Al- Amr Bi-al-maʻrūf Wa-al-nahy ʻan Al-munkar Fī Al-fikr Al-islāmī

The book is widely praised for its monumental and comprehensive research, offering an encyclopedic survey of the concept of "Enjoining Good and Forbidding Wrong" within Islamic thought. Reviewers consistently highlight the astonishing effort involved, spanning 900 pages and drawing from printed books, manuscripts, lectures, and even government reports in multiple languages including Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Castilian. The author's meticulous documentation, extensive footnotes, and broad linguistic command are lauded as exemplary academic practice. Beyond mere historical narration, the work provides deep analysis, drawing sharp observations and comparisons across various Islamic schools of thought, including Sunni, Shia, Mu'tazila, and Sufi traditions, and tracing the concept's evolution through different historical, geographical, and political contexts. Many appreciate its objective and respectful tone, noting that it avoids common orientalist pitfalls and instead builds upon Islamic sources with evident admiration for the subject matter. The quality of the translation is also frequently commended, making the complex material accessible and engaging.

Despite its strengths, the book receives some criticism. Several reviewers point out an uneven distribution of attention among the various Islamic schools, with the Hanbalite school receiving disproportionately extensive coverage compared to others like the Maliki, Hanafi, and Shafi'i traditions. Some readers found certain conclusions or comparisons drawn by the author to be unconvincing or even contradictory to the detailed evidence presented. A significant critique from some perspectives centers on the author's methodology, particularly his reliance on a lexical search for specific phrases, which some argue led to a narrow scope and overlooked broader discussions of the concept in Quranic texts or prophetic narratives. Additionally, a few reviewers suggest that the book, despite its apparent objectivity, subtly elevates certain heterodox schools over mainstream Sunni thought, or makes debatable assertions about the geographical influence on Hadith transmission. Another point of contention is the book's limited engagement with the challenges of applying this principle in modern, state-dominated societies, and the impact of contemporary urban and social changes on its practice.

Overall, the book is highly recommended as a seminal work, considered by many to be the best and most thorough study on "Enjoining Good and Forbidding Wrong" available. It is lauded for its ability to illuminate the richness of Islamic heritage and the profound significance of this concept for individuals and society. While it is a dense academic text, its engaging style and the profound insights it offers make it rewarding for dedicated readers. This book is particularly suited for academics, serious students of Islamic philosophy and history, and anyone with a strong interest in understanding the intricate development of Islamic thought and its societal implications. It serves as an excellent model for rigorous scholarly research and offers a unique perspective on a foundational Islamic principle, encouraging readers to appreciate its depth and relevance beyond superficial interpretations.