Leading by Example: The Silent Power of Righteousness

Introduction

The 7^th of Tir (28^th June) is dedicated to Amr bil-Ma’ruf wa Nahy ‘an al-Munkar – the divine duty of enjoining good and forbidding wrong. On this occasion, we reflect on a profound tradition from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), who outlines the most effective method of this Islamic responsibility – not through words, but through one’s character and actions. This principle is timeless, especially relevant today in a world saturated with words and short on integrity. Through embodying piety, diligence, prayer, and goodness, a believer becomes a living invitation to the path of God.

الإمام الصادق (عليه السلام):

كُونُوا دُعَاةً لِلنَّاسِ بِغَيْرِ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ لِيَرَوْا مِنْكُمُ اَلْوَرَعَ وَ اَلاِجْتِهَادَ وَ اَلصَّلاَةَ وَ اَلْخَيْرَ فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ دَاعِيَةٌ (بحار الأنوار، ج 67، ص 303)

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s) said:

Be callers to people without your tongues, so that they may see from you piety, effort, prayer, and goodness – for indeed, that is a true form of invitation (Bihār al-Anwār, vol. 67, p. 303).

The educational messages of this Hadith for the different groups of Muslim communities including teenagers, youth, parents, and Imams have been elaborated here.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Teenagers and Youth:

1. Let Your Character Speak Louder Than Your Words

Youth often feel pressure to preach or argue in defence of their values, especially in environments where Islamic beliefs are questioned. This hadith teaches that consistent piety and goodness are more powerful than verbal persuasion. Practising what you believe builds respect and admiration even among those who disagree. Being a good Muslim is not about talking; it’s about becoming.

Practical Challenge: Choose one Islamic value (e.g., honesty, punctuality, modesty) and commit to visibly practising it at school or work for a full week.

2. Speak with Your Actions

Don’t stay silent when you see something wrong around you. Even if you can’t stop it directly, show that you don’t agree with it by doing the opposite. If others are being dishonest, you be honest. If people around you are spreading hate, you spread kindness. Your actions are a form of protest, a quiet resistance that can speak louder than arguments. Imam Sadiq (as) teaches us that staying silent when wrong becomes normal is dangerous. Let your behaviour be a message that says: “This isn’t right.” That’s a way of standing up and it matters.

Practical Challenge: This week, when you see something wrong like disrespect, dishonesty, or exclusion, don’t stay silent. Respond by doing the opposite: show respect, speak the truth, include others. Let your actions quietly protest what’s wrong and remind people what’s right.

3. Strive, Don’t Just Survive

The hadith includes الاجتهاد (effort, diligence) as a key trait of someone who spiritually inspire others. This means striving in studies, personal discipline, and acts of service. Young Muslims should not blend into mediocrity but shine through hard work and self-discipline. Real da’wah begins when excellence meets humility.

Practical Challenge: Choose a project (school, personal growth, or community service) and set a clear, measurable goal to complete it as well as you can in the next 10 days.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Parents:

4. Be a Living Example for Your Children

Children imitate far more than they obey. When parents consistently perform prayer, avoid unethical behaviour, and show compassion, their children learn these values without needing constant instruction. This hadith reminds us that the most effective parenting is through silent, persistent modelling. Faith taught with actions leaves a deeper impact than words ever could.

Practical Challenge: This week, let your child witness you performing a charitable act without announcing it or seeking attention.

5. Don’t Normalize the Wrong — Even in the Small Things

Sometimes, out of convenience or fear of conflict, we let small wrongs pass – a lie to avoid embarrassment, silence in the face of injustice, or brushing off harmful behaviour. But children learn what’s normal by what their parents tolerate. Amr bil-Ma’ruf begins by protecting the moral compass of your own family not with harshness, but with clarity, consistency, and moral courage.

Practical Challenge: This week, pay close attention to the “small wrongs” that come up at home such as a white lie, a harsh tone, disrespecting parents by children, ignoring unfairness, or a disrespectful joke. Instead of letting it slide, gently name it and offer a better way. Use calm, honest moments to show your family that doing what’s right matters, even when it’s easier not to.

6. Be the Full Picture of Faith — Not Just One Part

As a parent, your worship — like prayer and fasting — is essential, but it’s only one part of the picture. If it’s not combined with honesty, kindness, effort, and good character, your children may see contradictions instead of inspiration. True Amr bil-Ma’ruf begins when you live a faith that is not only prayed but practiced — showing that belief in Allah is visible in your actions, your words, and your choices every day.

Practical Challenge: Choose one value — like honesty or kindness — and practice it clearly in front of your kids this week. Link it to your faith by saying something like, “I’m doing this because it’s what Allah loves.” Let them see that your worship shows in your actions.

7. Daily Worship Is Daily Education

The mention of الصلاة (prayer) in the hadith is a reminder that our regular acts of worship are educational tools. When children see their parents consistently praying, it reinforces the importance of divine connection. You don’t need to lecture them about prayer if they grow up watching it practised with love and discipline.

Practical Challenge: Make one prayer each day a shared moment with your children this week, even if only for a short time.

Educational Messages from the Hadith for Imams and Community Leaders:

8. Preach Through Personal Integrity

This hadith challenges religious leaders to first be the embodiment of what they teach and preach. A sermon is more convincing when it mirrors the lifestyle of the speaker. When the community sees your devotion to prayer, discipline, and service, your words gain real weight. Leadership in Islam is not just about knowledge and words; it’s more about being an actual and practical moral compass.

Practical Challenge: Review your daily schedule and ask: “Am I living what I preach?” Identify one gap and actively work on closing it this week.

9. Build Communities through Visible Goodness

The hadith mentions الخير (goodness) not just abstract good intentions, but concrete, visible acts of benefit. Imams and religious figures should be seen serving the elderly, supporting the youth, and helping the poor. These acts are more persuasive than a thousand lectures.

Practical Challenge: This week, participate in or initiate one local community service effort – publicly and humbly.