{"id":1510,"date":"2025-07-05T13:10:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T13:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/?p=1510"},"modified":"2025-07-05T13:13:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T13:13:20","slug":"doing-what-is-right-and-forbidding-what-is-wrong-a-reflection-on-a-core-islamic-principle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/2025\/07\/05\/doing-what-is-right-and-forbidding-what-is-wrong-a-reflection-on-a-core-islamic-principle\/","title":{"rendered":"Doing What Is Right and Forbidding What Is Wrong: A Reflection on a Core Islamic Principle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/2010\/09\/18\/doing-what-is-right-and-forbid-the-wrongs\/\">Doing What Is Right and Forbidding What Is Wrong<\/a>: A Reflection on a Core Islamic Principle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The principle of <em>enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong<\/em> is a fundamental teaching in Islam. It calls upon every Muslim to uphold justice, guide others toward good, and reject evil\u2014with sincerity, humility, and wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Prophetic Responsibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;Whoever sees something wrong should change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart\u2014and that is the weakest form of faith.&#8221; <em>(Sahih Muslim)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Burmese translation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201c\u1021\u101e\u1004\u103a\u1010\u102d\u102f\u1037\u1021\u1014\u1000\u103a \u1019\u100a\u103a\u101e\u1030\u1019\u1006\u102d\u102f \u1005\u1000\u103a\u1006\u102f\u1015\u103a\u101b\u103d\u1036\u101b\u103e\u102c\u1016\u103d\u101a\u103a\u1021\u1019\u103e\u102f\u1000\u102d\u102f \u1019\u103c\u1004\u103a\u101b\u101c\u103b\u103e\u1004\u103a \u1019\u102d\u1019\u102d\u104f\u101c\u1000\u103a\u1016\u103c\u1004\u1037\u103a \u1015\u103c\u102f\u1015\u103c\u1004\u103a\u101c\u1031\u102c\u1037\u104b \u1019\u1015\u103c\u102f\u1015\u103c\u1004\u103a\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1004\u103a\u101c\u103b\u103e\u1004\u103a \u1019\u102d\u1019\u102d\u104f\u1014\u103e\u102f\u1010\u103a\u101c\u103b\u103e\u102c\u1016\u103c\u1004\u1037\u103a \u1015\u103c\u102f\u1015\u103c\u1004\u103a\u101c\u1031\u102c\u1037\u104b \u1011\u102d\u102f\u101e\u102d\u102f\u1037\u101c\u100a\u103a\u1038 \u1019\u1015\u103c\u102f\u1015\u103c\u1004\u103a\u1014\u102d\u102f\u1004\u103a\u1015\u102b\u1000 \u1019\u102d\u1019\u102d\u1014\u103e\u101c\u102f\u1036\u1038\u101e\u102c\u1038\u1016\u103c\u1004\u1037\u103a \u1015\u103c\u102f\u1015\u103c\u1004\u103a\u101c\u1031\u102c\u1037\u104b \u1024\u101e\u100a\u103a \u101a\u102f\u1036\u1000\u103c\u100a\u103a\u1019\u103e\u102f\u104f \u1021\u102c\u1038\u1014\u100a\u103a\u1038\u1006\u102f\u1036\u1038\u1021\u1001\u103c\u1031\u1021\u1014\u1031\u1016\u103c\u1005\u103a\u101e\u100a\u103a\u104b\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This layered responsibility reflects the varying capacities of individuals while maintaining the spiritual duty of addressing wrongdoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Qur\u2019anic Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Qur\u2019an reinforces this obligation in several verses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Surah 3:110<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cYou are the best nation raised for mankind: you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surah 3:104<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cLet there be among you a group that calls to goodness, enjoins right, and forbids wrong. These are the successful.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surah 9:71<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThe believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surah 7:157<\/strong> \u2013 Refers to the Prophet who \u201ccommands them to do right and forbids them from wrong.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These verses lay a clear foundation for proactive moral responsibility in both individual and communal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Application and Ethical Boundaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Though the obligation is clear, its application varies based on one\u2019s position and capacity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ordinary believers<\/strong> may feel limited in ability\u2014but even disapproval in the heart is an act of faith.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Children and youth<\/strong> must be respectful when correcting elders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Criticizing authorities<\/strong> must be done cautiously, without inciting harm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spying or public humiliation<\/strong> is not permitted\u2014private, respectful advice is encouraged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Religious enforcers<\/strong> should not exceed their limits; legal penalties belong to the state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Migration or avoidance<\/strong> is acceptable when direct action is not possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warning Against Hypocrisy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the strongest warnings comes from a hadith:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>A man will be thrown into Hell, his entrails spilled, turning like a donkey around a millstone. When asked, \u201cDid you not command good and forbid evil?\u201d he will reply, \u201cYes, but I did not do it myself.\u201d <em>(Sahih Muslim 2989)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>And in the Qur\u2019an:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDo you enjoin righteousness upon others while forgetting yourselves, even though you recite the Scripture? Do you not reason?