permissible. This is the basis for the prohibition of strife. Thus, if the person seeking redress is incapable of doing so and his attempt involves transgression, this is precisely such a case.

Nevertheless, it remains obligatory to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong by upholding the Sunnah and the revealed Law and forbidding innovation and misguidance, to the extent possible. The Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the Muslim community establish this obligation.

Many people may perceive a contradiction in the revealed Law on this matter. They think that enjoining right and forbidding wrong cannot be carried out without strife, so either both must be commanded or both must be prohibited. But this is not so. Rather, one must enjoin right and forbid wrong while patiently refraining from strife, as Allah—exalted be He—said:

“Enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and patiently endure whatever befalls you.”
[Surah Luqmān 17]

ʿUbādah said:

“We pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to hear and obey in hardship and ease, whether willingly or reluctantly, and even when others were given preference over us; not to contest authority with those who hold it; and to uphold—or speak—the truth wherever we might be, fearing no one’s blame for Allah’s sake.”

Thus, he commanded them to obey, forbade them from contesting authority with those who hold it, and commanded them to uphold the truth.