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Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar and the excellence of this Ummah:
Dear brothers, Muslims consider themselves the best among nations due to the following Ayah:
﴾ You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind﴿
However, the precedence of this Ummah (Islamic nation) over other nations is an outcome of something Muslims should do. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾You enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. ﴿
Being the best among nations is organically linked to its cause. The Prophet PBUH said:
(The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "How will it be for you when you stop enjoining Al-Ma'ruf and forbidding Al-Munkar?" The Companions asked inquisitively, "Will it happen, O Messenger of Allah?" The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, "Yes, and worse than that is going to happen." The Companions asked again, "What can be worse than that, O Messenger of Allah." The Messenger, peace be upon him, replied, "How will it be for you when you enjoin Al-Munkar and forbid Al-Ma'ruf." The Companions asked, "Will it happen, O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Yes, but worse than that." The Companions asked, "What is worse than that, O Messenger of Allah?" The Messenger, peace be upon him, said, "How will it be for you when you perceive Al-Ma'ruf as Munkar and Al-Munkar as Ma'ruf?")
Had Ma'ruf considered Munkar and Munkar considered Ma'ruf among Muhammad's Ummah (PBUH), this Ummah would never have been considered the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind, but rather it would have become as any other nation on earth. Allah tells us about the false claims of the Jews and the Christians in the following Ayah:
﴾ We are the children of Allah and His loved ones﴿
Allah answers them as follows:
﴾ Say: "Why then does He punish you for your sins?" Nay, you are but human beings, of those He has created ﴿
The bitter truth is much better than the comforting delusion.
The rank of enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar:
1- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar is the foundation of Islam:
Dear noble brothers, enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar is a foundation in Islam, better yet, it is the sixth Fard (a religious duty commanded by Allah) and is considered the quarter of salvation due to the following Ayah:
﴾ By Al-'Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma'ruf)which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar)which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah's Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.).﴿
Believing, performing all kinds of good deeds, calling to Allah and remaining patient are the cornerstones of salvation, while enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar makes quarter of salvation.
2- Allah mentions "Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar" before believing in Him:
Dear noble brothers, there is an important indication to consider in the following Ayah:
﴾ You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. ﴿
Allah in this Ayah mentions "enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar" before believing in Allah, simply because believing in Allah will not be fruitful unless man enjoins Ma'ruf and forbids Munkar. Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar maintain our existence as an Ummah, needless to say that al-Haqq (the truth) will thrive thereupon. On the other hand, if we relinquish enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar, we will become as light and heedless as the foam that mounts up to the surface of seawater and moves wherever the wind takes it, given when man loses his way, he will lose his existence, his determination and his will. This is the reason why "enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar" are mentioned before believing in Allah. Allah the Almighty says in the following well-known Ayah:
﴾ The Most Beneficent (Allah)! Has taught (you mankind) the Qur'an (by His Mercy). He created man. He taught him eloquent speech.﴿
How can someone learn eloquent speech before being created (for it is mentioned before the creation of man)?
﴾ The Most Beneficent (Allah)! Has taught (you mankind) the Qur'an (by His Mercy). He created man. He taught him eloquent speech.﴿
The scholars of the interpretation of the Noble Quran said, "The order in this Ayah is not a chronological one, but rather it means that man's life is purposeless without having a method to follow. Much in the same line, Allah mentions "enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar" before believing in Him.
Keep in mind that "You are the best of peoples ever raised up" means that you become the best when you convey Islam's Message:
﴾ You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. ﴿
3- Allah mentions enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar before Zakat:
One more thing dear noble brothers, Allah also mentions "enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar" before mentioning Salah and Zakat. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) ﴿
It is mentioned first, because unless they do (i.e. enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar), they will not be able to perform Salah, they will be prevented by others from performing Salah, or performing Salah will become as an accusation against them.
4- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are the essence of Prophets' Da'wah:
Dear noble brothers, enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar is one of the missions of the Prophets PBUH. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (Alone)﴿
He enjoined Ma'ruf:
﴾ and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities﴿
He forbid Munkar, and this is the essence of the Prophets' Da'wah.
5- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are traits of believers:
Dear noble brothers, among the characteristics of believers are enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ (The believers whose lives Allah has purchased are) those who repent to Allah (from polytheism and hypocrisy, etc.), who worship Him, who praise Him, who fast (or go out in Allah's Cause), who bow down (in prayer), who prostrate themselves (in prayer), who enjoin (people) for Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all what Islam has ordained) and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden), and who observe the limits set by Allah (do all that Allah has ordained and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden).﴿
On the other hand, one of the characteristics of the hypocrites is mentioned in the following Ayah:
﴾ The hypocrites, men and women, are from one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief and polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden), and forbid (people) from Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and they close their hands [from giving (spending in Allah's Cause) alms, etc.]. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. Verily, the hypocrites are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).﴿
6- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar" are traits of disbelieving wise:
Dear brothers, the good ones among the disbelievers enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of Allah during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer* They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism, and following Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and opposing Prophet Muhammad PBUH); and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous.﴿
7- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are traits of those who are given the power in the land:
Dear noble brothers, the believers who are given the power in land enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salat. [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salat (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakat and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur'an as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).﴿
The price of victory, to which all Muslim long and which is lost now in all Islamic states in the world, is to enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar.
Dear noble brothers, Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "Our Lord is Allah." - For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salat. [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salat (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakat and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur'an as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).﴿
8- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are the most important things to say:
Man's ability to speak is given by Allah the Almighty as He says:
﴾ The Most Beneficent (Allah)! Has taught (you mankind) the Qur'an (by His Mercy). He created man. He taught him eloquent speech.﴿
The activity of eloquent speech is mentioned in the following Ayah:
﴾ There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah's Cause), or Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind﴿
Thus, enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar is one third of the Divinely approved Najwa (secret talks).
(Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as saying: "If anyone summons other to follow right guidance, his reward will be equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without their rewards being diminished in any respect on that account; and if anyone summons others to follow error the sin of which sins being diminished in any respect on that account.")
9- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are reasons behind forgiving man's sins:
Sins are forgiven when man enjoins Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar.
(Abu Wa'il narrated from Hudhaifah that 'Umar said: "Which of you remembers what the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said about the Fitnah?" So Hudhaifah said: "I do." Hudhaifah said: "A man's Fitnah is in his family, his wealth, his children, and his neighbors. It is atoned for by the Salat, fasting, charity, and by commanding good and forbidding evil."…)
Dear noble brothers, the five necessities man pursues are: religion, man's own self, his sanity, his offspring and his living, and these necessities are met only when man enjoins Ma'ruf and forbids Munkar.
The outcome of ceasing enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar:
What if Ma'ruf is not enjoined and Munkar is not forbidden?
1- Entitlement to torment and demise:
Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people)﴿
In another Surat, Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ And your Lord would never destroy the towns wrongfully, while their people were right-doers.﴿
They were righteous, yet they were destroyed. Allah the Almighty sent His Angels to destroy a village, so the Angels said, "There is a righteous person in it." Allah the Almighty said, "Start with him." So they wondered about the reason, to which Allah the Almighty said, "Because he never frowned upon watching Munkar is committed."
Unfortunately, this is our status as Muslims, for one's nephew might visit him putting cloths that reveal her body and skin, yet he praises her, and he asks about her wellbeing and studying, about her father and mother, and it never crosses his mind to advise her about the way she is supposed to be dressed in.
Dear noble brothers, Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people)﴿
Pay attention to the following Hadith:
(Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted.")
Is this not the reality of Muslims? Before Iraq was attacked, Muslims in every Masjid all over the world supplicates Allah. Yet, there Du'a was not responded to.
2- Having Du'a not responded to:
Dear noble brothers, when we cease enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar, our Du'a will not be answered and Muslims will lose this lethal weapon (i.e. Du'a).
