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Inviting
People With Wisdom And Beautiful Preaching
By:
Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya
(Note:
This is the Author’s paper, which the Wisdom
Enrichment Foundation (WEFOUND) distributed
to the participants of the Da’wah
Training Program on “Techniques of Da’wah”. The International Council for Islamic Information (ICII) and
the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) jointly organized the said program for
Muslim prospective Du’at from various countries in December 1999 at the Saudi Chamber of Commerce Social Hall,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.)
Islam
as a perfect religion and a way of life gives us the best guidance on how to
invite people to Islam in the most effective way. To be successful Du’ât,
Allah I commands us to invite people to Islam with hikmah (wisdom) and
beautiful preaching. Allah I
says:
“Invite
(all) to the Way of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) 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)
The
above verse serves as the approach or methodology of doing Da’wah based on the
Qur’an, which is the Sunnah of the
Prophet r. We, Du‘ât
must follow the Prophet r how to invite people with hikmah and beautiful preaching.
The
following are the guidelines how to do Da’wah with hikmah and beautiful
preaching:
1.
Pray and aspire for eloquent speech and wisdom
Allah I is the One who gives (41:21) and teaches speech (55:4) to whom He
pleases. We must pray to Him for eloquent speech and wisdom so we can
effectively convey Islam to others. We
should remember that by His Will only, His Messengers (especially Prophet
Muhammad r)
as well as other Muslim Du‘ât,
succeeded in conveying Islam:
“Allah
will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which
rivers flow. They shall be adorned
therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of
silk. For they have been guided (in
this life) to the purest of speeches; they have been guided to the Path of Him
Who is Worthy of (all) Praise.” (22:23-24)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that the Prophet r said, I have been given the keys of eloquent speech and
given victory with awe (cast into the hearts of the enemy)...” (Bukhari
9/127)
During our prayers (especially in the qunut
for the witr prayers, after the midnight prayers) as well as before our Da’wah,
we should include in our invocation the following supplications:
“...O
my Rabb! Expand me my breast. Ease
My task for me; and remove the impediment from my speech, so they may
understand what I say.” (20:25-28)
“O
my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the
righteous; grant me honorable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest
(generations); make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss.”
(26:83-84)
If we have to do Da’wah in public, as much as possible, we must
avoid the common errors in public speaking.
It is imperative that we try to improve ourselves in all aspects of
personality development, including public speaking. The best way is to pray to
Allah, to earnestly ask Him to give us best character, eloquence of speech and
wisdom. When Allah I
blesses us, by His Grace, with a developed personality, gifted with eloquence of
speech and wisdom, we can easily convey Islam to the non-Muslims, who will, Insha
Allah, accept our invitation.
2.
Speak with confidence
We, the Du‘ât, should
have self-confidence in ourselves. As
long as we know the subject matter in Islam that we are going to discuss with a
certain degree of knowledge and then turn to Allah I,
pray for His help, we can successfully convey the message of Islam to others.
We should have trust in Allah I,
that by His Grace, we can speak with confidence in public no matter how large
the audience is. The following Qur’anic verses should inspire us to have
self-confidence in ourselves:
“You
are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind.
You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in
Allah...” (3:110)
“Who
is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and
says, ‘I am of those who bow in Islam?’”
(41:33)
3.
Be friendly and show kindness in your approach
It is imperative that we must be friendly
and kind in calling non-Muslims to Islam. We
must remember that our characters and manners as Muslims can affect people’s
attitude towards Islam. If we
behave nicely, as we ought to do, the non-Muslims will see the impact of Islam
on us. Let us be reminded of the
following Islamic teachings and be friendly and kind in our approach:
“Allah
forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor
drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah
loves those who are just. Allah
only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive
you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to
them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these
circumstances), that do wrong.” (60:8-9)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that the Prophetr
said, “A believer is friendly, and there is no good in one who is neither
friendly nor is treated in a friendly way.”
(Tirmidhi 4995; and Ahmad)
Yazid
Bin Na’mah t
narrated that Allah’s Messengerr
said, “When a man makes another his brother he should ask him his name, his
father’s name and the stock from which he comes, for it Binds friendship more
closely.” (Tirmidhi 5020)
‘Aishah
t
narrated that a man asked
permission to see the Prophet r
and the Prophet r
said, “He is a bad member of the tribe.” When he entered, Allah’s
Messenger r
treated in a frank and friendly way and spoke to him. When he departed, I said, “Messenger of Allah! When he
asked permission, you said: “He is a bad member of the tribe; but when he
entered, you treated him in a frank and friendly way.”
