and his conduct resembles that of the wicked old woman, Lot’s wife, who directed evildoers to his guests. Concerning her, Allah Most High said:

“So We saved him and his family, except his wife; she was among those who remained behind.”

And He said:

“So set out with your family during a portion of the night, and let none of you look back, except your wife; she will indeed suffer what they suffer.”

Thus Allah punished that wicked old woman, who acted as a procuress, with the same punishment He inflicted upon the wicked people who perpetrated vile deeds. This is because all such conduct amounts to taking money to assist in sin and transgression. A ruler is appointed only to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong: this is the purpose of authority. If a governor enables wrongdoing in return for money he receives, he acts in direct opposition to that purpose. He is like someone you appoint to help you against your enemy, only for him to help your enemy against you, or someone who takes money to wage jihad in Allah’s cause, then uses it to fight the Muslims.

This becomes clear when we consider that people’s well-being depends on enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. For the well-being of people and their livelihoods lies in obedience to Allah and His Messenger, and this cannot be fully achieved without enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. It is through this that this community became the best community brought forth for humanity. Allah Most High said:

“You are the best community brought forth for humanity: you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”

And He said:

“Let there be among you a group who call to goodness, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.”

And He said:

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another: they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.”

And He said concerning the Children of Israel:

“They would not forbid one another