❀ The Islamic Ruling on Remaining Steadfast While Avoiding Sin ❀
This content is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatwas of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
I am a young girl residing in an internal hostel with other female students. All praise is due to Allah, Who has guided me to the path of truth, and I have firmly held on to it. However, I feel deeply distressed when I witness sinful acts among some of my fellow students, such as listening to music, backbiting, and gossiping. I have advised them many times, but some mock me and call me old-fashioned and backward. What should I do in such a situation? Please guide me. May Allah reward you.
You are obligated—to the best of your ability—to gently and wisely condemn such actions and provide reminders using the relevant Qur’ānic verses and Prophetic traditions. Do not participate with them in listening to music or engaging in impermissible conversations and try to stay away from them as much as possible until they move on to another topic.
Allah ﷻ says:
«وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ الَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِي آيَاتِنَا فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ»
“And when you see those who engage in [blasphemous] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they engage in another topic…”
[6: Al-Anʿām: 68]
If you denounce their wrongdoings to the extent of your capability and keep yourself away from their objectionable actions, you will have fulfilled your responsibility. Their mockery or continuation in evil will not harm you, as Allah ﷻ states:
«يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ ۖ لَا يَضُرُّكُم مَّن ضَلَّ إِذَا اهْتَدَيْتُمْ ۚ إِلَى اللَّـهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ»
“O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. He who is astray cannot harm you if you are guided. To Allah is your return, and He will inform you about all that you used to do.”
[5: Al-Mā'idah: 105]
So long as you are calling them to the truth, remaining firm yourself, and not joining them in their sinful behavior, then their misguidance will not harm you. And indeed, Allah will make a way out for you and bring benefit to them through your patience and persistence.
Allah ﷻ promises:
«وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ»
“And the good end is for the righteous.”
[7: Al-Aʿrāf: 128]
«وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا»
“And those who strive in Our cause—We will surely guide them to Our paths.”
[29: Al-ʿAnkabūt: 69]
Conclusion:
✔ Continue advising them with wisdom and compassion.
✔ Remain firm on righteousness and do not join them in sin.
✔ Distance yourself respectfully when they persist in wrongdoing.
✔ Seek reward in your perseverance and remain hopeful in Allah’s guidance.
May Allah grant you firmness, patience, and success, and guide your fellow students and family as well.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله)
This content is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” based on the fatwas of the Scholars of the Ḥaramayn, translated by Ḥāfiẓ ʿAbdullāh Salīm.
❖ Question:
I am a young girl residing in an internal hostel with other female students. All praise is due to Allah, Who has guided me to the path of truth, and I have firmly held on to it. However, I feel deeply distressed when I witness sinful acts among some of my fellow students, such as listening to music, backbiting, and gossiping. I have advised them many times, but some mock me and call me old-fashioned and backward. What should I do in such a situation? Please guide me. May Allah reward you.
❖ Answer:
You are obligated—to the best of your ability—to gently and wisely condemn such actions and provide reminders using the relevant Qur’ānic verses and Prophetic traditions. Do not participate with them in listening to music or engaging in impermissible conversations and try to stay away from them as much as possible until they move on to another topic.
Allah ﷻ says:
«وَإِذَا رَأَيْتَ الَّذِينَ يَخُوضُونَ فِي آيَاتِنَا فَأَعْرِضْ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ»
“And when you see those who engage in [blasphemous] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they engage in another topic…”
[6: Al-Anʿām: 68]
If you denounce their wrongdoings to the extent of your capability and keep yourself away from their objectionable actions, you will have fulfilled your responsibility. Their mockery or continuation in evil will not harm you, as Allah ﷻ states:
«يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ ۖ لَا يَضُرُّكُم مَّن ضَلَّ إِذَا اهْتَدَيْتُمْ ۚ إِلَى اللَّـهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ»
“O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. He who is astray cannot harm you if you are guided. To Allah is your return, and He will inform you about all that you used to do.”
[5: Al-Mā'idah: 105]
So long as you are calling them to the truth, remaining firm yourself, and not joining them in their sinful behavior, then their misguidance will not harm you. And indeed, Allah will make a way out for you and bring benefit to them through your patience and persistence.
Allah ﷻ promises:
«وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ»
“And the good end is for the righteous.”
[7: Al-Aʿrāf: 128]
«وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا»
“And those who strive in Our cause—We will surely guide them to Our paths.”
[29: Al-ʿAnkabūt: 69]
Conclusion:✔ Continue advising them with wisdom and compassion.
✔ Remain firm on righteousness and do not join them in sin.
✔ Distance yourself respectfully when they persist in wrongdoing.
✔ Seek reward in your perseverance and remain hopeful in Allah’s guidance.
May Allah grant you firmness, patience, and success, and guide your fellow students and family as well.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn Bāz رحمه الله)