Allah’s Messenger r
replied, “Aisha! Allah does not
like the one who is unseemly and lewd in his language.” (Abu Dawud 4774)
4.
It is always best to invite people to Islam with kind words instead of
evil words or bad language
Since Da’wah means calling or
inviting people to Islam (the submission to Allah and obedience to His Law), it
is very essential that we speak kindly to non-Muslims and refrain as much as
possible from uttering evil words:
“Kind
words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed by injury.
And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is most Forbearing.”
(2:263)
“Allah
does not love the utterance of evil words in public except by one who has been
wronged. Allah is He Who hears and knows all things.” (4:148)
‘Abdullah
Bin ‘Amir t
narrated that the Prophet r
never used bad language. He used to
say, “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and
character.” (Bukhari 4/759 and 8/56)
5.
Say the fundamental or best
teachings in Islam and refrain from nonsense talking
The best way to invite non-Muslims is
first to call them to Tawhîd. We
have to quote verses from the Qur’an so they can reflect and ponder upon the
veracity of Allah’s words. As
much as possible, we must refrain from nonsense talking:
“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)
“Successful
indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayer, who shun the nonsense
talking and the vain conversation, and who pay Zakat.”
(23:1-4)
6.
Speak good words and do not insult
For non-Muslims to accept our invitation,
we must always speak good words and never insult them. Let us learn from the
following authentic teachings:
O
you who believe! Be not like those who vexed and insulted Moses but Allah
cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered: and he was honorable in
Allah’s sight. O you who believe! Fear
Allah and (always) say a word directed to the Right: That He may make your
conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: he that obeys Allah and His Messenger has already attained the highest Achievement.
(33:69-71)
‘Abdullah
Bin Amr t
narrated that Allah’s Messengerr
neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil intentionally.
He used to say, “The most beloved to me amongst you is the one who has the
best character and manners.” (Bukhari 5/104)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah’s Messengerr
said, “Whoever believes in Allah
and the last day should talk what is good or keep quiet. And whoever believes in Allah and the last day should not
hurt (or insult) his neighbor. And
whoever believes in Allah and the last day should entertain his guest
generously.” (Bukhari
8/482)
Bilal
Bin al Harith t
narrated that Allah’s Messenger r
said, “A man speaks a good word, not realizing its worth, for which Allah
records for him His good pleasure till the day he meets Him. A man also speaks
an evil word not realizing its importance for which Allah records for him His
displeasure till the day he meets Him.”
(Tirmidhi 4833 and Ibn Majah)
‘Abdullah
Bin Mas’ud
t
narrated that the Prophet r
said, “A believer does not taunt,
curse, abuse or talk indecently.” (Tirmidhi
1740)
The following Hadîth shows how the Prophet r used hikmah by not insulting or hurting the feelings of a person:
Anas
t
narrated that verily a person said, “Allah’s Messenger r,
where is my father?” He r said, “(He) is in
the Fire.” When he turned away,
he r
called him and said: “Verily my father and your father are in the Fire.” (Muslim 1/398)
The best way to avoid insulting the
non-Muslims, particularly the Christians, is to avoid making use of the Bible. Unfortunately, those who make use of the Bible are insulting
the Christians by enumerating the errors and contradictions in the Bible.
7.
Avoid vain discussion, argumentation and debate
We Du’ât must also avoid vain discussion, argumentation and
debate. We must be obedient to
Allah and His Messenger r:
“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 Islam).”
(29:46)
Abu
Umamah t
narrated that Allah’s Messengerr
said, “No one who has once
found the right way, ever goes astray except through dispute. Then Allah’s
Messenger r
recited this verse: ‘They set it forth to you only by way of disputation. Nay!
They are quarrelsome people.’ (43:58).”
(Tirmidhi 180 and Ibn Majah)
Al
Mughira Bin Shuba t
narrated that the Prophet r
said, “…Allah has hated for you (1) vain, useless talk, or that you talk too
much about others, (2) to ask too many questions (in disputed religious
matters), and (3) to waste the wealth (by extravagance).” (Bukhari 3/591)
‘Abdullah
Bin Umar t
narrated that he went to Allah’s Messenger r
in the morning and he heard the voice of two persons who had an argument with
each other about a verse. Allah’s Messengerr
came to us (and) the signs of anger could be seen on his face. He said,
“Verily, the (peoples) before you were ruined because of their disputation in
the Book.” (Muslim6443)
Abu
Namlah al Ansari t
narrated that Allah’s Messengerr
said, “ Whatever the people of
the Book tell you, do not verify them, nor falsify them, but say: ‘We believe
in Allah and His Messenger. If it is false, do not confirm it, and if it is
right, do not falsify it.’”
