By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

Forbidding Evil Deeds as Part of Righteousness

It is part of righteousness in Islâm to forbid evil deeds.  This is to maintain peace and harmony among mankind as Islâm is a religion for peace.  Inline with this, our Rabb forbids the following evil deeds:  all indecent deeds, evil and rebellion[1],  transgression[2], mischief[3], boastfulness, arrogance, selfishness, niggardliness[4],  spending to be seen of men[5], pride[6], envy[7], making oaths to deceive others[8], slandering[9],  and laughing at others, sarcastic attitude,  nor calling others by offensive nicknames, suspicion, spying, or speaking ill of others behind their backs:

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let [some] women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one’s brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed thâlimoon [wrong-doers]. O who you believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it [so hate backbiting]. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (Qur’ân 49: 11-12)

Abu Hurairah  narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales, do not look for the other’s faults, do not spy, do not be jealous of one another, do not desert (cut your relation with) one another, and do not hate one another.  O Allâh’s worshippers!  Be brothers (as Allâh has ordered you!).”    (Bukhâri 8/90)

In Islâm, to speak maliciously about someone in his absence is an abominable act. Corollary to this, Allâh  has asked us to avoid suspicion as much as possible:

“O who you believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins.”   (Qur’ân 49: 12)

If a wicked person tells us something against someone else, we should not immediately accept it as true information. If a sinner comes to us with any news we have to ascertain the truth in order not to harm people unwittingly:

“O who you believe! If a Fâsiq [liar – evil person] comes to you with any new, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.”   (Qur’ân 49: 6)

Other forbidden acts in Islâm include: drinking wine and gambling[10], usury[11], extravagance[12], stealing,  adultery and fornication, killing of children; slandering; and forging falsehood: 

“O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the pledge, that they will not associate anything in worship with Allâh, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood [i.e. by making illegal children belonging to their husbands], and they will not disobey you in Islâmic Monotheism, then accept their pledge, and ask Allâh to forgive them. Verily, Allâh is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.”   (Qur’ân 60: 12)

Furthermore, Allâh has prohibited the taking of life, which He has made sacred, except by way of justice and law.  He says:

“…And kill not anyone whom Allâh has forbidden, except for a just cause [according to Islâmic law]. This He has commanded you that you may understand.”    (Qur’ân 6: 151)

A believer should never kill a believer; but (if it so happens) by mistake, then, compensation is due. This is a just commandment from Allâh Who says: 

“It is not for a believer to kill a believer except [that it be] by mistake; and whosoever kills a believer by mistake, [it is ordained that] he must set free a believing slave and a compensation [blood-money] be given to the deceased’s family unless they remit it. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave [is prescribed]; and if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation [blood-money] must be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed. And who so finds this [the penance of freeing a slave] beyond his means, he must fast for two consecutive months in order to seek repentance from Allâh. And Allâh is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.”    (Qur’ân 4: 92) 

If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell. Our Creator says:

“And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein; and the Wrath and the Curse of Allâh are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him.”    (Qur’ân 4: 93)

In order to avoid evil deeds, Allâh the Exalted commands us to show enmity to Satan, the accursed. Allâh directs us to keep away from evil thoughts and deeds. He reminds us not to let Satan seduce us to follow his way for he is an avowed enemy to us. Allâh, the Exalted, admonishes us: 

“O mankind!  Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan for he is to you an avowed enemy. For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allâh that of which you have no knowledge.”     (Qur’ân 2: 168-169)

“O you children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as he got your parents out of the Garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame. For he and his tribe see you from a position where you cannot see them. We made Satan’s friends [only] for those without Faith.”    (Qur’ân 7: 27)  

“…For Satan is to man an avowed enemy!” (Qur’ân 12: 5)

“O you who believe! Follow not Satan’s footsteps. If any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will [but] command what is shameful and wrong.  And were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allâh on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allâh does purify whom He pleases. And Allâh is One Who hears and knows [all things].”   (Qur’ân 24: 21)

“Verily, Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become companions of the Blazing Fire.”   (Qur’ân 35: 6)

“Did I not enjoin on you O Children of Adam, that you must not worship Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed? And that you should worship Me [Alone], for that this was the Straight Way? But he did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did you not, then, understand?”   (Qur’ân 36: 60-62)

We have to avoid Satan by all means. Allâh reminds us that Satan makes promises, only to deceive us. Satan only wants us to go astray. Those who take Satan as a friend will surely dwell in Hell.  Our Creator makes clear to us:

“Satan threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allâh promises you His Forgiveness and Bounties. And Allâh cares for all and He knows all things.”   (Qur’ân 2: 268)

“…Whoever forsaking Allâh, takes Satan for a friend, has of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest. Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires; but Satan’s promises are nothing but deception. They [his dupes] will have their dwelling in Hell, and from it they will find no way of escape.”    (Qur’ân 4: 119-121)

Allâh is our Guardian Rabb and Protector[13]. The following Verses in the Qur’ân should enlighten the non-Muslims and make them realize that Allâh  guides us to seek His Protection from Satan’s influence:

“If a suggestion from Satan assails your [mind], seek refuge with Allâh; for He hears and knows [all things]. Those who fear Allâh, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allâh to remembrance, when verily, they see [aright]!” (Qur’ân 7: 200-201)

“And if [at any time] an incitement to discord is made to you by the Satan, seek refuge in Allâh. He is the One Who hears and knows all things.”    (Qur’ân 41: 36)

In line with the above Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) are numerous Prophetic teachings which admonish us Muslims to refrain from evil deeds.  Let us try to avoid evil deeds (or actions hated or forbidden by Allâh and His Messenger) as stated clearly in the following authentic Ahâdîth:

