By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
By
Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
To be successful Du’at (those who invite people to Islâm), it is a must for us to have correct knowledge of Islâm. It is a divine injunction, which Allâh the Almighty has enjoined to His Messenger and the Believers. He the Almighty says:
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘This is my Way; I do invite unto Allâh with certain knowledge.” I and whoever follows me (must also invite others to the Oneness of Allâh with sure knowledge). Glory to Allâh! And I am not of the polytheists.’” (12: 108)
One of the basic knowledge in Islâm that we should remember is to do Da’wah according to the Qur’ân and the Sunnah. The Prophet r, just like other prophets and messengers of Allâh before him, invited people to the worship of One God, Allâh). Allâh and His Messenger tell us:
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O men! I am sent unto you all, as Allâh’s Messenger to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He. So believe in Allâh and His Messenger ...’” (7:158)
“Say, ‘He is Allâh the One. The Eternally besought of all. He begets not nor was He begotten and there is none comparable unto Him.’” (112: 1-4)
Ibn Abbas t narrated that when Allâh’s Messenger r sent Muadh to Yemen, he said (to him), “You are going to people of the Book. First of all invite them to worship Allâh (Alone) and when they come to know Allâh, inform them that Allâh has enjoined on them, five prayers in every day and night ; and if they start offering these prayers, inform them that Allâh has enjoined on them, the Zakat (charity). And it is to be taken from the rich amongst them and given to the poor amongst them; and if they obey you in that, take Zakat from them and avoid (don't take) the best property of the people as Zakat.” (Bukhâri 2/537)
In conveying the Message of Islâm, Allâh’s Messenger r never resorted to any other book or source of knowledge and guidance but the Qur’ân and the Sunnah (both divine scriptures and guidance from Allâh I). In fact, he rebuked one of his closest companions by trying to refer to the Torah.
Jâbir ibn ‘Abdullâh t narrated that ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattâb t brought to Allâh’s Messenger r a copy of the Torah and said, “Allâh’s Messenger r, this is a copy of the Torah.” He (r) kept quiet and he (‘Umart) began to read it. The (color) of the face of Allâh’s Messenger r underwent a change; whereupon Abű Bakr t said, “Would that your mother mourn you, don’t you see the face of Allâh’s Messenger r?” ‘Umart saw the face of Allâh’s Messenger r and said, “I seek refuge with Allâh from the wrath of Allâh and the wrath of His Messenger r.” We are well pleased with Allâh as Rabb, with Islâm as religion, and with Muhammad r as Prophet. “Whereupon Allâh’s Messenger r said, “By Him in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, even if Moses were to appear before you and you were to follow him, leaving me aside, you would certainly stray into error. If (Moses) were alive (now), and he found my prophethood, he would have definitely followed me.” (Tirmidhî 194, Darimi and Mishkât 1/20)
The above Hâdîth shows how the Prophet r abhors the use of other sources (of religious knowledge) other than what he has left us. As reported in other hâdîth the Prophet r stresses that we should always stick to the Qur’ân and the Sunnah and the Sunnah of the four righteously guided Caliphs. To be effective, Allâh the Exalted commands us to do Da’wah with wisdom and beautiful preaching. Allâh the Most High says:
“Invite (all) to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (16:125)
“And do not argue with the People of the Book unless it be in a way that is better, save with such of them as do wrong. But say, “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you. Our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islâm).” (29:46)
The above verses also imply that as much as possible we have to avoid argumentation and debate. It is always best to invite people to Islâm with kind words instead of evil and insulting words. Allâh I says:
“Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed by injury. And Allâh is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is most Forbearing.” (2:263)
“Allâh does not love the utterance of evil words in public except by one who has been wronged. Allâh is He Who hears and knows all things.'' (4:148)
Certainly utterance of evil words is from Satan. Allâh I further tells us:
“Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan does sow dissension among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.” (17:53)
To avoid argumentation and debate, we should refrain from making use of the Bible and other sources that claimed to be “the Word of God” or “inspired”. The use of the Bible in doing Da’wah to Christians, in most cases, turns the Da’wah session or lecture into argumentation and debate. Instead of listening, most Christian audience naturally become defensive; thereby, creating an unfriendly atmosphere. Once we resort to Bible, we allow Satan to interfere in the course of our Da’wah. As much as possible, we Du’at must refrain from quoting verses from the Bible as it is not the Divine Message from Allâh I. Allâh the Almighty has commanded us to obey Him and His Messenger r. He has enjoined upon us to know that His Messenger’s duty was to convey the Message in the clearest manner, which he successfully did for our guidance:
“Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): if you do turn back know you that it is Our Messenger’s duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest manner.” (5:92)
“(We sent them) with Clear Signs and Scriptures and We have sent down unto you (O, Muhammad also) the Message; that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.” (16:44)
“How should they have the reminder. Seeing that a Messenger explaining things clearly has (already) come to them.” (44:13)
Anas t narrated that whenever the Prophet r spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it thrice so that the people could understand it properly from him and whenever he asked permission to enter, (he knocked the door) thrice with greeting.” (Bukhâri 1/95)
‘Aishah (radhiallâhu anha) narrated that the Prophet r used to talk so clearly that if somebody wanted to count the number of his words, he could do so.” (Bukhâri 4/768; Muslim)
Furthermore, the Prophet r advises us to speak what is good and not to hurt or insult others. He also enjoins us not to be angry:
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “Whoever believes in Allâh and the last day should talk what is good or keep quiet; and whoever believes in Allâh and the last day should not hurt (or insult his neighbor; and whoever believes in Allâh and the last day should entertain his guest generously.” (Bukhâri 8/ 485 and Muslim 3/ 4286)
‘Aishah (radhiallâhu anha) narrated that the Prophet r said, “The most hated person in the sight of Allâh is the most quarrelsome person.” (Bukhâri 8/ 637)
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhâri 8 /135 and Muslim 4/6311-6314)
Abu Hurairah t narrated that a man said to the Prophet r, “Advise me! The Prophet r said, “Do not be angry and furious.” The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, “Do not be angry and furious.” (Bukhâri 8/137)
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