Sheikh Atabek Shukurov

Definition of ordering good and forbidding evil



“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” The Family of Imran 3:104




“The best community raised for the benefit of humanity; commanding right and forbidding wrong, and believing in Allah." The family of Imran 3:110




The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever of you sees something wrong, let him change it with his hand. If unable to, then let him change it with his tongue. If unable, then with his heart. And that is the weakest degree of faith." (Muslim)

Abu Hanifa (may Allah show him mercy) gave the following explanation of this prophetic narration: 1. The one who should change it with their hand are the leaders or judges/Qadi
2. The tongue – scholars
3. Heart – normal person


Ibn Abbas said, “Leave them if they do not stop.”


The definition of commanding the good is to stop people doing wrong and helping in good deeds

The levels are: Hand, tongue and heart


One cannot hate the person but you can hate the sin


If you can stop someone by using the tongue then you cannot use your hand!


The condition are: intention, Know the proof – Quran and Hadith not ignorance, be patient


Use soft words, be kind and use knowledge



“And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear.” Taha 20:44


It is forbidden to use harsh words or expose someones sins

There was one a leader who came to the Khutba/Friday sermon of an Imam. When the imam saw him he became very harsh in his sermon towards the leader. After the prayer the leader called the imam to partake in some food. He then said to the Imam, “We are not as bad as Pharaoh and you are not as good as Musa.” After this the Imam became very soft...

We are forbidden to pry on someone’s sins


“O’ you who believe, abstain from many of the suspicions. Some suspicions are sins. And do not be curious (to find out faults of others), and do not backbite one.” Al-Hujjarat 49.12