Grand Ayatollah Shirazi emphasizes central role of enjoining good and forbidding evil
The Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, has underscored the vital importance of the Islamic obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil in matters of belief, ethics, and religious rulings. He stressed that this duty applies universally to individuals, communities, nations, and governments alike.
In his remarks, the Grand Marja emphasized that every Muslim is religiously obligated to guide non-Muslims toward embracing Islam, noting that this form of outreach is a fundamental aspect of the duty to promote righteousness. He clarified that this responsibility is not confined to internal Muslim societies but extends globally as a means of spreading guidance.
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi outlined three stages of spiritual guidance: first, leading non-believers to faith; second, guiding fellow believers who neglect religious duties or commit sins knowingly or unknowingly; and third, encouraging all individuals to adhere to divine commandments through advice and instruction.
He also called for greater awareness of personal responsibilities, urging everyone—whether scholars, merchants, spouses, or parents—to seek knowledge about their religious obligations through inquiry and research.
The Supreme Religious Authority affirmed that righteous governments bear the responsibility of reforming societies and creating means for such progress, while citizens must support and advise their governments. Positive engagement between governments and people, he noted, is essential for meaningful reform.