(Abu Dawud 3637)
To avoid argumentation and debate, we must refrain from conducting public
debates as well as lectures and seminars involving comparative religions.
Debates between Muslims and Christians usually create an unfriendly
atmosphere that is never conducive to effective learning.
The Christians usually present their views by making use of the Bible as
they claim it to be “the
Word of God” or “inspired.” We Muslims must never
make use of the Bible as a reference material in conveying the Truth.
The Bible has many contradictions that only lead people to confusion,
argumentation and hence, discord. Instead
of acknowledging the many errors in the Bible, most Christian audiences
naturally become defensive. Moreover,
once we discuss the Bible, we allow Satan to interfere in the course of our Da’wah.
In the Qur’an, Allah I says that Satan is the one who deceives humanity (4:119-120).
Therefore, we should not allow Satan to deceive us by wasting our time
using the Bible for it is never the
source of Truth. The use of the Bible in doing Da’wah to
Christians, in most cases, turns the Da’wah session or lecture into vain discussions, argumentation and
debate, which Allah I and His Messenger r
abhor. We must not quote
verses from the Bible as to do so is not the Sunnah of the Messenger r and his Companions.
In fact, the following authentic Ahâdîth should serve as warning
to us not to refer to the Torah or the Bible:
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah t
narrated that Umar Bin al-Khattab
brought
to Allah’s Messenger r
a copy of the Torah and
said: “Allah’s Messengerr,
this is a copy of the Torah.” He (Allah’s Messengerr)
kept quiet and he (Umar t)
began to read it. The (color) of the face of Allah’s Messenger r
underwent a change. Abu Bakr t
said, “Would that your mother
mourns you, don’t you see the face of Allah’s Messengerr?”
Umar t
saw the face of Allah’s Messenger r
and said, “I seek refuge with Allah from the wrath of Allah and the wrath of
His Messengerr.
We are well pleased with Allah as Rabb, with Islam as religion, and with
Muhammadr
as Prophet.” Whereupon Allah’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.” (Tirmidhi 194, Darimi
and Mishkat 1/20)
Ubaidullah
Bin ‘Abdullah Bin Utbah t
narrated that Bin Abbas t
said, “O Muslims? How do you ask
the people of the Scriptures, though your Book (i.e. the Qur’an) which was revealed to His Prophet r
is the most recent information from Allah and you recite it, the Book that has
not been distorted? Allah has revealed to you that the People of the Scriptures
have changed with their own hands what was revealed to them and they have said
(as regards their changed Scriptures): This is from Allah, in order to get some
worldly benefit thereby.” Bin Abbas t
added: “Isn't the knowledge
revealed to you sufficient to prevent you from asking them? By Allah I have
never seen any one of them asking (Muslims) about what has been revealed to
you.” (Bukhari
3/850)
For our guidance, we should go for lectures and seminars where Muslims and non-Muslims are
invited in a friendly atmosphere. We must convey to the audience especially the
non-Muslims that the Qur’an is the Only Book of Truth from Allah I
(32:2-3; 22:54) that has been preserved in a Tablet or in a Book well guarded
(85:21-22). No one can ever change it (6:115). Allah I has promised to protect it from any form of human manipulation (15:9).
The most varied and complete subjects of the Qur’an, which are beyond man’s
ability to produce, makes it miraculously unique and inimitable.
It is the only Book wherein Allah I
Allah I
instructs mankind to follow it for guidance (6:155; 39:18).
Part of Allah’s guidance is His commandment to the whole mankind to
obey His Messenger r (47:33). The Prophet r is the best example for the whole mankind to follow (33:21).
To be successful, we must confine our topics and discussions on Islamic
teachings by making use of the Qur’an and the Sunnah as the Sources of
Divine Truth. It is imperative for
us to invite the non-Muslims to Islam with beautiful preaching instead of
argumentation and debate. In this
kind of presentation of Islam or Da’wah, we allow the angels, instead
of the Satan, to surround us. They
will be happy with us and help us pray to Allah I
that we will succeed in our Da’wah.
8.
Control anger and refrain from having dispute or quarrel
Another way of inviting non-Muslims is to
control anger and refrain from indulging into dispute or quarrel.
This is a must because, to reiterate, Allah the Almighty has enjoined us
to call people with beautiful preaching. If
we have to argue with them, we have to do it in the best way.
