:salam2:
You shouldn't akhi...
In our Eastern societies people have *egos*..often they believe that they are correct in everything they believe and/or do...so when someone comes and tells them *you're wrong*...it's like a *defensiveness* button is pushed on..and then you either get lectured..or worst..get flat-out insulted...
The best things to do are...
1. Do not budge on your stand against things that are haram or even makrooh...for example if you're in the car with a friend..and they turn on music..ask that they please turn it off because you do not listen to music..don't say why do you listen to music..don't comment on music..or anything..just ask him to turn it off as if you're doing it *for yourself*...when you show a strong stand against these things..it will get people thinking and perhaps even *acting* the way you do because they might seen an example in you...a lot of times people do feel guilty and start to *think to themselves* about how they behave as Muslims when they see people like that about what's haram and such...
2. If the issues are major..or you feel that you need to *talk* to people..talk *privately* to them..yes it might sound strenuous to do because that would require a lot of time..but if you're doing it for the sake of Allah..then a lifetime dedicated to this matter wouldn't be enough!..the reason why I say privately is because..a lot of times people misunderstand and think you're trying to "embarrass" them..so to "save face" they lash-out on you (you know the deal with this too akhi..it's an "Eastern" thing)..when you do it in private and gently..then they might realize that you're only giving naseeha..and open their hearts and minds to your words
Point is though...do not remain silent on anything that is haram or makrooh..even if people walk away or think you're fanatic...one day they might *in-fact* think about your words..so don't keep them to yourself..and your ajer is with Allah (sobhanaho wa ta'ala)
