What is the optimal method for forbidding evil?

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good. This questioner asks: How, and what is the optimal method for forbidding the evil that is widespread, such as smoking, shaving the beards, the duff (hand drum), and others? By Allah, my brothers.

The Shaykh : The issue of shaving the beard: I do not think anyone is ignorant that it is forbidden, or at the very least, that it contradicts the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, a person cannot stop everyone he passes in the market and say, "Fear Allah, do not shave your beard." If he thought this was obligatory, it would be imposing what is difficult and unbearable. However, if he sits with a person who shaves his beard, he should speak to him in the best manner and say, "I do not hide this." Here are two paths: the path of the messengers and the path of the Magians regarding shaving the beard. What does one who loves me say? What do the brothers say? Deep in his heart, he says, "The guidance of the Messenger and the path of the Messenger." We say that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a full beard, a wide beard, and a great beard, to the extent that his Companions would see him from behind while he was praying, and his beard would move. The prophets were likewise. Harun (peace be upon him) said to Musa (peace be upon him): As for the Magians, the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said about them: "They opposed the Magians, they burned the hair, and they let their mustaches hang down." Speak with the evidence; do not shout at him, because if you shout at him, you confirm what is between you and him on one hand, and he commits what he is doing on the other hand. Every time has its own state regarding how to enjoin good and forbid evil. Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, says: And turn away from them in a good manner.