It was Marwan who initiated (the practice) of delivering khutbah (address) before the prayer on the 'Id day. A man stood up and said: Prayer should precede khutbah. He (Marwan) remarked, This (practice) has been done away with. Upon this Abu Sa'id remarked: This man has performed (his duty) laid on him. I heard the Messenger of Allah as saying: He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue, and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of faith.
The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 49a
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses the fundamental Islamic principle of commanding good and forbidding evil, while also documenting a historical incident regarding Eid prayer protocol.
Historical Context
Marwan ibn al-Hakam, as governor of Medina, innovated by delivering the khutbah (sermon) before the Eid prayer, contrary to established Prophetic practice.
The anonymous man who objected was fulfilling his religious duty by speaking out against this deviation from the Sunnah.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's teaching outlines three levels of responding to evil: physical intervention when capable, verbal objection when unable to act physically, and internal rejection when both previous levels are impossible.
Abu Sa'id's endorsement confirms the man fulfilled his obligation through verbal objection, the appropriate response in this circumstance.
This hadith establishes that faith has degrees, with the lowest being heartfelt rejection of evil, demonstrating that faith is not merely passive belief but requires active engagement with righteousness.
Legal Implications
Scholars derive from this that Eid prayer must precede the khutbah, following the Prophetic precedent.
The incident demonstrates the obligation upon Muslims to preserve the Sunnah and correct innovations, even when coming from authorities.
The graduated approach to forbidding evil ensures the obligation is within every Muslim's capacity according to their circumstances.