Every wrong action committed by individuals may have multiple causes. For example, not properly observing the Islamic rulings on hijab may stem from various issues. These could include individuals not understanding the philosophy of hijab and the negative consequences of promiscuity, or being in an environment where those around them are indifferent to hijab, or thinking that being without hijab is a sign of progress and enlightenment, or wanting to be different from others, or believing that improper hijab is a minor sin that doesn’t harm anyone, among many other reasons.
In this case, those who seek to forbid the disregard for hijab must address all these root causes and come up with a specific solution for each. Therefore, it becomes clear that the issue of “forbidding what is wrong” is not only a duty for each individual in the Islamic community, but it is also a specialized task that requires expertise in scientific, psychological, social, educational, and artistic fields. Thus, we all have a duty to learn and apply the correct method by consulting experts, and scholars, thinkers, reformers, and concerned members of society must also be the ones to enjoin what is good and forbid what is wrong.
Hence, if we observe that sometimes the forbidding of wrong actions is ineffective, we should not simply blame the wrongdoers. Sometimes, a one-size-fits-all approach to treating diverse problems, such as prescribing the same remedy for different diseases, will not be effective. In this regard, the Qur’an in verse 189 of Surah Al-Baqarah says: “It is not righteousness that you enter houses from the back, but righteousness is in one who fears Allah, and that you enter houses through their doors…”
One important message from this verse is that every action has its own way; it has a time, a place, leadership, and a method. When carrying out tasks, we must consider these conditions.
To clarify this further, a valuable Hadith from Imam Jawad (peace be upon him) will help us. He says: “A person who does not know the right time or place for actions will find it difficult to withdraw from them…”[1]
If we pay attention, this wise saying reveals a general and important principle that applies to every aspect of our lives. This is true in economic matters, social activities, cultural issues, etc., and is especially important in determining the correct method for forbidding wrong actions. Imam Jawad (peace be upon him) teaches us that for every good or bad action, a specific method is required. If this method is not followed, it may not only have a negative and different effect on the person in question, but these harmful effects may also fall upon the person who is trying to guide others, leading them into challenges.
Indeed, we must be cautious: could it be that, God forbid, our methods of addressing issues are causing suspicion toward the religion of Allah and promoting alienation from faith among those around us?
(Taken from the book “Enjoining Good and Forbidding Wrong,” authored by Hojat al-Islam Mohsen Qara’ati, with edits and summaries.)
Footnote:
[1] (A‘lam al-Din, p. 309)