Is Silence During Others' Sins Considered Betrayal?

Silence in the face of others' sins is a complex issue deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, particularly highlighted in the verses of the Holy Quran. To answer whether such silence constitutes "betrayal," we must first delve into the concept of "Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar" – enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong – which is a cornerstone of Islamic society and a fundamental responsibility of believers, both individually and collectively. The Quran views Muslims as a single community (Ummah) with a collective responsibility to watch over each other, guide towards good, and deter from evil. This responsibility is not merely a moral recommendation but a religious obligation vital for the health and dynamism of society. The origin of this divine duty is found in numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of cooperation in righteousness and piety, and avoiding cooperation in sin and aggression. This means that believers should help each other in the path of goodness and piety, and refrain from any cooperation in sin and transgression. Silence in the face of sin, under certain circumstances, can be considered a neglect of forbidding evil and even a form of indirect assistance to the sinner, especially if that sin openly corrupts society and infringes upon the rights of others. This perspective regards silence not merely as inaction, but as a negative act against the establishment of justice and goodness. The Quran explicitly emphasizes the necessity of Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 104, Allah states: "And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." This verse clearly indicates that the existence of a group of people dedicated to this vital duty is essential for the salvation and success of the community. Absolute silence in the face of sin, especially clear transgressions that impact society, can be seen as a neglect of this divine duty, leading to dangerous consequences for both the individual and the community. This silence can, over time, lead to indifference and the normalization of sin, which in turn paves the way for widespread corruption. In such a state, society undergoes moral decay, and the boundaries between good and evil become blurred. Silence not only allows evil to take root in society but can also give the sinner the impression that their actions are approved of, or at least ignored, which reinforces their persistence in sin. Furthermore, this silence might encourage others to commit the same sin, as the societal atmosphere has become accepting of such an undesirable act. This collective responsibility, laid upon Muslims by the Quran, transcends individual benefit and pertains to the health and good life of the entire Ummah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the infallible Imams (AS) have also emphasized the importance of this obligation in numerous narrations, strongly condemning silence in the face of wrongdoing. Silence in these matters can be interpreted as a form of tacit approval of sin, or at least a lack of concern for the moral and spiritual fate of society. From a Quranic perspective, believers should not be indifferent to deviations, as they are obliged to adhere to "Islamic brotherhood" and strive to rectify one another. This effort is part of the love and compassion that believers have for each other. Failure to fulfill this duty can be akin to a betrayal of this brotherhood and the divine covenant that every believer accepts upon embracing Islam. This betrayal is not in the sense of disclosing a secret or turning one's back on personal trust, but rather in the sense of failing to play a vital role in maintaining the moral health of society and disloyalty to the divine covenant for establishing justice and goodness. Such silence can, over time, weaken faith in hearts and eradicate the sense of responsibility. The Quran, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 79, strongly condemns those among the Children of Israel who "did not forbid one another from the evil that they committed. How wretched was what they were doing." This verse illustrates that neglecting Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar is not merely a minor oversight but a grave offense that leads to deviation from divine guidance. Such silence not only allows the sinner to sink deeper into their transgression but also deprives society of its purity and righteousness. When a community abandons Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar, it risks collapse, and divine punishment may encompass not only the wrongdoers but all its inhabitants, as highlighted in numerous Quranic accounts of past nations. This punishment can manifest in various forms, including the loss of blessings, increased difficulties, discord within society, and the loss of security and peace. This is a serious warning about how vital and destiny-defining social responsibility, including the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil, is for an Ummah. Therefore, silence in the face of others' sins, especially when the conditions for Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar are met and silence promotes sin or causes greater harm, can indeed be considered a form of "betrayal." However, this betrayal is not in the sense of betraying a specific individual, but rather a betrayal of the divine covenant, a betrayal of the Islamic community, a betrayal of Quranic principles and values, and a betrayal of the responsibility that Allah has placed upon believers. This responsibility is to guard the boundaries of truth and falsehood and to strive for the establishment of justice and equity on earth. This betrayal is of a kind that harms the collective nature of faith and the shared responsibility for maintaining the spiritual and moral health of society. Silence in this sense is a breach of the divine trust given to humans to cultivate the earth and establish the divine order. It is important to note that Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar has its own conditions and levels. This duty must be carried out with wisdom, good exhortation, and the best of arguments. The priority is verbal intervention and advice, unless the sin is very grave and overt, and there is no other recourse than practical action. Furthermore, if an individual's life, property, or honor is put at serious and unbearable risk by enjoining good and forbidding evil, this obligation may be waived or its levels may change in some cases. However, this does not mean that one's heart should not despise the sin. The lowest level of forbidding evil is internal detestation of the sin, even if one lacks the ability for practical or verbal action. Thus, absolute silence accompanied by inner approval or indifference is never permissible. Silence due to inability or justified fear differs significantly from silence due to indifference and approval of sin. The crucial point is that the intention and concern for reform must exist, even if its expression is not possible due to external obstacles. This distinction in intention and inner feeling creates a major difference in evaluating an individual's action. In fact, even if we cannot change evil through speech or action, we are at least obligated to detest it in our hearts, wish for its removal, and pray for it. This minimum indicates a lack of inner approval and loyalty to divine principles. In summary, the Holy Quran, by encouraging Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar, clarifies the social responsibility of believers towards one another's sins. Absolute and indifferent silence in the face of sins that harm society is not merely a neglect of religious duty but can lead to severe individual and collective consequences. This silence is, in a way, a betrayal of divine and social values, the preservation of which has been entrusted to the Islamic Ummah. Therefore, within the framework of Quranic responsibility, silence accompanied by indifference or tacit approval in the face of others' sins can be considered a form of betrayal of religious principles and societal well-being, and is thus severely condemned. Allah expects us to be guardians of goodness and righteousness in society and not to allow the darkness of sin to extinguish the light of faith and justice. This is not only an individual duty but also a collective one to preserve the integrity and vitality of the Islamic community. This participation in reforming society not only prevents sin but also contributes to the spiritual and moral elevation of individuals, demonstrating a living and dynamic community whose members are not indifferent to one another. This duty is not only a deterrent against corruption but also a sign of the vitality of faith and responsibility in the heart of every true Muslim. Therefore, whenever a believer remains silent and shows indifference, they have in fact turned their back on this great divine covenant.