Condemnation of Evil and Encouragement of Virtue in Islam
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (Hafizahullah)❖ Condemnation of Evil in Islam
Islam is a religion that prohibits all forms of evil and calls towards righteousness and virtue. The Qur'an and Hadith contain strong denunciations of evil, as it is not only harmful to the individual but also detrimental to the society and the entire Ummah.
① Condemnation of Evil in the Qur'an
1.1 Good and Evil Are Not Equal
Allah Almighty says:
وَلَا تَسْتَوِی ٱلْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا ٱلسَّیِّئَةُ
(Surah Fussilat: 34)
"Good and evil are not equal."
This verse clearly establishes that evil should not be taken lightly. Goodness is the true identity of a believer.
1.2 Evil Deeds Come from Satan
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّمَا یَأْمُرُکُم بِٱلسُّوٓءِ وَٱلْفَحْشَآءِ
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 268)
"Indeed, Satan commands you to do evil and indecent deeds."
This verse teaches us that the motivation toward evil originates from Satan, and those who indulge in evil are following his footsteps.
1.3 Severe Punishment for Those Who Promote Evil
Allah Almighty says:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِینَ یُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِیعَ ٱلْفَٰحِشَةُ فِی ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِیمٌ فِی ٱلدُّنْیَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ
(Surah An-Nur: 19)
"Indeed, those who love that indecency should spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter."
This verse contains a stern warning for those who knowingly promote indecency and evil in society.
② Condemnation of Evil in the Hadith
2.1 Forbidding Evil is a Sign of Faith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not even able to do that, then let him hate it in his heart, and that is the weakest level of faith."
(Sahih Muslim: 49)
This Hadith teaches us that it is a duty of every Muslim to counter evil, and failing to do so indicates a weak state of faith.
2.2 Avoiding the Company of the Wicked
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look carefully at whom he befriends."
(Sunan Abu Dawood: 4833)
This Hadith advises us to be mindful of our companions, as bad company can influence a person towards evil.
2.3 Collective Neglect of Evil Invites Punishment
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When a people see evil among themselves and do not stop it, Allah afflicts them all with punishment."
(Sunan Abu Dawood: 4338)
This Hadith warns of the consequences of collective neglect toward evil and urges us to take responsibility in preventing its spread.
③ Ways to Avoid Evil
Islam has laid down several methods to safeguard oneself from evil, which every Muslim should adopt:
❖ Instill the Fear of Allah: Always remember that Allah is watching us and every deed will be accounted for.
❖ Adopt Righteous Company: Surround yourself with pious companions. Avoid the influence of corrupt and immoral people.
❖ Engage in Dhikr and Qur'an Recitation: Regular remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur'an illuminate the heart and help resist evil temptations.
❖ Make Efforts to Stop Evil: If you witness evil, make an effort to stop it—through action, speech, or at the very least, by disliking it in your heart.
❖ Practice Patience and Supplication: Seek Allah’s help through dua and remain steadfast on the path of righteousness.
Conclusion
The Qur'an and Hadith strongly condemn evil and emphasize the need to resist and prevent its spread. Those who avoid evil and help others to do the same are the truly successful ones. May Allah protect us from all forms of evil and grant us the ability to embrace righteousness. Ameen.
