Hadith #1031

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil, even when one is unable to physically or verbally stop it. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that if a person witnesses an evil act and is unable to prevent it with their hands or tongue, but disapproves of it in their heart, then it is as if they have forbidden it.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The word (munkar) "مُنْكَرَ" refers to an evil or wrong action that goes against the teachings of Islam. It encompasses any act that is forbidden by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is detrimental to individuals and society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that if one is unable to physically or verbally forbid the evil act, they should still disapprove of it in their heart. This signifies the importance of maintaining a strong moral compass and a genuine sense of displeasure towards evil. It reflects the inner struggle and resistance against wrongdoing, even when one is unable to take direct action.

To further understand the significance of forbidding evil with the heart, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of not ridiculing or insulting others, as it goes against the principles of Islam. Even though this verse does not directly address forbidding evil with the heart, it emphasizes the significance of maintaining good character and refraining from engaging in actions that are displeasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the concept of forbidding evil with the heart is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse encourages Muslims to work together in promoting righteousness and piety, while refraining from cooperating in sin and aggression. By disapproving of evil in their hearts, individuals are fulfilling their duty of cooperating in righteousness and piety, even if they are unable to physically or verbally intervene.

The consequences of forbidding evil with the heart are profound. By maintaining a strong sense of disapproval towards evil, individuals contribute to the preservation of moral values within society. This internal resistance against wrongdoing helps to create an environment where evil is discouraged and righteousness is encouraged.

Moreover, forbidding evil with the heart demonstrates a sincere intention to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and uphold His commandments. It reflects a deep-rooted faith and a commitment to living a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forbidding evil, even when one is unable to physically or verbally intervene. By disapproving of evil in their hearts, individuals demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of Islam and contribute to the preservation of moral values within society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to enjoin good and forbid evil in the best possible manner.