to eliminate every promoter of evil, of atheism, of debauchery, or of immorality, preventing him from spreading whatever corruption and wickedness he wishes to propagate. This is the obligation.

Yet there is no doubt that among the officials whom Allah has set over the Muslims are some who fall short and others who are heedless. They treat the matter lightly at the beginning until it grows and swells, and by then they are powerless to stop it. The duty, therefore, is to face evil from its very first appearance and cut it off at the root, so that it neither spreads nor misleads the people.

The point is that clearing harm from the way—whether the tangible roadway trodden by feet or the intangible roadway that leads to hearts—and striving to remove every obstacle from either path is an act that draws one close to Allah. Indeed, removing what harms the heart’s path and obstructs righteous deeds earns a greater reward and is more pressing than removing obstacles from the footpath. Allah is the One who grants success.

128 – Twelfth narration: From him, he said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever performs wudu and perfects it, then comes to Friday prayer, listens and keeps silent, will have his sins forgiven from that Friday to the next, plus three additional days; but whoever touches the pebbles has engaged in idle talk.” Reported by Muslim.