Sharīʿah Perspectives on Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil: A Comparative Juristic Study

Abstract

The principle of enjoining good and forbidding evil is a fundamental doctrine in Islamic law that aims to preserve faith, morality, justice, and social order. This article examines the juristic definitions of al-Maʿrūf and al-Munkar and explores their classifications within Islamic jurisprudence. Drawing upon the views of classical Muslim jurists, the study highlights al-Maʿrūf as all actions, statements, and values approved by Sharīʿah and recognized as beneficial to individuals and society. Likewise, al-Munkar refers to all acts prohibited by Islamic law that undermine moral and social well-being. The article analyzes the divisions of both al-Maʿrūf and al-Munkar into three categories: matters related to the rights of Allah, matters concerning the rights of individuals, and matters involving shared rights. It further discusses practical applications of these categories in worship, social relations, financial transactions, family affairs, and public conduct. Using a comparative juristic approach, the study demonstrates that enjoining good and forbidding evil is not merely a personal ethical duty but a collective responsibility aimed at safeguarding public interests, preventing corruption, and protecting individual and communal rights. The study concludes that this doctrine remains a vital instrument for achieving the objectives of Sharīʿah and promoting social reform in contemporary Muslim societies.