Qur’ānic Competencies for Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar (Enjoining Good and Preventing Wrong)

Abstract

Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar is an obligatory principle of Islam, which is rooted in Quranic commandments as well as prophetic mission. This mandate was bestowed upon the Muslim Ummah after the end of prophethood as a means of maintaining moral order, religious happiness, and social welfare. However, this duty is not only effective on intent but on the moral, intellectual, and spiritual qualification of the performer. The paper will assess the requirements of the individuals who embark on the mission of Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar, which is based mainly on the Quranic instructions, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and classical Islamic studies. The paper also argues that injunction of good and prohibition of evil is not a spontaneous and unregulated practice; it needs an elaborate framework of abilities. Individual have sound Imān, genuine knowledge and deep understanding (ʿIlm and Baṣīrah), Mercy and Pity (Raḥmah), good will (Ikhlāṣ), fear of Allah (Taqwā), lack of avarice and worldly desires, restraint (Ṣabr), and righteousness. The verses of Quranic texts always describe believers as ethical agents that ought to actively encourage righteousness and discourage wrong, and hypocrisy as a reverse expression of right moral duty. Classical theologians like al-Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Kathir underline that ignorance, cruelty and selfishness make the duty sick and regularly intend more harm than healing. The mastery of the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and the practiced way of life of the companions comes out as the major defense against extremism, personal bias, and abuse of the religious principles. The study concludes that Amr bil-Maʿrūf wa Nahy ʿan al-Munkar is a morally challenging duty that requires an individual to be reformed first before a social reform occurs. When done with the necessary skills, it is an effective tool of spiritual development, social cohesion and ethical strength among Muslim communities.