Ubada ibn As-Samit narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said while a group of his companions were around him, “Give me the Bai`a (pledge) for : 1. Not to join anything in worship along with Allâh, 2. not to steal, 3. not to commit illegal sexual intercourse, 4. not to kill your children, 5. not to utter slander intentionally forging falsehood, 6. not to be disobedient (when ordered to do all good deeds)  (The Prophet added): “Whoever amongst you fulfills his pledge will be rewarded by Allâh and whoever indulges in anyone of these (sins) gets the punishment in this world, that punishment will be an expiation for that sin.  And if one indulges in any of them, and Allâh conceals (his sin), it is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter).”   (Bukhâri 1/17)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said, “When an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it, and when a drinker of an alcoholic liquor drinks it, then he is not a believer at the time of drinking it, and when a thief steals, then he is not a believer at the time of stealing, and when a robber robs, and the people look at him, then he is not a believer at the time of doing robbery.”  (Bukhâri  3/655)

 Narrated Wathila ibn Al-Asqa: Allâh’s Messenger said, “Verily, one of the worst lies is to claim falsely to be the son of someone other than one’s real father, or to claim to have had a dream one has not had, or to attribute to me what I have not said..”  (Bukhâri  4/712)

Abu Bakra narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said,: “Shall I not inform you of the biggest of the great sins?  We said, “Yes, O Allâh’s Messenger.”   He said “To join  partners  in worship with  Allâh; to be undutiful to one’s parents.”   The Prophet sat up after he had been reclining and added, “And I warn you against giving forged statement and a false witness;  I warn you against giving forged statement and a false witness.”   The Prophet kept on saying that warning till we thought that he would not stop.”  (Bukhâri  8/7)

Narrated Hudhaifa: I heard the Prophet saying “A Qattat (a person who conveys disagreeable, false information from one person to another with the intention of causing harm and enmity between them) will not enter Paradise.”  (Bukhâri  8/82)

Abu Dhar narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Abusing a Muslim is fusuq (i.e., an evil doing and killing him is kufr (disbelief).”   (Bukhâri  8/70)

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah ibn Umarwho narrates from the Prophet of Allâhwho said:  “He who took arms against us is not of us.”  (Muslim   1/179)

`Aishah narrated that the Prophet said: “The most hated person in the sight of Allâh is the most quarrelsome person.”    (Bukhâri 8/ 637)

Abu Umamah narrated that the Messenger of Allâh said: “He who appropriated the right of a Muslim by (swearing a false) oath, Allâh would make Hell-fire necessary for him and would declare Paradise forbidden for him. A person said to him: Messenger of Allâh, even if it is something insignificant? He (the Prophet) replied: (Yes) even if it is the twig of the arak tree.”  (Muslim 252)

Abu Hurairahnarrated that the Messenger of Allâh said: “He will not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not secure from his wrongful conduct.”  (Muslim 74)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:  “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales.  Do not look for the others’ faults and do not spy.  Do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert (cut your relation with) one another, and do not hate one another.  And O Allâh’s worshippers! Be brothers (as Allâh has ordered you!)” (Bukhâri 8/90 and Muslim 4/6214-6218)

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Anybody who believes in Allâh and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and anybody who believes in Allâh and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allâh and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk).”   (Bukhâri 8/47)

Abu Ayub Al-Ansarinarrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “It is not lawful for a man to desert his brother (Muslim) for more than three nights. (It is unlawful for them that) when they meet, one of them turns away his face from the other, and the other turns his face from the former, and the better of the two will be the one who greets the other first.”  (Bukhâri  8/ 100)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allâh’s Messenger said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”  (Bukhâri  8/135); (Muslim 4:6311-6314)

 (Abu Hurairah)narrated that a man said to the Prophet, “Advise me! The Prophetsaid, “Do not be angry and furious.”  The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, “Do not be angry and furious.”  (Bukhâri  8/ 137)

Abu Hurairahreported Allâh’s Messenger as saying: “Do you know what is backbiting?”  They (the Companions) said: “Allâh and His Messenger know best.”  Thereupon he said: “Backbiting implies your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like.”  It was said to him: “What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made mention of?”  He said: “If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact, backbite him, and if that is not it is a slander.”    (Muslim 4/ 6265)

Abu Hurairahreported Allâh’s Messenger as saying: “The worst amongst the people is the double-faced one; he comes to some people with one face and to others with the other face.”   (Muslim 4/ 6300, 6301 and 6302)

Ibn `Abbas narrated that the Prophetcursed effeminate men (those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners) of women and those women who assume the manners of men) and he said, “Turn them out of your houses.”   The Prophet turned out such and such man, and Umar turned out such and such woman.   (Bukhâri 7/ 774)

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “No woman should ask for the divorce of her sister (Muslim) so as to take her place, but she should marry the man (without compelling him to divorce his other wife), for she will have nothing but what Allâh has written for her.”  (Bukhâri 8/ 598)

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet said:  “Avoid envy, for envy devours good deeds just as fire devours fuel or (he said) grass.”   (Abu Dawud 4885)

Abu Barzah Al-Aslami narrated that the Prophet said:  “O community of people, who believed by their tongue, and belief did not enter their hearts, do not back-bite Muslims; and do not search for their faults, for if anyone searches for their faults, Allâh will search for his fault, and if Allâh searches for the fault of anyone, He disgraces him in his house.”  (Abu Dawud 4862)

The above authentic Ahâdîth  are just few of the many forbidden acts in Islam that we need to avoid as refraining ourselves from committing sins is part of righteousness.  For our guidance and success, let us spend more time knowing how to attain righteousness so that we become among the Faithful and Righteous Muslims or the Mu’hsinoon and the Mutaqoon who deserve Allah’s rewards.