Amr bil Ma’roof means to invite people towards goodness.
Nahy anil Munkar means to prohibit people from committing evil.
It is every Muslim’s duty that when he sees someone performing some evil he must prohibit him from continuing that action. Similarly when he sees someone neglecting an obligatory act, he must invite him towards that action.
It was a very hot day. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was returning to his house. When he had reached his house, he heard a woman crying. Imam (a.s.) stepped out of his house in that heat and asked the woman why she was crying.
The woman replied: ‘O my Master! My husband is harassing me. He has driven me out of the house. He wants to beat me and finally kill me. Please help me.’
Although Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was very tired and it was extremely hot, he decided to help that lady. He said to himself, ‘I will do Amr bil Ma’roof and Nahy anil Munkar and shall never turn away from these actions. At this moment, it is necessary for me to help this
woman and prevent her husband from doing evils and sins.’
Imam (a.s.) went to that woman’s house, while she stood at a distance so that her husband would not see her. Imam (a.s.) knocked on the door. A youth opened the door, and from the look on his face, it was apparent that he was very furious.’
Imam (a.s.) asked the youth (husband) about his condition. Then in a very gentle tone, Imam (a.s.) asked him: ‘Why are you harassing your wife? Why have you driven her out of the house, while it is so hot outside? Fear Allah, take care of your wife. If you are displeased with her for her disobedience, then forgive her.’
The husband did not recognise Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and said haughtily, ‘It is none of your business. It is my personal matter. I will kill this lady.’
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) heard his talks and kept repeating لاَ اِلهَ اِلاَّ الله
When the youth saw the lady he rushed at her so as to strike her. But Imam (a.s.) intervened. Imam (a.s.) once again exhorted him and tried to instill Allah’s fear in his heart. But this did not have any effect on the youth. He remained adamant and did not change his stand.
When Imam (a.s.) saw this, he changed his tone. He warned the youth, ‘Until now I have been trying to explain to you in a pleasant manner, but I see that your rudeness and ill-temper is only increasing.’
Then Imam (a.s.) said to him firmly, ‘Fear Allah. Behave nicely with your wife. Do not desert a helpless woman like this.’
At that moment, there were several passersby gathered there who recognised Imam (a.s.) and started saluting him,
اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا اَمِيْرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ، اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا اَمِيْرَ الْمُؤْمِنِيْن
When the youth realised that he is in front of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). He was taken aback. He was very ashamed at his arrogant behaviour. Immediately he apologised to Imam (a.s.).
Imam (a.s.) turned towards the lady and said, ‘Go to your house. Respect your husband. Don’t enrage him. Always listen to him and obey him.’
Due to Amr bil Ma’roof and Nahy anil Munkar, a family was thus saved from breaking up.
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