\u201d <em>(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:44)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a warning against hypocrisy, not a rejection of the duty itself. Integrity between word and action is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Individual and Collective Duty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fard al-Kifayah<\/strong> (communal duty): If some members of the community fulfill it, others are absolved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fard al-Ayn<\/strong> (individual duty): Obligatory upon every Muslim when personally encountering a wrong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these obligations form the foundation of Islamic moral activism\u2014blending individual conscience with social responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To enjoin right and forbid wrong is not merely a slogan\u2014it is a call to live out faith in everyday life. It must be approached with humility, consistency, and care. Whether through action, speech, or heartfelt disapproval, Muslims are called to stand for truth and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In an age of global injustice and moral confusion, this timeless Islamic ethic offers a clear and compassionate guide. Let us practice what we preach, call others with kindness, and help build communities rooted in righteousness and mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quranic examples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Sura\">Sura<\/a>\u00a03.110\u00a0<sup>translated by\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Abdullah_Yusuf_Ali\">Abdullah Yusuf Ali<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"958\" height=\"692\" src=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-17.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-17.png 958w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-17-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-17-768x555.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/scan0055.jpg\"><\/a>Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind,&nbsp;<strong>enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong<\/strong>, and believing in&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Allah\">Allah<\/a>. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Sura\">Sura<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Al-i-Imran\">3<\/a>.104\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-18.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-18.png 948w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-18-300x160.png 300w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-18-768x411.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/scan0056.jpg\"><\/a>Let there be people among you, who invite to the best [in religion]; and&nbsp;<strong>command that which is just, and forbid that which is evil<\/strong>; and they shall be happy.<\/em>Transliteration:<em>Waltakun minkum ommatun yadAAoona ila alkhayri waya\/muroona&nbsp;<strong>bilmaAAroofi wayanhawna AAani almunkari<\/strong>&nbsp;waola-ika humu almuflihoon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Sura\">Sura<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Al-A%27raf\">7<\/a>.157\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"949\" height=\"974\" src=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-19.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-19.png 949w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-19-292x300.png 292w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-19-768x788.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 949px) 100vw, 949px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/scan0057.jpg\"><\/a>Those who follow the apostle, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures), \u2013 in the law and the Gospel; \u2013 for he&nbsp;<strong>commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil<\/strong>; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him, \u2013 it is they who will prosper.\u201d<\/em>Transliteration:<em>Allatheena yattabiAAoona alrrasoola alnnabiyya al-ommiyya allathee yajidoonahu maktooban AAindahum fee alttawrati waal-injeeli ya\/<strong>muruhum bialmaAAroofi wayanhahum AAani almunkari<\/strong>&nbsp;wayuhillu lahumu alttayyibati wayuharrimu AAalayhimu alkhaba-itha wayadaAAu AAanhum israhum waal-aghlala allatee kanat AAalayhim faallatheena amanoo bihi waAAazzaroohu wanasaroohu waittabaAAoo alnnoora allathee onzila maAAahu ola-ika humu almuflihoona<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/Sura\">Sura<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wiki\/At-Tawba\">9<\/a>.71\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-20.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-20.png 959w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-20-300x207.png 300w, https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image-20-768x530.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/drkokogyi.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/scan0058.jpg\"><\/a>And the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Faith\">faithful<\/a>&nbsp;men, and the faithful women are friends one to another: They&nbsp;<strong>command that which is just, and they forbid that which is evil<\/strong>; and they are constant at prayer, and pay their appointed alms; and they obey God, and his apostle: Unto these will God be Merciful; for He [is] Mighty [and] Wise.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Doing What Is Right and Forbidding What Is Wrong: A Reflection on a Core Islamic Principle The principle of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is a fundamental teaching in Islam. It calls upon every Muslim to uphold justice, guide others toward good, and reject evil\u2014with sincerity, humility, and wisdom. A Prophetic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1512,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,16,15],"tags":[92],"class_list":["post-1510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-opinion","category-world-muslims","tag-quran"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1510"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1515,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1510\/revisions\/1515"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}