Explaining what is obligatory upon the one who enjoins good and forbids evil
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Question:
I hope you will guide me—may Allah reward you with good—in the following matter, in implementation of Allah’s command to enjoin good and forbid evil. Throughout my life, I have tried to do so and have not left it off, but it has caused me many problems in my work, in my residence, and with my neighbors. Many people have told me that my calling lacks gentleness and wisdom. I have tried repeatedly to soften my approach, but I have not been able to. In fact, sometimes my zeal takes over and I react in a way that is not gentle. What should I do, and what do you advise me?
Answer:
Harm is inevitable. Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said regarding Luqman: [Luqman:17]. Therefore, patience is necessary. And Allah says: [Al-Anfal:46], [An-Nahl:127].
So whoever stands for Allah, enjoining and forbidding, and calling to Allah, must inevitably be afflicted with some harm, just as the messengers were afflicted—and they are the best of people (peace and blessings be upon them)—and likewise their followers receive their share of harm. Therefore, patience is necessary. You must be patient and strive to control yourself with good words, a good manner, and by not reacting impulsively, so that the calling, and the enjoining of good and forbidding of evil, will be in a place of acceptance, and so that the harm does not become excessive.
I hope you will guide me—may Allah reward you with good—in the following matter, in implementation of Allah’s command to enjoin good and forbid evil. Throughout my life, I have tried to do so and have not left it off, but it has caused me many problems in my work, in my residence, and with my neighbors. Many people have told me that my calling lacks gentleness and wisdom. I have tried repeatedly to soften my approach, but I have not been able to. In fact, sometimes my zeal takes over and I react in a way that is not gentle. What should I do, and what do you advise me?
Answer:
Harm is inevitable. Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said regarding Luqman:
O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.
يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَى مَا أَصَابَكَ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورand be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
وَاصْبِرُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَAnd be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah
وَاصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِSo whoever stands for Allah, enjoining and forbidding, and calling to Allah, must inevitably be afflicted with some harm, just as the messengers were afflicted—and they are the best of people (peace and blessings be upon them)—and likewise their followers receive their share of harm. Therefore, patience is necessary. You must be patient and strive to control yourself with good words, a good manner, and by not reacting impulsively, so that the calling, and the enjoining of good and forbidding of evil, will be in a place of acceptance, and so that the harm does not become excessive.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.