Question No. 3187 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified سطح محتوا: مقدماتی

How Can We Enjoin Good and Forbid Wrong During Quarantine?

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3187

I have a suggestion for you, respected teacher. Since we are all currently under home quarantine and cannot communicate with people in person, could you write a piece about common sins in society, addressing the duty to enjoin good and forbid wrong, for us to share in our groups? That way, no particular person is singled out, and everyone can benefit from it according to their own conduct. It would also be a good opportunity to fulfil this religious duty in the virtual world. May God grant us all the ability to act accordingly.

Subject category: Ethics and Spirituality Religious Upbringing and Family Ethics and Spirituality

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

During quarantine, when we are apart from those around us, enjoining good and forbidding wrong should begin with ourselves. Through self-examination, revisiting our beliefs in the fundamental principles of religion, seeking solitude with God, repentance and turning back to Him, and completing a reading of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, let us reform ourselves before turning to others.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

The present situation, which will not last long, is an interpretation of the era of the Greater Occultation. In truth, it is the people of this age who are hidden from view—not our Imam of the Age, peace be upon him. We are distant from him and absent from his presence; he is not absent from us. In forgetting him, we have, in truth, forgotten ourselves.

This is a time to come to ourselves, attend to our inner lives, and awaken! A time to take stock of our lives: What have we done? What have we become? What have we gathered for ourselves? Have we come to our senses? Have we learned the purpose of creation? How far have we travelled along the path of servitude to God? Are we ready to depart? Do we know where we are going?

Let us begin with ourselves, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong first in our own lives! Let us begin with ourselves, and only then turn to others!

Let us take the measure of our tawhid and examine our convictions about the principles of religion. Let us be alone with God and speak with Him in intimate supplication; let us renew our covenant of servitude. Let us repent, turn back to Him, and lament and plead.

Let us complete a recitation of the Qur’an with insight and presence of heart! Let us revisit the treasures of the Ahl al-Bayt with attentive hearts.

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How Can We Enjoin Good and Forbid Wrong During Quarantine?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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