Section: Islamic Offices and the Duty to Enjoin Right and Forbid Wrong

Since the essence of the religion—and of every public office—consists of commands and prohibitions, the very command with which Allah sent His Messenger is the command to enjoin what is right, and the prohibition He assigned to him is the prohibition of what is wrong. This is likewise the attribute of the Prophet and of the believers, as the Almighty says, “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” ⦗9:71⦘

This obligation rests upon every able Muslim. It is a collective duty that becomes an individual duty for the capable person when no one else fulfills it. Capability here means power and authority; consequently, those who hold authority are more capable than others, and the obligation upon them is weightier than upon the rest, for the criterion of obligation is capability. Each person, therefore, is responsible in proportion to his ability. Allah says, “So fear Allah as much as you are able.” ⦗64:16⦘

All Islamic offices exist for no other purpose than to enjoin right and forbid wrong—whether the major military office, such as deputizing for the sultan; the minor office, such as command of the police; the judiciary; the financial offices that oversee the public treasuries; or the office of ḥisbah (market inspection).

Among those who hold office are some whose role resembles that of a trustworthy witness, from whom veracity is required—like the witnesses who testify before a judge, the treasury official whose task is to record revenues and expenditures, and the naqīb or ʿarīf whose function is to inform the ruler of people’s circumstances.

Others occupy a position akin to that of an entrusted authority who is to be obeyed and from whom justice is required, such as the emir and the judge.