3- Believers will be prone to suppression by disbelievers and wicked people:
Disbelievers, tyrants and corrupted people will have the upper hand over Muslims when they cease enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar. Moreover, Muslims will be tempted to sin and corruption. Not to mention, mischief will prevail, and you will face dissoluteness wherever you go whether in the street, in the markets, at universities, in parks, on TV, in the internet, in newspapers or in magazines. In addition, ignorance, the vanishing of knowledge and heedlessness in total darkness will be the outcome of not enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar.
Reflecting on the word "Ma'ruf":
Dear noble brothers, we should reflect on the word "Ma'ruf". Ma'ruf is an outstanding term, because it is about acting upon man's Fitrah an inborn natural predisposition which cannot change, and which exists at birth in all human beings. It is inclined towards right action and submission to Allah, the One Deity) without even having knowledge. Thus, Ma'ruf is to know what is right without being directed to it, without acquiring the knowledge to know it and without studying, simply because Allah's Method is in accord with man's Fitrah. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ So set you (O Muhammad PBUH) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism Hanifa (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah's Fitrah (i.e. Allah's Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq-illah (i.e. the Religion of Allah Islamic Monotheism)﴿
Dear noble brothers, some scholars said, "He, who does not have hatred in his heart towards the things Allah and His Messenger PBUH hate of the forbidden matters, such as disbelief, wickedness and disobedience, his heart does not have faith to begin with." Faith entails rejecting Munkar and enjoining Ma'ruf, so if one does not worry intensely about what brings about Allah's Wrath, then his heart has no faith at all.
Dear noble brothers, Ma'ruf by definition is that which is approved by Islam and known by Fitrah. The accordance between Shari'ah and man's Firtah proves that man is molded to know the difference between what is considered Ma'ruf and what is considered Munkar.
Even animals know what is wrong very well. When, for example, a cat steals a piece of meat, it hides away from you in order to eat it, because it knows that stealing is wrong. On the other hand, if you offer the cat a piece of meat, it will eat it in front of you without any fear.
Fitrah exists in mankind and in other creatures. However dear brothers, it is less likely to depend only on Fitrah to know right from wrong, because man sometimes sins to such a degree that his Fitrah is altered entirely, so when man reaches this point, Shari'ah will be the reference of distinguishing between the right and the wrong.
Right deeds are the deeds approved by Islam, while bad deeds are the ones rejected by Islam, and Munkar is what Islam forbids to do.
The ranks of enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar:
Dear brothers, in this sermon we will focus on how to apply Islamic laws and by who?
(On the authority of Abu Sa'eed al-Khidri (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say, "Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.")
1- Using the hand in changing evil is done only by rulers:
Some scholars said, "Rulers' responsibility is to disapprove Munkar and change it by hand, because Allah the Almighty gives them the power in land. They are able to make changes at the stroke of a pen, and it will be done. Rulers have the power to carry out rightness, confute wrongness, approve Ma'ruf and put an end to Munkar. Accordingly, the only parties who may change Munkar by hand are those who are given the power in land by Allah. Thus, changing Munkar by using the hand is the responsibility of rulers only.
2- Forbidding evil with tongue is the mission of scholars:
Changing Munkar by the tongue is the mission of preachers who have the knowledge and the eloquence to do so.
3- Rejecting evil in heart is done by the weak among Muslims:
As for those who are weak and oppressed on earth, they should disapprove Munkar in their heart, so even if they witness Munkar, their disapproval will excuse them from its consequences. However, if they approve Munkar in their hearts, they will be considered as if they are witnessing this Munkar even if they are far from it.
(The sin is also a [source of] misfortune for people other than the perpetrator, for if someone was to expose that sin, he too is afflicted, and if he was to talk about him behind his back, he is also committing a sin, and if he is content thereof and does not bother with others' actions, then it is as if he also partook in the sin.)
Some scholars said, "If man has the ability to change Munkar by his tongue, it will not be accepted that he disapproves it by his heart only. Also, if man has the ability to change Munkar by his hand, it will not be accepted that he changes it by his tongue only." Thus, there is a chain of responsibilities. Changing Munkar by hand comes first, then changing it by tongue, and finally disapproving it by the heart.
(Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it …)
"Let him change it" is a command ordained by Allah in the Noble Quran, and so it must be carried out by Muslims unless something proves the otherwise.
