:108].

 Another important condition is good intention, which means that a Muslim in his Da’wah and enjoining right and forbidding wrong activities, his intention must be to reform (Islah) and to drive away corruption (fasad) and to guide people to the straight path for the sake of Allah alone. Personal interest only or a worldly affair purposes without guidance from Allah is following a personal desire (hawaa) and it must be avoided because it is a major sin Islam. Muslim is permitted to have good balance of life i.e., to work hard to have a good life in this world and to attain good life in the Hereafter after death. But, whoever follows his hawaa (self-desire) has gone astray. Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) says which may be translated as:

 “And who is more astray than the one who follows his hawaa without any guidance from Allah." [Al-Qasas 28:50].

Iman (belief) and taqwa (fearing Allah and righteous deed) is also an important condition based on the principle that “you can not give what you do not posses." How can a Muslim invite people to Tawheed (to worship Allah Alone) if he himself does not have a correct Aqeedah? How can a Muslim forbid people from doing wrong if he himself is not avoiding it? Thus, Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) warned those who say what they do not follow by saying in the Holy Qur’an which may be translated as:

 “O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do” [As-Saf 61:2-3]

Other conditions are the expected correct characters and good attributes from a Muslim to become a good example especially those who are enjoining rights and forbidding wrong e.g., ikhlas (sincerity), compassion, determination, forbearance, tolerance, patience, courage, generosity, etc., Also, capability to outweigh the positive and negative impact of the Da’wah, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and the capability to understand the conditions of the people are required in order to make the Da’wah activities more effective and more acceptable. These conditions can be attained through practice and du'a – asking Allah to grant us the correct characters and good attributes. Allah (Subhanaho wa Ta-ala) ordered us to imitate the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) when He says which may be translated as:

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Las Day.” [Al-Ahzab 33:21]

Finally, the Muslim Ummah must do Da'wah and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong according to our capability in obedience to Allah and His Prophet. This is our duties towards Allah to convey the message of Islam based on the Sunnah of His Prophet and it is upon Allah to guide them to the straight path. We must understand also the performing our duties towards Allah, dealing with any individual nicely, doing our job properly and sincerely, treating our parents with respect and kindness, being good to our family and relatives, and dealing with our children equally is a simplest way to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. Allah knows best.

 Lastly, may Allah (Subhanaho Wa Ta-ala) guide the Muslim Ummah and protect them.

  Jamalodden H.A. Abdurraheem
 

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