This Silence Is Dangerous

✒ Abu Tanveel

12 September 2026, 01 Rabi'ul Akhir 1448

Does anyone think that, as a believer, simply avoiding all wrongdoing, performing prayers, fasting, and other acts of worship, while remaining uninvolved in everything else happening in society, is enough to fulfil the purpose of life? Is a believer’s duty really limited to staying away from evil themselves?

It is not enough to refrain from wrongdoing. When evil spreads through society, a believer is also responsible for standing against it responsibly and calling people towards goodness. Reminding us strongly of this fundamental responsibility of calling others to the truth, Allah says:

“They did not forbid one another from the evil they committed. How terrible indeed was what they used to do!” (Qur’an 5:79)

Allah said this after mentioning the disobedience and transgressions of some among the Children of Israel. Along with teaching us, “Do not be among those who commit evil,” this verse also reminds us, “Do not be among those who remain silent when evil is being committed.”

Calling towards goodness and forbidding evil is one of the major responsibilities of the Muslim community. Allah says:

“Let there arise from among you a group inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.” (Qur’an 3:104)

If mistakes are seen within a family but no one advises anyone, the values of that family will gradually deteriorate. Likewise, if wrongdoing is seen within an institution and no one responds, that wrongdoing eventually becomes part of the system. If everyone remains silent when immorality spreads through a society, it can lead to the grave danger of evil gaining social acceptance.

The purpose of calling people towards goodness is not to criticize them, but to guide them towards what is good.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart...” (Muslim)

This hadith teaches us to stand responsibly against evil according to our ability and circumstances. A person who truly understands the essence of calling others to goodness will not mock someone when they see them making a mistake, humiliate the person committing the wrong, or display their own superiority. Instead, they will open a door for that person to correct themselves.

Those who take up this responsibility must first make their own lives exemplary. Allah asks:

“Do you enjoin righteousness upon others while you yourselves forget?” (Qur’an 2:44)