If possible we must control anger:
“And
dispute not with the People of the Book, except in the best way, unless it be
with those of them who 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
Islam).’” (29:46)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah’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.”
(Bukhari 8/ 135 and Muslim
4/6311-6314)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that a man said to the
Prophet r,
“Advise me!” The Prophetr
said, “Do not be angry and furious.” The man asked (the same) again and
again, and the Prophet r
said in each case, “Do not be angry and furious.”
(Bukhari 8/137)
‘Aishah
t
narrated that the Prophetr said, “The most hated person in the sight of Allah is the most
quarrelsome person.” (Bukhari
3/637)
Abu
‘Umama t
narrated that Allah’s Messenger r said, “No people strayed from the right path after the
(divine) guidance on which they were, but those who, indulged in disputation.”
He then recited the verse: ‘Nay, but they are a contentious people (43:58).’”
(Ibn Majah 1/48)
9.
Present Islam objectively by giving proofs from the Qur’an and the
Sunnah. If the non-Muslims try to
counter argue, by claiming that their religion also teaches the same or even
better ask for concrete proof or evidence:
“And
they say: ‘None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.’
Those are their (vain) desires. Say,
‘Produce your proof if you are truthful.’”
(2:111)
“...Say:
‘Bring you the Torah and study it, if you be men of truth.’
If any, after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are
indeed unjust wrong-doers.” (3:93-94)
“Or
have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him? Say, “Bring your convincing proof: this is the Message of
those before me.” But most of
them know not the Truth, and so turn away.” (21:24)
10.
Explain the meaning, beauty and
excellence of Islam: its rationality, completeness and practicality in the most
logical and simple way. Always
stress that indeed, Islam is easy.
We have to explain to the non-Muslims that everything in Islam is
documented. It has proofs from the
Qur’an and the Sunnah: the two authentic and divine scriptures of Allah
I
for the guidance of the whole mankind. Take
for instance the concepts of Islam and Muslim(s).
We read the following authentic proofs as clear examples:
“You
(Muslims) are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin what is
right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allâh...” (3:110)
“...This
day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and
have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
(5:3)
“The
Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another: they enjoin what is
just, and forbid what is evil . . .” (9:71)
Bin
Umar narrated t
that Allah’s Messengerr said, “Islam has
been built upon five things: 1.) Declaring that there
is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger; 2.) The
establishment of salaah (five compulsory daily prayers); 3.) The payment of
zakaah (obligatory charity); 4.) The Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah,) if
one is able; and 5.) Sawm of
Ramadan (fasting in the month of Ramadan).” (Bukhari
1/7)
‘Abdullah
ibn Amr t
narrated that the Prophetr
said, “A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and
hands. And a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what
Allah has forbidden.” (Bukhari 1/9)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah’s Messenger r
said: “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe and a
believer is one in whom people place their trust in regard to their life and
wealth.” (Tirmidhi Hadîth
33 and Nasa'i)
In order that non-Muslims effectively understand our Da’wah, we
have to explain to them very clearly the Islamic concept of Tawhîd
(Oneness of Allah) and the meaning of Shahada (Islamic Testimony). We
have to explain to them the principles of the five pillars of Islam based on the
Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet r. We should also explain the benefits of accepting the belief in the
Oneness of Allah I and the rest of the five pillars of Islam. We have to make it clear to
them that the sincere performance of the five pillars of Islam is a must for all
able Muslims for their salvation in the eternal life hereafter.
The following Hadîth serves as an authentic proof:
Abu
Ayyub t
narrated that a man came to the
Prophetr and said, “Direct me to a deed, which draws me near to
Paradise and takes me away from the Fire (of Hell).” Upon this he (the Prophet
r)
said: “You worship Allah and never associate anything with Him, establish
prayer, and pay Zakat, and do good to your kin. When he turned his back,
Allah’s Messengerr remarked, “If he adheres to what he has been ordered to do, he
would enter Paradise.”
(Muslim 1/13)
The non-Muslims should be made to understand that every teaching or
commandment in Islam that we are supposed to do is for our benefit, example is
the performance of Salâh (prayer). Allah I
makes it very clear to us that prayer will make us righteous (2:21) and restrain
us from shameful and evil deeds (29:45). When we are sure that the non-Muslims
understand the basic or fundamental principles of Islam, then, we can invite
them to believe in Tawhîd (particularly Tawhîd Al-Uloohiya or
Ibadah), that is the worship of Allah I
Alone. It is a must that we explain very clearly to them the meaning and
conditions of Shahadah. They
have to know that the declaration of Shahadah or the testimony of Faith
implies adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Islam requires every able Muslim believer to perform the rest of the five
pillars of Islam in accordance with the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
When the non-Muslims understand our
explanation of the Shahadah, we have to invite them to sincerely
accept the declaration that, “There is no God worthy of worship but
Allah.” We can inspire them
with the following Ahadîth:
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that he said “O
Allah’s Messengerr!
