does more harm than good.” Likewise, in the report of Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him:

“Knowledge guides action, and action follows it.”

This is clear: intentions and actions not grounded in knowledge amount to ignorance, misguidance, and following one’s desires, as explained above. This is what distinguishes the people of pre-Islamic ignorance from the people of Islam. One must therefore know what is right and what is wrong and distinguish between them. One must also understand the circumstances of the person being instructed or prohibited. Acting righteously also requires enjoining and forbidding by the straight path—the most direct way to achieve the intended purpose.

Gentleness is indispensable in this, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Gentleness never enters anything without adorning it, and harshness never enters anything without marring it.”

He also said:

“Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters. He grants through gentleness what He does not grant through harshness.”

One must also be forbearing and patient in the face of harm, for one will inevitably suffer harm. Without forbearance and patience, one will do more harm than good. As Luqmān said to his son:

“Enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and patiently endure whatever befalls you. Indeed, that is a matter requiring firm resolve.”

For this reason, Allah commanded the messengers—who are the leaders in enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong—to be patient, as in His words to the final Messenger. Indeed, patience is coupled with conveying the message. When he was first sent as a messenger, the surah “O you wrapped in your cloak” was revealed to him, after the revelation of the surah “Read!” through which he had been made a prophet.