Imam Khamenei – How to Enjoin the Good and Forbid Evil

Q1: How should a son approach parents who are negligent in their religious duties due to a lack of full faith?

A: He should gently and respectfully remind them of their religious obligations, speaking in a soft and considerate tone while maintaining the respect due to them as parents.

Q2: My brother neglects Islamic and moral standards, and my advice has had no effect. What is my duty in this situation?

A: It is obligatory to express disapproval of any behaviour that contradicts Islamic law. However, this should be done in a kind and brotherly manner that is both appropriate and effective. Cutting family ties is impermissible.

Q3: What kind of relationship is allowed with someone who previously engaged in unlawful acts, such as drinking?

A: The key factor is their current behaviour. If they have repented, they should be treated like any other believer. However, if they continue to engage in prohibited acts, it becomes obligatory to discourage such behaviour, including avoiding their company if that is the only effective measure.

Q4: Western culture often promotes values at odds with Islamic morals, including men wearing gold or women wearing inappropriate clothing. How should such actions be addressed?

A: Men wearing gold or any attire that reflects the culture of non-believers is strictly prohibited. Individuals engaging in these behaviours should be advised against them, and others should fulfil their duty to forbid such actions in a respectful manner.

Q5: At times, university students or employees persist in sinful behaviour despite repeated advice. Can administrative measures like official reprimands be used?

A: It is permissible to take such administrative actions, provided they comply with university regulations. Students and youth should be diligent in learning and applying the principles of enjoining good and forbidding evil, utilizing moral and effective methods rather than personal motives. May Allah grant you success in this noble duty.

Q6: Is it permissible to withhold a greeting (salām) from someone who commits sinful acts, as a form of discouragement?

A: It is obligatory to respond to a Muslim’s greeting. However, if withholding a greeting can effectively discourage sinful behaviour, it is permissible to do so.

(Source: Practical Laws of Islam – Imam Khamenei, leader.ir)

Ayatollah Sistani – Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

Ruling 1: Enjoining good and forbidding evil can be carried out at various levels:

Heartfelt aversion – For instance, by turning away or avoiding interaction with the wrongdoer.

Verbal advice and guidance – Offering counsel in a kind manner.

Physical intervention – In extreme cases, physical measures may be necessary, but these require the authorization of a qualified jurist.

It is essential to begin with the least confrontational methods and increase intensity only if necessary, ensuring that the measures remain appropriate and do not result in physical harm.

Ruling 2: The obligation to enjoin good and forbid evil is stronger when it comes to family members. For instance, if a relative neglects religious duties like prayer, fasting, or the payment of khums, or engages in sinful acts such as backbiting, one must gently encourage them toward good deeds. However, when dealing with parents, one must always adopt a soft and respectful approach.

(Source: Ayatollah Sistani’s rulings, sistani.org)

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi – Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

Issue 1: If a religious innovation (bid‘ah) is introduced under the banner of Islam, it is obligatory for all Muslims, particularly scholars, to speak out against it. Silence that leads to the degradation of knowledge or casts doubt on scholars must be avoided, even if such efforts may not seem immediately effective.

Issue 2: If silence could lead to an unlawful act being perceived as permissible, it becomes obligatory to speak out.

Issue 3: If remaining silent emboldens an oppressor or encourages sinful behaviour, scholars and others must express the truth, regardless of the immediate outcome.

Issue 4: Different levels exist for enjoining good and forbidding evil, and not all require the permission of a jurist. Heartfelt disapproval, verbal advice, and cutting ties can be done without permission. However, physical measures such as punishment or damage require juristic approval, and the extent of any such action must align with the jurist’s rulings.