What is the meaning of Al-Hisbah in Islam?

Hisbah linguistically means: seeking reward. Terminologically, it means: enjoining what is good and has been abandoned, and forbidding what is evil and is being committed. It is more specific than enjoining good and forbidding evil. The pillars of Hisbah are: the Muhtasib (the enforcer), the Muhtasab alayh (the one being enjoined or forbidden), the Muhtasab fih (the matter being enjoined or forbidden), and Al-Ihtisab (the act of enforcement).

The Muhtasib: The one who enjoins and forbids. It is not a condition for him to have the permission of the ruler. His conditions include: Islam, sincerity of intention, following the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, knowledge of what he enjoins and forbids, and capability. Among his manners are gentleness, beginning with oneself, and patience.

The Muhtasab alayh: The one who is enjoined or forbidden. He is to be prevented from evil even if he is not mukallaf (accountable).

The Muhtasab fih: The existing evil that is apparent to the Muhtasib without spying, and it should not be a matter about which there is a valid, recognized scholarly difference of opinion (ijtihad (definition)).

Al-Ihtisab: The act of carrying out Hisbah, and it has ranks: changing with the hand (the strongest rank, provided there is capability and no corruption), then with the tongue (if unable with the hand), then with the heart (obligatory upon every Muslim, and it is the weakest of faith).