Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
The 3 Levels of Forbidding Evil
Question
What is the source and authenticity of the Hadith regarding the three levels of ‘nahi ‘anil munkar’. i.e. Stopping the evil with one’s hands, by means of the tongue and with his heart.
Answer
Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as part of a longer Hadith. The Hadith is therefore authentic.
The part in question is as follows:
Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said, I heard Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say:
“Whomsoever sees an evil, let him change it with his hand, if he is unable to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue and if he is unable to do that, then with his heart and that is the weakest Iman”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 49)
THE PUNISHMENTS FOR NOT FORBIDDING EVIL
Question
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Command righteousness and prohibit evil otherwise Allah will appoint a tyrant ruler over you who will inflict a painful punishment. Your pious men will supplicate [to Allah for aid], but they will not be answered. Command righteousness and prohibit evil otherwise Allah will appoint such a ruler who will not respect your seniors nor show mercy to your little ones.
Is this Hadith authentic, and what is the source?
Answer
Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
(Al Amr Bil Ma’ruf, Hadith: 8)
The narration is suitable to quote as it is supported by several corroborating narrations.
(See: Al Amr Bil Ma’ruf, Hadith: 12, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 7 pg. 266 and Al Matalibul ‘Aaliyah, Hadith: 3294)
AN AUTHENTIC NARRATION ON THOSE WHO DO NOT FORBID EVIL
Question
Please cite an authentic narration regarding those who do not forbid evil.
Answer
There are a few verses of the Holy Quran which discuss this. There are also many Hadiths which encourage enjoining good and forbidding evil.
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration which explains the punishment for not forbidding evil.
Sayyiduna Hudhayfah ibn Yaman (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“You should certainly enjoin good and forbid evil else Allah will swiftly send a punishment, then you will supplicate to him but your supplication will not be answered”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2169. Declared sound by Imam Tirmidhi)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar
