Guidelines for Changing Evil by Force
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What are the Shari'ah guidelines for changing evil by force? And is it permissible to spy on the people of evil in order to forbid them, for one who is not among the people of hisbah (public order)?
Changing evil by force is only possible for one who holds authority, meaning the ruler or his deputies whom he has appointed to act in his place, not for individual people, especially in our time; because an individual among us may think that something is evil when it is not, and he changes it by force, and this results in great harms.
So, changing evil by force now is not possible; this is for the rulers.
As for changing evil by the tongue, yes, you change it by the tongue and advise him with gentleness and softness, and you explain to him the benefits of leaving this evil, and the harms if he persists in it.
Spying is not permissible, except if you find indications that point to the existence of evil, strong indications, and then it is not permissible for everyone to spy, because if one of those who are upon evil goes out and finds this man, what would he do to him?The questioner: He would harm him.
The Shaykh: He would not harm him; perhaps he would kill him.
But if it comes from the responsible authorities, then this is possible,But as I said: on the condition that there are apparent indications, such as women or male prostitutes entering this house, or something similar to that.
Changing evil by force is only possible for one who holds authority, meaning the ruler or his deputies whom he has appointed to act in his place, not for individual people, especially in our time; because an individual among us may think that something is evil when it is not, and he changes it by force, and this results in great harms.
So, changing evil by force now is not possible; this is for the rulers.
As for changing evil by the tongue, yes, you change it by the tongue and advise him with gentleness and softness, and you explain to him the benefits of leaving this evil, and the harms if he persists in it.
Spying is not permissible, except if you find indications that point to the existence of evil, strong indications, and then it is not permissible for everyone to spy, because if one of those who are upon evil goes out and finds this man, what would he do to him?The questioner: He would harm him.
The Shaykh: He would not harm him; perhaps he would kill him.
But if it comes from the responsible authorities, then this is possible,But as I said: on the condition that there are apparent indications, such as women or male prostitutes entering this house, or something similar to that.