Who will be the luckiest person who will gain your intercession on the day of
Resurrection?” Allah’s Messengerr said: “O Abu Hurairah! I have thought that none will ask me
about it before you as I know your eagerness to (learn) the Hadîth. The
luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be
one who said sincerely from (the bottom of) his heart La ilaha ilallah (none has
the right to be worshipped but Allah).”
(Bukhari 1/ 98)
Anas
t
narrated that the Prophet r said, “Whoever said La ilaha ilallah (none has the right to be
worshipped but Allah) and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a
barley grain, will be taken out of hell. And whoever said La ilaha ilallah (none
has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and has in his heart good (faith)
equal to the weight of a wheat grain, will be taken out of hell. And whoever
said La ilaha ilallah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of
an atom, or a small ant, will be taken out of hell.”
(Bukhari 1/42)
They should sincerely declare the Shahadah ¾
that is to testify that there is no God worthy to be worshipped but Allah and
that Muhammad r is Allah’s Messenger. We
should further inspire them with the following Hadîth:
Abu
Hurairah (or Abu Said Al Khudri) t
narrated that …Allah’s
Messenger r
remarked, “I bear testimony that there is no god but Allah and I am Allah’s
Messenger. The man who meets his Rabb without harboring any doubt about these
two (truths) will never be kept away from Paradise.”
(Muslim 42)
When they declare the Shahadah, we should make it clear to
them that it is essential for them to comply with the rest of the five pillars
of Islam in accordance with the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
This is the Sunnah of the Prophet r as shown in the following Hadîth:
Bin
Abbas t
narrated that when Allah’s
Messenger r
sent Mu’adh
to
Yemen, he said (to him), “You are
going to people of the Book. First of all, invite them to worship Allah (Alone)
and when they come to know Allah, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them,
five prayers in every day and night; and if they start offering these prayers,
inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, the Zakat. 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.” (Bukhari
2/537)
After explaining the basic teachings of Islam (i.e., the five pillars and
six articles of faith in Islam), we can invite the non-Muslims to Islam. For
their further enlightenment, in case they have not yet decided to recite the Shahadah,
we can explain to them the beauty and excellence of Islam. We have to explain
that Islam is not only practical but also easy. For instance, Allah I gives concession to the travelers by shortening and joining some
prayers. Women who are in
menstruation are exempted from performing prayers. The sick, the old, the very
young children, and the insane people are exempted from fasting during Ramadan.
The poor and the weak who can not afford to perform hajj, are not
obliged to do the fifth pillar of Islam. Then, we have to explain clearly the
belief in the six articles of faith in Islam and the meaning of ihsan
(perfection of faith in Islam).
It is necessary that they should know the concept of ibadah (worship
in Islam). We have to explain that worship in Islam is a comprehensive term,
which is not only confined to the daily salat (prayers) and other
religious acts such as fasting, payment of zakat, pilgrimage and so on.
It is an all-inclusive term for all that Allah I loves of the inward and outward sayings, actions and deeds of a person.
In other words, worship is everything we say or do for the pleasure of
Allah I.
It includes not only rituals and beliefs, but also economic, political,
social and cultural activities, and contributions to the welfare of our fellow
human beings. In short, everything we say and do in accordance with the Qur’an
and the Sunnah, with the sincere intention to please our Creator, is an
act of ibadah.
We have to explain to the non-Muslims that
Islam is the complete way of life for all. The Qur’an and the Sunnah
cover all subjects affecting mankind, be they physical, material, economic,
social, cultural, political, legal, religious or spiritual. The incomparable and
comprehensive teachings of Islam guide all the Muslim believers in all
circumstances at all times. They are simple, yet very practical, offering the
best solutions to our perplexing problems.
