"Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah say: Whoever among you sees an evil and changes it with his hand, then he has done his duty. Whoever is unable to do that, but changes it with his tongue, then he has done his duty. Whoever is unable to do that, but changes it with his heart, then he has done his duty, and that is the weakest of Faith.'"
Narrated by It was narrated that Tariq bin Shihab said:
Context
This hadith highlights the responsibility of a Muslim to address wrongdoing. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ outlines a three-tiered approach to confronting evil: through action, speech, or at least through one's heart. This illustrates the varying capacities individuals may have in enjoining good and forbidding evil, emphasizing that even the smallest acknowledgment of wrong is a form of faith.
Modern Application
In everyday life, this principle encourages individuals to take action against injustices they witness, whether it be through direct intervention, speaking out, or fostering a personal sense of disapproval. It promotes a proactive stance in creating a positive community environment.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Faith and Belief and Enjoining Good & Forbidding Evil because it underscores the importance of actively engaging in moral conduct and the varying levels of responsibility individuals have in addressing wrongdoing.
And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good - then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold. And to Allah will be the outcome of [all] matters.
No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking means to the approval of Allah - then We are going to give him a great reward.
And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
This hadith is #5018 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book Of Faith and its Signs. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated that Tariq bin Shihab said:.
