Hadith #1033

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a comprehensive analysis of individuals who enjoin good and forbid evil. He categorizes them into four distinct groups based on their actions and intentions.

The first group consists of those who disapprove of evil with their hand, tongue, and heart. They actively prevent and combat evil deeds using their physical actions, verbal admonishment, and sincere intentions. These individuals possess the highest level of virtue and righteousness, as they demonstrate a complete commitment to enjoining good and forbidding evil. Their actions are in line with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:104), Allah says,

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are successful.

This verse highlights the significance of actively promoting righteousness and discouraging wrongdoing.

The second group mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) consists of individuals who disapprove of evil with their tongue and heart, but not with their hand. Although they verbally express their disapproval and hold negative sentiments towards evil, they do not take physical action to prevent it. While they possess two virtuous qualities, they lack the third, which is the physical implementation of their beliefs.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of taking action against evil. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the necessity of taking physical action to establish justice and combat oppression.

The third group mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) consists of individuals who disapprove of evil with their heart, but not with their tongue and hand. They hold negative sentiments towards evil, but they do not express their disapproval verbally or take any physical action to prevent it. These individuals possess only one virtuous quality and lack the other two.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of expressing one's beliefs and standing up against injustice. In Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah says,

And enjoin upon one another truth and enjoin upon one another patience.

This verse highlights the significance of speaking out against falsehood and promoting truth.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions the fourth group, which consists of individuals who do not disapprove of evil with their tongue, heart, or hand. They remain silent and inactive in the face of wrongdoing, resembling a dead person among the living. These individuals fail to fulfill their duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil, and their lack of action reflects a lack of faith and commitment to righteousness.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice and oppression. In Surah An-Nisa (4:75), Allah says,

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'

This verse highlights the obligation to fight against oppression and injustice in the way of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound analysis of individuals who enjoin good and forbid evil serves as a reminder for all Muslims. It highlights the importance of actively preventing and combatting evil in all its forms. It encourages us to strive for the highest level of virtue by using our hands, tongues, and hearts to promote righteousness and discourage wrongdoing. May we all strive to emulate the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill our duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil in all aspects of our lives.