The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Religion is sincerity.” He repeated the words thrice. When the companions asked, “Sincerity towards whom, O Messenger of Allah?”, he replied, “Towards Allah, towards His book, towards His messenger, towards the Muslim leaders and all Muslims.”

 

So, it behooves us to practice nasihah towards fellow Muslims who are committing sins. As Imam Shafi said: “If you advise your brother in confidence, it is nasihah proper,  If,  on the other hand, you did so in public, that is exposing him (which is reprehensible). However, this does not mean that we approve and condone abuse causing harm to others. The Prophet said, “There shall be no tolerance of inflicting abuse or harm, in any form or shape.”

 

Therefore, the principle of jurisprudence states, “Abuse and inflicting of harm ought to be prevented.”

 

So, if a person is abusing or victimizing people, he or she stopped by any means necessary. If advising him or her does not restrain him or her, then we are to resort to even stronger measures such as taking legal action, etc. It may also be necessary to expose them – to prevent further abuse or victimization. According to the rules of jurisprudence, protecting the interests of the community has precedence over safeguarding those  of an individual or individuals.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.