4- Prevailing torment is an outcome of ceasing enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar":
Dear brothers, prevailing torment is an outcome of not enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people)﴿
(It was narrated that Zainab bint Jahsh said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) woke up red in the face and said: 'La ilaha illallah, woe to the Arabs from an evil that has drawn nigh. Today a hole has been opened in the barrier of Gog and Magog.' And he gestured to indicate the size of the hole." Zainab said: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Will we be destroyed when there are righteous people among us?' He said: 'If sin and evil deeds increase.'")
When Muslims cease enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar, falsehood will thrive and mischief will prevail. As a result, torment will befall Muslims.
5- Having bloodshed between Muslims:
There is one more thing, when Muslims cease enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar, they will deserve bloodshed among themselves. Actually, Muslims are suffering from bloodshed as you all can see at present:
(It was narrated that Abdullah bin Umar said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) turned to us and said: 'O Muhajirun, there are five things with which you will be tested, and I seek refuge with Allah lest you live to see them: Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them…..')
The torment will come from right and left, from far and near. It is manifested in the current civil wars. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾Say: "He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another.﴿
6- Deserving Allah's Curse:
Dear noble brothers, Allah's Curse is an outcome of not enjoining M'aruf and forbidding Munkar. Allah the Almighty says:
﴾Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds* They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism, disbelief, etc.) which they committed.﴿
7- Torment and psychological destruction:
Dear noble brothers, the top of all menaces (upon relinquishing enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar) is to be destroyed psychologically. Muhammad's Ummah (PBUH) is protected from annihilation. Nevertheless, destruction might befall Muslims due to their weakness. They are weak as long as disbelievers have the upper hand over them, Muslims' treasures are owned by others and their countries (like Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Palestine and Lebanon) are invaded by others' armies.
Conditions and ethics of "Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar":
1- Sincerity:
Dear noble brothers, sincerity is one of the requirements for enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar. Offering few or so many good deeds with sincerity is beneficial to man, whereas without sincerity, neither few deeds nor many deeds will be beneficial to man.
2- Knowledge:
Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar should take place on a solid ground of knowledge, so that man would know what to enjoin and what to forbid. Thus, minimum knowledge is essential.
3- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar address topics agreed upon by Muslims:
Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar should address only topics which are agreed upon by all Muslims. Some Muslims are so enthusiastic to enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar that they forbid others from doing things that are subject to controversy. This is wrong, and preaching should be only about topics which are agreed upon by all Muslims.
4- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar target the public behavior of people:
You should not spy on people and then preach them. When Ma'ruf is relinquished and Munkar is done publically, only then you preach others. In other words, you cannot ask someone who is religious from outside, "What do you do at night?" This is not your business. If you see someone drinking water during Ramadan in front of you, and he is healthy, you may advise him. Therefore, you forbid only what your eyes see, not what you know by spying on others, for spying is not a characteristic of believers.
5- Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar should not cause missing Ma'ruf or committing Munkar:
Dear brothers, enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar should not be a reason of missing major Ma'ruf nor should it be the reason of committing graver Munkar. It was reported that Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "He is not the best of you who knows good or who knows evil, but the best of you is the one who can differentiate between two evils and choose the less evil of them."
6- Following leniency without pushing for sudden progress:
Pay attention to the following Hadith:
(A'isha said, "I was on a camel that was somewhat intractable and I began to beat it. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'You must be compassionate. Whenever there is compassion in something, it adorns it, and whenever it is removed from something it disgraces it.")
7- Piety:
Among the ethics of enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar is piety. Piety empowers you in enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar, so does leniency as I have mentioned earlier.
(… Whenever there is compassion in something, it adorns it, and whenever it is removed from something it disgraces it.)
8- Modesty:
Allah the Almighty says:
﴾ And be kind and humble to the believers who follow you.﴿
Though I am following the Right Path, I might be wrong regarding specific things, and though the other party might be far from the Right Path, he might be right regarding specific matters (so I should be humble enough to admit that I am wrong and he is right):
﴾ And verily, (either) we or you are rightly guided or in a plain error."﴿
9- Endurance and patience:
You should be patient enough to call others to Allah once, twice, and thrice or for four times if needed gently, leniently, politely, affectionately and privately.
