Enjoining good as a collective or individual duty

Q: Allah (Exalted be He) stated: You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden) This Ayah (Qur'anic verse) along with Hadith to the same effect addresses individuals. This means that if an individual sees an evil act, he should try to rectify it, and if he sees someone neglectful in performing good deeds, the former should urge the latter to do so. Allah (Exalted be He) also stated: Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden). This Ayah recommends that a group should be formed. However, who is responsible for doing so, those in authority, according to the Qur'an, or individuals? If it is argued that it is individuals who form groups, is it permissible then that other individuals form other groups? If it is not permissible to form subsequent groups when a group has already been formed, what is the ruling if it is sure that such a group has gone astray or deviated from its goals? How can Shar`y (Islamic legal) rulings be adhered to? In such a case, is it permissible for another individual to form another group?

A: First: The Ayah: You [true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden) ... (Part No. 12; Page No. 331) Addresses the responding Ummah, both authorities and citizens, till the Day of Resurrection and praises them for their belief and fulfillment of the duty in enjoining good and forbidding evil using their hands, tongue, or detesting it in one's heart. Each must do so according to his capability as the Ayah apparently indicates. This is also based on the general meaning of the Hadith recorded by Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa'y in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Whoever, among you, sees something abominable should rectify it with his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of Faith. Thus, those addressed are not individuals only as understood by the questioner. Second: The Ayah that reads: Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden). Is a general order for all the Ummah to form a group from among them that is qualified academically, practically and morally to enjoin good and forbid evil. Such a group should concern itself with this duty and fulfill it in a manner that is efficient in conveying and preaching the religion and reforming the Ummah. Thus, if a group of the Ummah assumes such a duty, other individuals will be exempted as is the case with other collective obligations; otherwise, the entire Ummah will be sinful. As for organization of such a group, methods of application and executive measures, they are the responsibility of those in authority, both scholars and rulers. It may (Part No. 12; Page No. 332) happen that knowledge and religious awareness in the Ummah is at such a high level that groups and individuals are encouraged to fulfill the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil properly without neglect or causing turmoil and deviation from the basic principles of Shari`ah (Islamic law). If such is the case, rulers will have to participate with citizens in instruction and Da`wah and cooperate with them in doing good and creating a religious and social renaissance. Moreover, in such a case, giving advice will be a mutual practice between citizens and rulers as was the case with early Muslim generations. However, rulers might see that education and preparation of Da`ys (callers to Allah) is not at a high level and that the Da`wah will suffer or that they have conflicting principles. Fearing that such phenomena might lead to turmoil, deterioration and corruption, rulers have to reorganize all educational methods, including Da`y preparation and the methods of Da`wah in such a manner as may guarantee the good and happiness of the Ummah regarding its culture. Moreover, that it may cause a revival of the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil and may put an end to turmoil. However, if Muslim individuals or groups decide at one time, or at different times, to enjoin good and forbid evil, cooperating in spreading Islam and upgrading the Ummah regarding its religion in one place or different places, and their Da`wah is in accord with the Shari`ah, (Part No. 12; Page No. 333) they are to be assisted. If they deviate, cause turmoil through propagating Da`wah or cause harm that outweighs their benefit, authorities should supervise their activities guiding and rectifying them so that they might be reformed and be of benefit. In case authorities cannot do so, such groups should be prevented by force from practicing Da`wah in order to achieve the overall interest and avert the more likely harm. Moreover, authorities are to entrust Da`wah to those qualified in order to achieve public interest and avoid the causes of turmoil and harm. This is our reply to this frequently asked question.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.