Furthermore, we have to make clear to them
that Islam as the complete way of life for all, is full of wisdom, guidance and
truth. We have to explain the
excellence of Islam (being the complete way of life for all) in the simplest way
possible. In other words, we have
to make things easy for them to see the Light and not to make them run away from
it:
“Anas
Bin Malik t
narrated that the Prophetr
said, “Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), and do not
make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away
(from Islam).” (Bukhari
1/69)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that the Prophetr said, “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself
in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be
extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that
you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings,
afternoons and during the last hours of the nights.” (Bukhari
1/ 38)
In addition, it is for the benefit of the non-Muslims to know that
everything that we are forbidden to do does harm to us. Allah I
forbids all indecent deeds. Some examples of these are evil and rebellion
(16:90), mischief (28:77), transgression (59:19), arrogance, selfishness,
niggardliness (4:36-37), ungratefulness (2:276), pride (31:18), envy (2:109),
boastfulness (4:38), dishonesty (3:161), making oaths to deceive others (16:92),
slandering (68:11), laughing at others, sarcastic attitude, calling others by
offensive nicknames, suspicion, spying, or speaking ill of others behind their
backs (49:11-12). Islam considers
an abominable act to speak maliciously about someone in his absence.
Corollary to this, Allah I
has asked us to avoid suspicion as much as possible (49: 12). If a wicked person
tells us something against someone else, we should not immediately accept it as
true information. If a sinner comes
to us with any news, we have to ascertain the truth in order not to harm people
unwittingly (49:6). Other forbidden acts in Islam include: indecent deeds,
whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; rebellion
(49:7); drinking wine and gambling (2:219 and 5:90-91); extravagance (6:141 and
17:26); usury (2:275-276); stealing; adultery and fornication, killing of
children; slandering; and forging falsehood (60:12).
Furthermore, Allah I
has prohibited the taking of life, which He has made sacred, except by way of
justice and law (6:151). Non-practicing Muslims and non-Muslims must be
objective and accept that all these forbidden deeds are harmful to the whole
humanity.
During our Da’wah, we expect
questions from non-Muslims, which they consider as sensitive issues in Islam.
They have many misconceptions in Islam.
It is our duty to rectify such misconceptions with concrete proofs from
the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We must present our proofs with wisdom and
beautiful language in order to correct their misunderstandings of our Deen.
The clear evidences from the Qur`an prove that all distortions written
against Islam are false. They are
nothing but mere products of men’s ill thoughts and evil deeds in order
to keep people away from reverting to Islam.
After presenting and correcting all the
misconceptions to them in the most logical and simple way possible, using
evidences from the Qur’an, we have to stress that, indeed, Islam is perfect.
We must invite them to be rational to accept the best life, Islam.
11.
Make use of parables and similitude that may give admonition
Another way to effectively convey Islam is
to make use of parables and similitude that may give admonition.
Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah give clear illustrations of
beautiful parables and similitude that awaken the minds and hearts of every
sensible individual. Allah
the Almighty says:
See
how Allah sets forth a parable? ¾
A goodly Word like a goodly tree,
whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens ¾
it brings forth its fruit at all
times, by the leave of its Rabb so Allah sets forth parables for men, in order
that they may receive admonition. And the parable of an evil word is that of an
evil tree. It is torn up by the
root from the surface of the earth. It
has no stability. Allah will
establish in strength those who believe, with the Word that stands firm, in this
world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave, to stray those who do wrong.
Allah does what He wills. (14:24-27)
“We
have put forth for men, in the Qur’an
every kind of Parable, in order that they may receive admonition.”
(39:27)
Examples of the parables that may give
admonition to the non-Muslims are:
“The
parable of those who reject Faith is as if one were to shout like a goat-herd,
to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries: deaf, dumb and blind. They
are void of wisdom.” (2:171)
“The
parable of those who reject their Rabb is that
their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a
tempestuous day. No power have they
over what that they have earned. That
is the straying far, far (from the goal).”
(14:18)
Refer to the Qur’an for more parables
(examples: 2:262, 2:264, 3:35, 14:45, 16:76, 112, 18:32, 22:73, 24:35,
25:39, 29:41, 43, 30:58, 36:13, 39:29, 43:8 and 47:15).
The following are examples of similitude according to the Ahadîth :
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah t
narrated that the Prophet r
said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets is that of a man
who has built a house completely and excellently except for a place of one
brick. When the people enter the
house, they admire its beauty but say: ‘But for the place of this brick (how
splendid the house will be)!’” (Bukhari 4/734)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Allah’s Messenger r said, “The example of a believer is that of a fresh green plant
the leaves of which move in whatever direction the wind forces them to move and
when the wind becomes still, it stands straight. Such is the similitude of the believer. He is disturbed by calamities (but like the fresh plant he
regains his normal state soon). And
the example of a disbeliever is that of a pine tree (which remains) hard and
straight till Allah cuts it down when He wills.” (Bukhari 9:558)
12.
