The principle of al‑amr bil‑ma‘rūf wa‑n‑nahy ‘an al‑munkar (promoting virtue and preventing vice) received great attention from King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—stemming from the lofty status of this religious duty, which represents one of the principal pillars upon which the state stands, as indicated in the Almighty’s words:
“Those who, if We establish them in the land, establish prayer, give zakāh, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and to God belongs the outcome of all matters.”
(Sūrat al‑Hajj)
This commitment was also in fulfillment of the will of his father, the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman—may God have mercy on him—as stated in paragraph (First) of the telegram he sent to King Saud upon his pledge as Crown Prince on 16 Muharram 1352 AH, which included:
“You must be diligent in promoting virtue and preventing vice, and ensure that this is done with evidence, insight, and sincerity of resolve…”
(Al‑Wajīz fī Sīrat al‑Malik Abdulaziz, by Al‑Zarkali)
Support for the Officers of the Hisbah
This care is evident in the guidance King Saud—may God have mercy on him—directed to the officers of the hisbah, urging them to carry out their duties with firmness and determination, while declaring his full support for them. He said:
“You know—may God bless you—that God created us to worship Him alone and obey Him, and He commanded us to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘You shall enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and you shall restrain the foolish, and compel them to the truth, or else God will strike your hearts against one another and curse you…’”
He warned of harmful influences targeting the faith of Muslims—especially the younger generation—and reminded them of their responsibility before God on the Day of Judgment. He emphasized the centrality of prayer, quoting the Prophet ﷺ:
“The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has committed disbelief.”
He concluded:
“We are, God willing, with you and supporting you. Praise be to God, your staff is a sword. Uphold God’s religion, encourage people to do good, advise the Muslims, and guide them to the path of truth. Whoever persists in wrongdoing, refer his case to us and your responsibility is lifted. Whoever is guided, we ask God to increase him in guidance. But whoever prefers his desires over God’s command, we shall punish him with firm discipline…”
(Umm al‑Qurā Newspaper, Issue 1750)
His 1380 AH Public Address
In an open address in 1380 AH to princes, judges, and officers of the hisbah across the Kingdom, King Saud emphasized the honor God had bestowed upon them by making them bearers of the banner of His religion. He stressed the necessity of establishing justice, applying legal punishments without discrimination, and absolving themselves of any action contrary to Islamic law.
He urged them to ensure that their work aligns with the commands of God and His Messenger ﷺ.
Address to Scholars and Judges in Dhahran
During a visit to the Eastern Province, King Saud addressed scholars, judges, and hisbah officials, saying:
“Know that the most important matter our religion has directed us to is promoting virtue and preventing vice. It is therefore our duty to uphold it, convey it sincerely, and carry it out with gentleness and goodness.”
He added:
“The Book of God is our religion and our reference, and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ is our guide. In them lies all that we need of insight, goodness, and guidance. We shall strive, God willing, to uphold them, follow them, and apply them in all matters.”
He encouraged cooperation in establishing righteousness and piety, citing the hadith:
“All creation is God’s dependents, and the most beloved to God are those who are most beneficial to His dependents.”
He reminded them that righteous deeds are the path to success, while evil leads to ruin, and emphasized the importance of striving against one’s own soul—the “greater jihad.”
He concluded:
“We hope for good from you and trust that you will fulfill your duties in the best manner. We ask God to guide us and you to all that is good and to protect us from desire and misguidance. God is the One whose help is sought.”
(King Saud: His Speeches and Addresses)
Impact of King Saud’s Efforts
King Saud’s attention and follow‑up regarding the work of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice had a clear impact on:
- strengthening the religious commitment of the people,
- protecting society from the spread of immoral practices,
- and enhancing security and tranquility throughout the country.
Continuation of This Legacy
By God’s grace, the leaders of the Kingdom continue to uphold this religious duty. It has become a foundational principle in the Basic Law of Governance, as stated in Article (23):
“The state shall protect the Islamic creed, apply its Sharia, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and fulfill its duty of calling to God.”
(Collection of Saudi Regulations)