But if a person or group will perform a commanded act only by committing a prohibited act that outweighs it, or will abandon a commanded act only for a prohibited act that outweighs it, no command should be issued that entails a weightier prohibited act, nor any prohibition that entails the performance of a weightier commanded act. For enjoining good and forbidding evil is what the messengers were sent with. Its purpose is to secure and perfect benefits, and to eliminate and reduce harms as far as possible.

If enjoining good and forbidding evil entails more harm than good, it is not prescribed. The imams of the Sunnah disapproved of fighting during civil strife, which many followers of whims call enjoining good and forbidding evil. If this gives rise to strife more harmful than refraining from enjoining good and forbidding evil, the lesser of two harms must not be averted by bringing about the greater. Rather, the greater harm is averted by bearing the lesser. As the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Shall I tell you of something higher in rank than fasting, prayer, charity, and enjoining good and forbidding evil?”

They replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.”

He said, “Reconciling people, for discord between people is the shaver. I do not say that it shaves off hair; rather, it shaves away religion.”