The author—may Allah have mercy on him—next cites the Almighty’s words: “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another: they command what is right, forbid what is wrong, establish the prayer, give the zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they upon whom Allah will bestow His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise” (al-Tawbah 71).

Believing men and believing women are each other’s allies; every one of them looks after the other, helping and supporting him or her. Notice how, regarding the believers, Allah says, “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another,” whereas concerning the hypocrites He says, “The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another” (al-Tawbah 67). The hypocrites are not allies; it is the believer who is the ally of his fellow believer, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.

This verse is clear evidence that the task of commanding right and forbidding wrong is not confined to men. Women, too, are required to do so—within women’s circles, not in men’s gatherings or marketplaces, but in women’s settings and assemblies: at weddings, in classrooms, and similar occasions. Whenever a woman sees something blameworthy she must forbid it, and whenever she notices neglect of a duty she must command it, for the obligation of enjoining right and forbidding wrong rests on every believing man and woman: “They command what is right, forbid what is wrong, establish the prayer, give the zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they upon whom Allah will bestow His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise” (al-Tawbah 71).

We ask Allah to envelop us and you in His mercy and forgiveness.