Man ra’a minkum munkaran ………..” (Hadith No 34 of an-Nawawi Complete the Hadith. (b) translate and enumerate its lessons.

Answer Details

(a) Completion of the Hadith

On the authority of Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri (R.A.), the Prophet (S.A.W.) said:

"Man ra’a minkum munkaran fal-yughayyirhu bi-yadihi, fa-in lam yastati‘ fa-bi-lisanihi, fa-in lam yastati‘ fa-bi-qalbihi, wa dhalika ad‘afu al-iman." (Reported by Muslim)

(b) Translation

"Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is not able, then with his tongue; and if he is not able, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith."

Lessons of the Hadith

1. It is an obligation upon Muslims to forbid evil and enjoin good (al-amr bil-ma‘ruf wan-nahyu ‘anil-munkar).
2. Evil should be changed by action (the hand) where one has the authority and ability, such as leaders and parents.
3. Where action is not possible, one must speak out against the evil with the tongue, by advice, teaching or warning.
4. If even that is impossible, one must at least hate the evil in the heart and dissociate from it.
5. Hating evil in the heart is the weakest level of faith, showing that faith has degrees and increases or decreases.
6. The Hadith preserves the moral health of the Muslim society and prevents the spread of vice.
7. It teaches wisdom and gradation: one acts according to one's ability and position, avoiding greater harm.
8. Silence and total inaction in the face of evil, without even rejecting it in the heart, is a sign of the absence of faith.