Choose the proper time (moment) or day for Da’wah and
avoid making people from becoming bored.
Another very important part of hikmahis to choose the proper time
or day for Da’wah in order to avoid making people bored. As much as
possible, we have to know and conduct our Da’wah that is most
convenient to our prospective audience/participants.
We have to follow the Prophet r
who considered the convenience of the people in order to avoid making them bored
and thus be effective in conveying Islam. The
following Ahadîth tell us:
Bin
Mas’ud t
narrated that the Prophet r
used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we
might not get bored.” (Bukhari 1/68)
Abu
Wa’il t
narrated that ‘Abdullah used to
give a religious talk to the people on every Thursday. Once a man said, “O Aba ‘Abdur-Rahman! (By Allah) I wish if you could preach us daily.”
He replied, “The only
thing which prevents me from doing so, is that I have to bore you, and I take
care of you in preaching by selecting a suitable time just as the Prophet r
used to do with us, for fear of making us bored.” (Bukhari 1/70 and
Muslim)
Ikrima
t
narrated that Bin 'Abbas t
said, “Preach to the people once
a week, and if you won't, then preach them twice, but if you want to preach
more, then let it be three times (a week only), and do not make the people
fed-up with this Qur’an. If you come to
some people who are engaged in a talk, don't start interrupting their talk by
preaching, lest you should cause them to be bored. You should rather keep quiet,
and if they ask you, then preach to them at the time when they are eager to hear
what you say. And avoid the use of rhymed prose in invocation for I noticed that
Allah’s Messengerr
and his companions always
avoided it.” (Bukhari
8/349)
13.
Deliver the lecture briefly but precisely with eloquence in order to
arouse the listeners’ interest.
We Du’ât must try our best to be
effective public speakers. We must
aim and work to be eloquent in conveying Islam to non-Muslims.
One best way to do this is to deliver the lecture briefly but precisely
with eloquence in order to arouse the listeners’ interest. Let us learn from
the following Ahadîth:
‘Abdullah
bin Umart
narrated that two men came from the East and addressed the people who wondered
at their eloquent speeches. On that Allah’s Messenger r
said, “Some eloquent speech is as effective as magic.”
(Bukhari 7/622)
Ammar
Bin Yasirt
narrated that Ammar delivered to us
(the audience) the sermon. It was short and eloquent. When he (Ammar) descended
(from the pulpit) we said to him: O Abul Yaqzan, you have delivered a short and
eloquent sermon. Would that you had lengthened (the sermon). He said: I have
heard Allah’s Messenger r
as saying: “The lengthening of prayer by a man and the shortness of the sermon
is the sign of his understanding (of faith). So lengthen the prayer and shorten
the sermon, for there is charm (in precise) expression.” (Muslim1889)
‘Amr
bin al-Ast
narrated that one day when a man
got up and spoke at length he (Amr bin al-'As) said, “If he had been moderate
in what he said: It would have been better for him. I heard the Allah’s
Messenger r said: ‘I think (or, I have been commanded) that I should be
brief in what I say, for brevity is better.’”
(Abu Dawud 4990)
14.
Talk with feelings and emotions
To be effective in our Da’wah, it is a must that we talk with a
sense of feelings and emotions. This
means that we must talk with sincerity by trying to convey Islam the way we feel
for the pleasure of Allah, the Exalted.
If we freely express what we feel of Islam and its teachings,
inspirations, warnings and the like our listeners/audience will be more
interested. Let us emulate
the Prophet r who talked with feelings and emotions:
Anas
Bin Malik t
narrated that the Prophet r said, “What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky
during the prayer?” His talk grew
stern while delivering this speech and he said, “They should stop (looking
towards the sky during the prayer); otherwise their eye-sight would be taken
away.” (Bukhari 1/717)
‘Abdullah
t
narrated that the Prophet r said, “I know the person who will be the last to come out of
the (Hell) Fire, and the last to enter Paradise. He will be a man who will come out the (Hell) Fire crawling,
and Allah will say to him, ‘Go
and enter Paradise.’ He will do
it, but he will imagine that it had been filled, and then he will return and
say, ‘O my Rabb, I have found it full.’
Allah will say, ‘Go and enter Paradise, and you will have what equals
the world and ten times as much (or
you will have as much as ten times the like of the world).’
On that, the man will say, ‘Do you mock at me (or laugh at me) though
You are the King?’” I saw
Allah’s Messengerr (while saying that) smiling that his premolar teeth became
visible. It is said that that will
be the lowest in degree amongst the people of Paradise. (Bukhari
8/575)
Jabir
Bin ‘Abdullah t
narrated that whenever Allah’s
Messengerr delivered a sermon, his eyes would turn red.
