In countries like Saudi Arabia, Aceh, Malaysia, etc people are fortunate that the government helps those who do not conform to the will of Allah(swt) by acting or dressing in a way contrary to the way he wishes for us to behave.
In countries currently dominated by the Kuffar (non-Muslims), like in England, whose job should it be to make sure our sisters don't fall out of line? Especially those who have bad parents, those who do not take responsibility for their children's actions?
Assalamualaikum.
It's the job of everyone who have a strong sense of the knowledge of Islamic Shariah and Quran to guide every other Muslim or non-Muslim to the right direction and to inform them about their path(if they are not following the dictates of Islam). Any Muslim must encourage others in performing the duties imposed by Allah.
This is an Islamic law called "ENJOINING GOOD & FORBIDDING EVIL" in countries without Islamic government this is not done by government but Muslims should advice each other.
The Holy Qur'an enjoins us again and again to do amr-bil-ma'roof and
nahya 'anil munkir. In suratul aale-Imran Allah says:
You are the best community raised up for mankind. You enjoin right conduct and forbid evil (you do amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir) and you believe in Allah."[3:110]
Please also see the ayah [3:104], [9:71] and [31:17].
At the same time Islam safeguards an individual's right to privacy in the strongest possible terms. In suratul Hujaraat Allah says:
"O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for indeed suspicion (in some cases) is a sin. And spy not, nor backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?" [49:12]
Amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir inevitably involve encroachment upon some one's right to privacy. Where the exercise by an individual of his right to privacy is likely to adversely effect the right of another individual or a group or the ummah or the mankind, that right of privacy is forfeited and the ummah has the duty to counsel that individual.
A few ahaadeeth on the subject are worth noting:
The Holy Prophet (SAWAW). has said :The world is like a ship and mankind its passengers. The welfare of all depends upon the safe conduct of each. If anyone is found making a hole on the side of a ship, he must be stopped.
The Holy 5th Imam (AS) "Amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir are the most important obligations because upon them depend the performance of all other obligations. If amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir are done the earth will become a safe place, enemies will be subdued and all other affairs discharged satisfactorily"
The Holy Prophet (SAWAW) said "He who does amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anilmunkir is the vicegerent on the earth of Allah, His Prophet and His Book."
Addressing the Muslim scholars in Mecca after he had left Madinah on his way to Kerbala, Imam Hussain (A.S.) remonstrated with them because of their failure to do amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir. This is a very long hadith and is reported in Al-Tawhid Vol.VII, No.4 p.41. It also explains Imams's stand against Yezid. I request the administration to arrange to post the Hadith.
Now let us revert to your specific concerns. The fuqaha are all agreed on an individual's duties with regard to amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir and the difficulties one often confronts. I am assured that Ayatullah Khameni's views coincide with those of Ayatullah Ruhullah Khumaini and marhum Ayatullah Khui, upon whom I have mostly relied.
Amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir are wajib-e-Kifaai. If one person does it, it is saqit on the others. If no one does it all are equally accountable, regardless of their financial or social status, provided the following requirements are met:
(a) he himself is aware of what is good and what is bad from the Islamic point of view;
(b) he believes that the person to whom he wishes to do amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir will listen and follow the advice. If he is satisfied that the person will not under any circumstances listen to the advice, it is then not wajib upon him to do amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir to that person;
(c) he is satisfied that by his undertaking to do amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir no personal or financial suffering will be caused to a third party.
Ways of doing amr-bil-ma'roof and nahya 'anil munkir:
(a) By tongue. By talking to the person and persuading him, using the politest posible language to start off with.
(b) By conduct. If talking produces no result, a gradual withdrawal of friendship and companionship should be resorted to.
(c) (in Islamic Government) The next stage should be to report the matter to 'alam-e-shar'a (the mujtahid whose muqallid you are or his duly appointed "wakil" authorised to decide jurisprudential matters).
References:
http://www.islamic-laws.com/AmrBilMaroof.htm
http://www.al-islam.org/organizations/aalimnetwork/msg00304.html
Look at the stories of the prophets(pbut) in the quran. Most of them were sent to nations that were deep in kufr. So I feel it is pretty whiny if a person complains of not having these governments.
These prophets(pbut) were responsible to give their messages. To enforce is the responsibility of the person themselves. In the end, it is Allah that guides.
Most Muslims in the west should read a book "Enjoy your Life" by Dr. Muhammad Adb Al-Rahman Al-Arifi, it is based on hadith and life of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh).
So, when there is an consensus / ijmah about the rules of Islam, then governments come into picture to enforce these values at a later stage.
Today even after all these governments in Saudi/Malaysia etc if a person wants to do evil they can do so by switching on their computer. So the problem is not "enforcement" rather "guidance". If a person is rightly guided and in the worst country of the world, still they will not be swayed by the evil around.
For parents, if you are a good example to children, Insha Allah they will be good muslims IN ANY COUNTRY. If you dont have a beard and try to enforce hijab on your daughter, pls dont expect any wonders. If you have not set a good example by praying five times, dont expect them to do so either. BUT if you have done all you could, the it is Allahs will to guide.
Today most muslim parents look angry & smile less. Its probably because they are in a new land and have troubles of their own. But smiling and listening to what your child did in school goes a long way.
Next, I would say just give dawah /islah to people and automatically things will fall in line.
I would also take exception to how you frame your question "sisters out of line". I am sure there are "brothers way out of line" too.