10- The one who enjoins Ma'ruf and forbids Munkar should be up to its standards:
Dear noble brothers, you cannot enjoin Ma'ruf unless you are doing it, and you cannot forbid Munkar unless you are avoiding it. Those whom you call to Allah should see you following Ma'ruf and avoiding Munkar, otherwise you will be included in the following Ayah:
﴾ O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.﴿
11- Leniency should be present with even the fiercest disbeliever:
The fiercest disbeliever ever on earth is Fir'aun (Pharaoh). He said as Allah the Almighty narrates:
﴾ Saying: "I am your lord, most high",﴿
﴾ "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me﴿
Allah the Almighty said to Musa (Moses) and his brother Haroon PBUT:
﴾ "Go, both of you, to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant). "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah."﴿
Dear noble brothers, our Master Muhammad PBUH is the master of mankind, is the dearest to Al-Haqq (i.e. Allah), is the best among Adam's children, is the one who reached Sidrat-ul-Muntaha [lote-tree of the utmost boundary (beyond which none can pass)], is the best among the first generations and the later time generations, is the one who received the Revelation and is the one who received Quran. Furthermore, he is eloquent, handsome, merciful and modest. Yet, he was addressed by Allah as follows:
﴾ And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you﴿
Though our Prophet Muhammad PBUH is privileged with all these traits, he was asked by Allah to be lenient, lest people would break away from about him. What about those who did not receive Revelation, who are not eloquent, who are not handsome and who are not privileged with honorable bloodline, yet they call people to Allah harshly, and they use heartbreaking words and phrases? He, who enjoins Ma'ruf, should do that with Ma'ruf, and he who forbids Munkar should do it without committing Munkar.
Enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are obligatory:
Dear noble brothers, enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are supposed to be done by individuals amongst Muslims:
﴾ "O my son! Aqim-is-Salat (perform As-Salat), enjoin (people) for Al-Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befall you.﴿
Thus, it is obligatory on individuals as well as it is obligatory on groups:
﴾ Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden).﴿
The government is also obliged to enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar:
﴾ Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salat. [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salat (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakat and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do)﴿
Accordingly, enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar are obligations on individuals, groups and those who are given the power in land.
Piece of advice:
Dear noble brothers, we may strongly consider enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar the sixth pillar in Islam, needless to say, it is a substantial foundation in Islam and the reason behind having the precedence over other nations. Hence, if we do not enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar, we will become like any other nation created by Allah the Almighty without any special consideration in His Sight. When we relinquish enjoining Ma'ruf and forbidding Munkar we will deserve Allah's Wrath (we seek refuge with Allah from that).
Finally, remember to enjoin Ma'ruf and forbid Munkar wisely, leniently, in Ma'roof, carefully and modestly, so that al-Haqq will thrive and falsehood will shrink.
I say my words asking for Allah's Forgiveness for me and for you, so ask for His Forgiveness as those are forgiven are the ones who prosper.
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The second Khutbah:
be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah; the Protector of the righteous. And I bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad, peace and upon him, is His Servant and Messenger, the one with exalted morals. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him, his Folks and Companions.
A story and a moral lesson:
A taxi driver was asked by the passengers (young man and his young wife) to wait a little bit before they head to the airport. After a while a seventy year old man came holding a suitcase on his head, and he handed it to the young man who poked him on his head, rebuked him sharply and took the suitcase from him. He put it in the car, and they headed to the airport.
The young woman said to her husband, "Why did you hit your father?" Upon hearing her, the taxi driver suddenly pulled over and asked them both to get out of the car and threw their money and said, "I will not take you anywhere, because you are undutiful son, so I am afraid that Allah will punish you with an accident, and I will be included in this punishment."
The taxi driver with his little religious knowledge could not accept that an undutiful son will be a passenger in his taxi. Contrary to that, some people may overlook great sins their relatives commit without saying a single word.
