Is it obligatory to rebuke everyone who passes by me who is engaged in sins, given their large numbers?
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The questioner : O Shaykh, may Allah preserve you: Many people who are engaged in sins pass by a person, for example.
The Shaykh : Repeat the question and raise your voice.
The questioner : Many people pass by a person who display some sins, such as shaving the beard and letting the garment hang below the ankles. Is it obligatory for him to rebuke every person? For example, if someone prays next to him or in the street, considering the large number of people who commit these sins.
The Shaykh : People are divided into two categories: a category that you know is aware of the ruling, such as those who live among us, who hear the preachers and the orators saying that this is forbidden or not permissible, and it is not hidden from anyone.
And another category is ignorant, such as some foreigners who come from abroad and think that there is nothing wrong with it, because they may see their scholars doing this thing. As for the second category, it is necessary to alert them and teach them. As for the first category, which you know did it with knowledge, it is not obligatory for you to stop every person and say, "Come, shaving your beard is forbidden." But if you find an opportunity to sit with him or a suitable occasion, remind him of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Say, "O my brother, fear Allah. You know that shaving the beard is forbidden and that it is not permissible. Do you accept for yourself to follow the way of the polytheists and the Zoroastrians and leave the way of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)? Advise him and admonish him. For the first, we say teach him, because he is ignorant. For the second, we say admonish him and remind him of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). But in any case, fear Allah as much as you are able. We ask Allah for success for us and for you. This is the last question, O Ali, just one more.
The Shaykh : Repeat the question and raise your voice.
The questioner : Many people pass by a person who display some sins, such as shaving the beard and letting the garment hang below the ankles. Is it obligatory for him to rebuke every person? For example, if someone prays next to him or in the street, considering the large number of people who commit these sins.
The Shaykh : People are divided into two categories: a category that you know is aware of the ruling, such as those who live among us, who hear the preachers and the orators saying that this is forbidden or not permissible, and it is not hidden from anyone.
And another category is ignorant, such as some foreigners who come from abroad and think that there is nothing wrong with it, because they may see their scholars doing this thing. As for the second category, it is necessary to alert them and teach them. As for the first category, which you know did it with knowledge, it is not obligatory for you to stop every person and say, "Come, shaving your beard is forbidden." But if you find an opportunity to sit with him or a suitable occasion, remind him of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Say, "O my brother, fear Allah. You know that shaving the beard is forbidden and that it is not permissible. Do you accept for yourself to follow the way of the polytheists and the Zoroastrians and leave the way of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)? Advise him and admonish him. For the first, we say teach him, because he is ignorant. For the second, we say admonish him and remind him of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). But in any case, fear Allah as much as you are able. We ask Allah for success for us and for you. This is the last question, O Ali, just one more.