good or the prevention of evil through such shunning, this punishment is prescribed. But if it causes harm greater than the harm of the sin, it is not prescribed. And Allah knows best.

He was asked:

Should someone who drinks wine be greeted with salām? If he offers the greeting, should it be returned? Should his funeral procession be attended? Does he become a disbeliever if he doubts that wine is forbidden?

He answered:

Praise be to Allah. Whoever commits evil deeds, such as sexual immorality, drinking wine, aggression, or the like, must be rebuked according to one’s ability, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest level of faith.”

If a man conceals such conduct rather than displaying it openly, he should be rebuked privately and his faults concealed, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever conceals a servant’s faults, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter.”

The exception is when his harm extends to others: an aggressor’s aggression must be restrained. If someone privately tells him to desist but he does not, that person should take measures that will restrain him, such as shunning him or otherwise, if that is more beneficial for the religion. But if a man openly commits evil deeds, he must be rebuked publicly, and he no longer