Since this is the case...

Since this is the case, I do not think you can still cling to your earlier notion of “not meddling” in other people’s affairs, for upholding this religious ritual cannot be described as poking one’s nose in other people’s business. This obligation is akin to prayer, fast, hajj, and khums. * However, I am not a clergyman so that I can advise people to do good or encourage them to abstain from committing bad deeds.

●Who told you that the discharging of this obligation is the exclusive domain of the clergy? It is the duty of every one of us, irrespective of our backgrounds. * Well, when would this obligation cease to be wajibun kifa’ie, (i.e. so long as there are other Muslims who take it upon themselves to discharge it), and become the responsibility of every individual Muslim (wajibun aini), in the same way prayer is? - In certain circumstances, enjoining good and forbidding evil becomes obligatory.

It could explicitly be demonstrated by your aversion to the actions of those who disregard this obligation to desist from committing sins. On this occasion, I recall Imam Ali’s words, “The Messenger of God (s.a.w.) ordered us to face up to (avowed) sinners, through expressing our disapproval of their wrongdoings”. * Is upholding this divine obligation paramount at all time? - No, certain conditions must be present: 1.

The person exercising the obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil must be aware of what is good and what is bad, albeit in a general manner. 2. The probability that his advice shall be heeded. Conversely, there is no point in trying to guide those who you know will not take your advice. Having said that, [it becomes obligatory at times that you show indignation at their flagrant commissioning of evil deeds and turning away from that which is good]. 3.

The wrongdoer, or the one turning away from good, must be intent on committing the act. In the event, however, of even a glimpse of hope that they may ameliorate their stance, they must be counselled accordingly. * If the person was not bent on commissioning the act? - they should not be counselled. * How should I know that a person is intent on committing the vile deed?

●If you are aware of any indication that may lead you to believe they have mended their ways, this is a proof that they are no longer intent on committing the misdeed.

✦ ✦ ✦