“And thereafter: You understand, may God bless you, that people have no recourse in matters of their religion and their worldly affairs except to return to their Lord, to seek refuge in Him, and to avoid neglecting what benefits them in both their religious and worldly matters. It is not appropriate for us to remain silent; rather, it is incumbent upon us to fulfill what our Creator and the Muslims require of us.
Since I observe a noticeable decline and laxity in the practice of enjoining good and forbidding wrong, and a great shortcoming in this regard on the part of the committees and others—despite the fact that we have spared no effort in strengthening and supporting these committees—I nevertheless see among them a degree of indolence and weakness in carrying out this duty, which is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman. As the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he is unable, then with his tongue; and if he is unable, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.’
We, praise be to God, stand ready to assist and support them in all matters related to enjoining good, forbidding wrong, and restraining the reckless. Yet I am not aware that they have reported anything to us in this regard for which we failed to respond, even though many matters displeasing to God Almighty have spread among the people and may bring about divine punishment.
1958