Courtesy in religions will lead to leaving it:
Dear noble brothers, there is dissoluteness in our societies, so we should speak out the truth and never accept courtesy in this respect. Unfortunately, Muslims keep compromising to the extent that they feel ashamed of their religion and of offering Salah. How can a Muslim or a female Muslim in Hijab accept to be in a place where wine is offered, singing is performed and sins are committed? This place is not for you.
Muslims' reality and behavior are the reason behind hatred towards Islam:
Unless we translate our faith into a behavior, a stance, a religious commitment or a move we make towards Allah's Path, we will not be considered true Muslims. Moreover, the true Muslim is known for being a good example in his piety, fairness, honesty and perfect performance of his work. Hence, if we neglect our tasks, we are not punctual, or we are not serious in performing our job, an untrue declaration against Islam will be affective on the heedless of Islam, because they know Islam trough you not through books.
Even the cartoonist who offended our Noble Prophet PBUH in his cartoons said when he was blamed and was told later about the reality of our Prophet PBUH and his exalted traits, "I am sorry, but I thought he is like his followers." Had Muslims applied Islam as it should be, the West would have taken a different attitude towards Muslims.
Dear noble brothers, the bad behavior of the Muslim will ward people off Islam. Unless your steadfastness manifested in your honesty, politeness, perfect performance of work, fulfilling promises, accomplishing missions perfectly and fairness in treating others, your religion will never be respected by others. Thus, endless books, sermons and conferences will make no difference and will not make people respect Islam unless we apply this great religion.
If the West witnesses a perfect Islamic society, things will be different. Nothing is inapplicable, and though Muslims might be proud of Islam, their reality does not in any way manifest this religion. On the contrary, in Islamic societies you find mistakes here and there.
The believer is an Islamic missioner to Allah in his righteous behavior, in his honesty, in his sincerity, in his justice, in perfecting his job and in keeping his promises. We do not need words to call to Allah anymore; what we need is deeds. The Prophet PBUH said:
(Be righteous and you will be an example for others to follow.)
Supplication
O Allah, we beseech You to show us the way of righteousness together with those to whom You showed it; and to give us good health together with those whom You have healed; and to be our Protector, as You are of those whom You protect; and to bless what You have bestowed on us; and to save us from the affliction that You have decreed –for You rule with justice and You are never judged; and he whom You protect shall never be humiliated, and he whom You make Your enemy shall never be elevated, blessed and dignified are You. We thank You for what You have decreed, we ask You for Forgiveness for our sins, and we repent to You.
O Allah, please lead us to the good deeds, for no one leads to them but You; please lead us to the good conduct, for no one leads to it but You; please make us do well in the Deen, which is our dignity, make us do well in our worldly life, in which we dwell and grant us safety on the Day of Judgment for it is our Final Destination. O Allah, please supply our life with all good things and make our death a rest from every evil.
O our Master, the Lord of all Worlds, please make us desire what You have made lawful and reject what You have made unlawful, make us by Your benevolence independent of all others and make our obedience to You turn us away from our disobedience.
O Allah, by Your Mercy and Benevolence, raise high the word of truth and this Deen, grant triumph to Islam, dignify Muslims, humiliate polytheism and polytheists and lead the rulers of Muslims to what pleases You, O Lord of the Worlds, as You are the only One Who is capable over His decreed.
O Allah, send us rain and do not make us helpless, do not afflict us with drought, or punish us for the bad deeds of the wrongdoers; O Lord of the World. O Allah, send us rain and do not make us helpless… send us rain and do not make us helpless… send us rain and do not make us helpless.
O Allah, raise high the word of truth and this Deen, grant triumph to Islam, dignify Muslims, humiliate polytheism and polytheists, destroy Your enemies; the enemies of this Deen. O Allah, disrupt them, make them scattered and afflict them, O Lord of the Worlds. O Allah, show us Your Omnipotence against Your enemies, as You have showed us their power in destroying us, O Lord of the Worlds. O Allah, grant triumph to Your believing servants all around the world, as You are the only One Who is capable over His decreed, and Who responds to our supplication.
