people, you read the Quran and recite this verse, yet apply it incorrectly: ‘O you who believe, take care of yourselves. Those who go astray will not harm you if you are rightly guided.’ I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say: ‘When people see wrongdoing and do not change it, Allah may soon afflict them all with a punishment from Him.’”

Whoever openly commits wrongdoing must be denounced, shunned, and censured for it. This is the meaning of their saying:

“Whoever casts off the cloak of modesty has no protection from backbiting.”

This differs from someone who conceals his sin and keeps it hidden. His sin should be concealed, but he should be advised privately. Anyone who knows his condition should shun him until he repents and mention his conduct by way of sincere counsel.

The second case is when someone is consulted about marrying a man, dealing with him, or calling him as a witness, and knows that he is unsuitable for that purpose. The person consulted should offer sincere advice by explaining the man’s condition, as is authentically reported:

Fātimah bint Qays said to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “Abū Jahm and Muʿāwiyah have proposed marriage to me.” He told her: “As for Abū Jahm, he is a man who beats women. As for Muʿāwiyah, he is a poor man with no wealth.”

Thus, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, explained the condition of both suitors to the woman. This supports al-Hasan’s saying:

“Do you shrink from mentioning the wicked man? Mention his faults so that people may beware of him.”

Indeed, sincere counsel concerning religion is more important than sincere counsel concerning worldly affairs. Since the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, advised the woman concerning her worldly affairs, sincere counsel concerning religion is all the more important. If a man neglects the prayers and commits wrongful acts, and is in the company of