—namely, wrongdoing. If he joins them, so be it; otherwise, they become hostile towards him and harm him, in ways that may or may not amount to coercion.

Then, when someone joins, assists, and obeys these people who want others to share in their reprehensible conduct, or who command them to do so and enlist their help in achieving their aims, they belittle him, treat him with contempt, and use this against him in other matters. Yet if he does not join them, they become hostile towards him and harm him. Such is the condition of most wrongdoers who possess power.

What occurs in wrongdoing has its counterpart—and to an even greater degree—in righteousness. As Allah Most High says:
“But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.”
Surah al-Baqarah, 165.

For the incentive to do good is stronger. A person has an inner incentive that calls him to faith, knowledge, truthfulness, justice, and fulfilling trusts. When he finds someone doing these things, he gains another incentive, especially if that person is his peer, and particularly when there is competition. This is praiseworthy and good. If he finds believers and righteous people who wish him to agree with them in this and join them in it, and those who hate him if he does not do