The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5008

"I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: 'Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart- and that is the weakest of Faith.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of commanding good and forbidding evil (al-amr bil-ma'ruf wan-nahy 'anil-munkar). It outlines a hierarchy of response when encountering wrongdoing, demonstrating the practical dimensions of faith.

"Changing with the hand" refers to physical intervention when one possesses the authority and capability, such as a ruler enforcing justice or a parent correcting a child. This requires wisdom and should not lead to greater harm.

"Changing with the tongue" involves verbal admonition, advice, and speaking truth to power. This is the duty of scholars and those who can articulate guidance with proper knowledge and etiquette.

"Changing with the heart" represents the minimum requirement of faith - to internally reject evil. While this appears passive, it maintains one's spiritual integrity and prevents the heart from accepting falsehood.

The phrase "weakest of Faith" does not diminish this level but rather emphasizes that faith must manifest in some form of opposition to evil. A believer cannot remain indifferent to wrongdoing.

Scholarly Insights

Imam Nawawi comments that this hadith makes forbidding evil an individual obligation (fard 'ayn) when one witnesses it directly, though the method varies according to capability.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that the three levels correspond to different strengths of faith and circumstances. The heart's rejection ensures the believer never compromises their inner conviction against evil.

Scholars emphasize that this duty must be performed with wisdom, prioritizing greater benefits over potential harms, and with gentle preaching when possible.