Amr bi al-Maruf wa’l-Nahy an al-Munkar

Amr bi al-Maruf wa’l-Nahy an al-Munkar

Definition

Amr bi al-Maruf wa’l-Nahy an al-Munkar (Arabic: الأمر بالمعروف والنهي عن المنكر) refers to the fundamental Islamic principle of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. This principle underpins the communal responsibility in Islam to promote virtuous behavior and discourage sinful actions.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: الأمر بالمعروف والنهي عن المنكر
• Turkish: İyiliği emretmek ve kötülüğü men etmek

The term can be divided as follows:

• Amr bi al-Maruf (أمر بالمعروف): Commanding or enjoining what is known as good/virtuous.
• Nahy an al-Munkar (نهي عن المنكر): Forbidding or prohibiting what is known as evil/sinful.

Qur’anic References

The concept is mentioned multiple times in the Qur’an, emphasizing its significance. Key verses include:

1. Surah Al-Imran (3:104): “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.”
2. Surah Al-Hajj (22:41): “Those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayers and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong…”

Principles and Applications

Amr bi al-Maruf wa’l-Nahy an al-Munkar represents not merely a moral advisory but a collective duty (fard kifayah) incumbent upon the Muslim community. The principle aims to:

1. Promote Justice: Ensuring fairness and justice in all facets of life.
2. Prevent Oppression: Stamping out oppression by combating unethical practices in societal, political, and economic contexts.
3. Incite Righteousness: Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt behavior that aligns with Islamic moral and legal standards.

It influences various dimensions of life including:

• Moral: Advising individuals to uphold good manners and piety.
• Social: Encouraging charitable activities and care for neighbors.
• Political: Urging rulers to enact just policies.
• Economic: Promoting fairness in financial dealings and discouraging exploitative practices.

Further Reading

To delve deeper into the concept, the following books are recommended:

• “The Book of Commands and Prohibitions: A Study in Islamic Ethics” by Bernard G. Weiss.
• “Islamic Ethics of Life: Abortion, War, and Euthanasia” edited by Jonathan E. Brockopp.
• “Ethics and Governance in Islam: Critical Perspectives on Concept and Practice” edited by Mariam Mufti, Ethan P. Jorowski, and Asma Afsaruddin.

Takeaways

1. Amr bi al-Maruf wa’l-Nahy an al-Munkar is a vital concept in Islamic ethics that involves a collective duty towards morality.
2. The principle is designed to create a balanced, fair, and just society by religiously and socially sanctioned means.
3. Its teachings are rooted in the Qur’an and have practical applications in everyday life.

Conclusion

The principle of Amr bi al-Maruf wa’l-Nahy an al-Munkar remains a cornerstone of Islamic communal responsibility, reflecting the ultimate goal of establishing justice and righteousness within society. It serves as an enduring guide for Muslims in navigating moral, social, and political landscapes while striving for a harmonious world aligned with Islamic values.