Take care of yourselves (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5: 105)

One is Required to Reform Himself First

Allah commands His believing servants to reform themselves and to do as many righteous deeds as possible. He also informs them that whoever reforms himself, he would not be affected by the wickedness of the wicked, whether they were his relatives or otherwise. Imam Ahmad recorded that Qays said, "Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (Radhi Allahu Anhu) stood up, thanked Allah and praised Him and then said, `O people! You read this Ayah,

O you who believe! Take care of yourselves. If you follow the right guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.  You explain it the wrong way. I heard the Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) of Allah say,

If the people witness evil and do not change it, then Allah is about to send His punishment to encompass them.  I (Qays) also heard Abu Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anhu) say, `O people! Beware of lying, for lying contradicts faith.'''


Source: Tafsir ibn Kathir (Abridged)