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Enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil before the worst amongst you are given authority over you and then when even the best of you make dua against them, their duas will not be accepted.
Uthman Ibn Affan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of promoting good and preventing evil to avoid moral decay in leadership.

Uthman Ibn Affan highlights that when society neglects the responsibility of encouraging virtuous behavior and condemning wrongdoing, it risks losing the ability to influence those in power. This leads to a situation where even the most righteous among the populace may find their prayers ineffective against the corruption that prevails in leadership, illustrating a profound connection between moral vigilance and societal wellbeing.

Themes

GoodnessEvilLeadershipResponsibilitySociety

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a community meeting to encourage civic engagement.

More from Uthman Ibn Affan

Take note of the fact that I am a follower (of the religion) and not an innovator.
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Acquire wisdom from the story of those who have already passed.
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Had our hearts been pure, we would never tire with the Dhikr of Allaah.
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If the hearts are pure, they will never have enough from reciting Allah's words (the Qur'an).
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Allah the Exalted loves him who forgoes worldly life, the Angels love him who rejects the vices, and the Muslims love him who gives up greediness in respect of the Muslims.
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Worrying about the dunya is a darkness in the heart, while worrying about akhirah is a light in the heart.
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