How Should a Muslim Deal with Widespread Wrongdoings in Society?

Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa

Question

A practicing Muslim today witnesses many wrongdoings (munkirat) in society and on his path. What is the wise way to deal with these wrongdoings?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

There is no doubt that enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is a religious duty and one of the acts of worship that bring a person closer to Allah (Most High). Allah says:

“You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah.” [Quran, 3:110]

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him) said: “O people, you recite this verse:

‘O believers! You are accountable only for yourselves. It will not harm you if someone chooses to deviate—as long as you are (rightly) guided.’ [Quran, 5:105]

But I have heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: ‘If people see a wrongdoer and do not stop him, soon Allah will send a punishment upon them all.’” [Abu Dawud]

Guidelines

When forbidding wrong is not done correctly, it can lead to harm. Below are some key guidelines for approaching wrongdoing wisely:

1. Sincerity

Ensure that your intention when forbidding the wrong is sincere for Allah. Your goal should be to rectify the situation, not to criticize, embarrass, or shame others.

2. Ensure the Act Is Clearly Wrong

Before forbidding any act, make sure scholars unanimously agree it is forbidden. It should not be a matter of differing opinions or something that some scholars might permit. Consulting scholars on how to address the wrong can be beneficial.

3. Choose the Appropriate Method

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) mentioned three levels of changing wrong:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith” [Muslim]

Whether you are changing it by hand or tongue, it should always be done with gentleness and kindness. Allah (Most High) says:

“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner.” [Quran, 16:125]

4. Gradual Approach

Start by advising with kind words. If the person does not respond, only then consider more direct measures, such as using authority if you are in a position to do so, like being a parent or responsible individual.

5. Consider the Greater Good

Ensure that forbidding the wrong does not lead to a greater evil. Sometimes intervening can cause more harm than benefit, so you must assess the situation carefully.

6. Private Admonition

If the wrongdoing is not public, advise the person in private to avoid embarrassing them in front of others. This requires wisdom and discretion.

7. Patience and Perseverance

Sometimes, people may not respond to advice right away or react harshly. Be patient, gentle, and consistent in your efforts.

8. Boycotting

Lastly, I would like to highlight a special method of forbidding wrong: boycotting. Sometimes, boycotting individuals, companies, or institutions that openly engage in wrongdoing can be an effective method. By avoiding their products or services, the wrongdoers may feel social pressure to correct their behavior. This peaceful form of protest can serve as a way to address widespread wrongs when other methods fail.

And Allah knows best.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa