By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

Islâm Enjoins Righteousness and Prohibits Evil Deeds

Islâm as the right religion, enjoins nothing but righteousness.  Likewise, it prohibits wrong and evil deeds. Allâh, in His infinite Mercy, has commanded us to follow Islâm as the right religion so that we may be righteous:

 “Verily this is my Way leading straight: follow it: follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His (great) path: thus does He command you that you may be righteous.”    (Qur’ân 6:153)

Unfortunately, most people do not know the virtuous Islâmic teachings. To guide mankind with the right religion and complete way of life, Allâh, our Creator and Sustainer, has commanded  not only His Messengers but also other Muslims to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong:

 “O you Messengers! Enjoy (all) things good and pure and work righteousness: for I am well-acquainted with (all) that you do.”    (Qur’ân 9: 23:51)

 “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good [i.e., Islâm], enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. They are the ones to attain felicity.”   (Qur’ân 3: 104)

“The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another; they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil…” (Qur’ân 9: 71)

In addition, Allâh the Almighty has revealed the following Verses to encourage us further to adhere and work for righteousness and at the same time to call people to righteousness:

 “You (Muslims) are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allâh...”   (Qur’ân 3:110)

“Those who have faith and do righteous deeds they are the best of creatures. Their reward is with Allâh: Gardens of Eternity Beneath which rivers flow. They will dwell therein for ever.  Allâh well pleased with them and they with Him ¾  all this for such as fear their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and Cherisher.”     (Qur’ân 98:7-8)

“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allâh works righteousness and says ‘I am of those who bow in Islâm?’”  (Qur’ân 41:33)

The Prophet also enjoins us to observe righteousness and forbid evil deeds.  The following are some of the Ahâdîth, which show how Allâh’s Messengerenjoins us to the virtuous teaching of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong:

“Abu Sa‘id Al-Khudrinarrated that he heard Allâh’s Messenger as saying, ‘He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has no strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue.  And if he has no strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart and that is the least of faith.’”  (Muslim 79)

“‘Abdullªh ibn Mas‘ud narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, ‘…By no means, I swear by Allâh , you must enjoin what is good and prohibit what is evil, prevent the wrong-doer, bend him into conformity with what is right, and restrict him to what is right.’”  (Abu Dâwood 4322)

Allâh’s Messenger not only enjoins us to adhere to righteousness but also encourages us to call people to it:

“Abu Hurairah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, ‘He who called people to righteousness, there would be reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who called (people) to error, he shall have to carry (the burden) of its sin, like those who committed it, without their sins being diminished in any respect.’”  (Muslim 4/6470)

“Thawbªn narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, ‘Adhere to righteousness which you will not be able to do completely, bear in mind that the best act (amongst your deeds) is the prayer, and no one is so much particular about ablution but a believer.’” (Tirmidhi 292 and Ibn Mªjah)

Abu Hurairah narrated that a person said to the Prophet , “O Allâh’s Messenger , I intend to proceed on a journey; will you advise me?” He told him: “Adhere to righteousness, and whenever you climb a hill proclaim: ‘Allâh is All-Great.’’’ When the man turned to go, the Prophet supplicated: “Allªh, shorten up the distance for him and make his journey easy for him.” (At-Tirmidhi  982)

The best among mankind in the Sight of our Creator is he who is most righteous. Allâh , the Almighty, tells us:

“O mankind! We created you from a single [pair] of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other [not that you may despise each other]. Verily the most honored of you in the Sight of Allâh is [he who is] the most righteous of you. And Allâh has full knowledge and is well acquainted [with all things].”   (Qur’ân 49: 13)

Furthermore, Allâh instructs the Believers to help one another in righteousness and piety. He says: 

“…Help you one another in virtue, righteousness and piety; but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment.”   (Qur’ân 5: 2)

Allâh makes it clear that He loves the righteous[1] and those who do good.[2]  It is, therefore, an act of righteousness on the part of the Believers to invite others to all that is good.

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