The Obligation to Deny the Evil One Hears About but Does Not See

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this questioner says: Is it obligatory for a person to deny the evil he hears about but has not seen? Or does he deny the evil—may Allah keep you safe—is it obligatory for a person to deny the evil he hears about and has not seen? For example, if it is said that in such-and-such a place there is such-and-such evil. Or is a person only required to deny the evil he sees, and everything else is merely recommended?

Answer:
It is necessary to deny the evil if one hears about it; it is necessary that he disapproves of it, at least in his heart. If he is able to speak to the one who has the evil, or to speak to the men of the Hisbah (public order) and say that in such-and-such a place there is such-and-such, he must deny the evil, at least in his heart. If he is able to deny it with his tongue, or if he has the authority to go and change it with his hand, he must do so. One who is informed of the evil must disapprove of it, even if he was not present. It is reported in the athar (narrations) that there are evils in which a person becomes a partner, even if he was not present. If he does not deny them, he becomes a partner in them. If he does not deny them, or if he keeps them secret, he becomes a partner in them and shares in their consequences. And one who is present, if he denies them, is safe from them, and he is safe from them if he denies them to the best of his ability.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you