His voice would become loud. And
his wrath would enhance as if he was warning (the people) against an enemy
troop, saying, “It will surely attack you in the morning; it will surely
attack you in the evening...”
(Ibn Majah 1/45)
15.
Explain things very clearly, repeat important points (if necessary), and
speak in a loud and clear voice.
To be effective Du’ât, we must see to it that we convey Islam
in the clearest way. One way to do
this is to repeat important points (if necessary) and speak in a clear voice,
loud enough for everyone can hear. The
following Âyât and
Ahadîth tell us how our best model, Prophet r,
did his Da’wah clearly:
“(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
Prophetr
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.” (Bukhari
1/95)
‘Abdullah
Bin ‘Amr t
narrated that once Allah’s
Messenger r
remained behind us in a journey. He
joined us while we were performing ablution for the ‘Asr prayer which was
over-due. We were just passing wet
hands over our feet (not washing them properly) so the Prophet r
addressed us in a loud voice and said twice or thrice, “Save your heels from
the fire.” (Bukhari 1/96)
‘Aishah
t
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.” (Bukhari
4/768 and Muslim)
16.
Make appropriate gestures to facilitate better understanding
It is part of hikmah that we convey the Message of Islam in the
clearest manner. One way to do this
is to make appropriate gestures. We
must see to it that our gestures must be natural and spontaneous. This is to
facilitate better understanding, which is in accordance with the Sunnah
of the Prophet r:
‘Abdullah
bin Mas’ud narrated that the Prophetr
said, “The Adhan pronounced by Bilal should not stop you from taking Suhur;
for he pronounces the Adhan at night, so that the one offering the late
night prayer (Tahajjud) from among you might hurry up and the sleeping from
among you might wake up. It does not mean that dawn or morning has started.”
Then he (the Prophetr)
pointed with his fingers and raised them up (towards the sky) and then lowered
them (towards the earth) like this (Ibn Mas'ud imitated the gesture of the
Prophet r).
Az-Zuhri gestured with his two index fingers, which he put on each other and
then stretched them to the right and left. These gestures illustrate the way
real dawn appears. It spreads left and right horizontally. The dawn that appears
in the high sky and lowers down is not the real dawn.”
(Bukhari 1/595)
Abu
Uthman t
narrated that while we were at
Adharbijan, 'Umar wrote to us: ‘Allah’s Messenger r
forbade wearing silk except this much. Then the Prophet approximated his two
fingers (index and middle fingers) (to illustrate that) to us.’ Zuhair (the
sub-narrator) raised up his middle and index fingers.”
(Bukhari 7/719)
Abu
Hurairah t
narrated that Abu-l-Qasim (the
Prophetr)
said, “On Friday there is a particular time. If a Muslim happens to be praying
and invoking Allah for something good during that time, Allah will surely
fulfill his request.” The Prophetr
pointed out with his hand. We thought that he wanted to illustrate how short
that time was. (Bukhari
8/409)
Umarah
bin Ruwaybah t
narrated that he saw Bishr ibn
Marwan on the pulpit raising his hands and said: “Allah, disfigure these
hands! I have seen Allah’s Messenger rgestured
no more than this with his hands, and he pointed with his forefinger.”
(Muslim1895)
17.
Use illustrations (visual aids) to arouse audience interest and
facilitate easy comprehension.
In order to arouse the interest of the audience and at the same time make
our explanation of Islam easier to understand it is appropriate that we make use
of illustrations or visual aids. We must see to it that the illustrations are
simple, clear and big or visible enough for the audience to see and understand.
The following Ahadîth show how the Prophet r conveyed Islam in the clearest way possible
by way of illustrations:
‘Abdullaht
narrated that the Prophetr
drew a square and then drew a line in the middle of it and let it extend outside
the square. Then he drew several small lines attached to that central line, and
said, “This is the human being, and this, (the square) in his lease of life,
encircles him from all sides (or has encircled him), and this (line), which is
outside (the square), is his hope. And
these small lines are the calamities and troubles (which may befall him), and if
one misses him, another will snap (i.e. overtake) him.
And if the other misses him, a third will snap (i.e. overtake) him.” (Bukhâri,
8/426)
Anas
bin Malikt
narrated that the Prophet r
drew a few lines and said, “This is (man’s) hope, and this is the instant of
his death, and while he is in this state (of hope), the nearer line (death)
comes to Him.” (Bukhâri, 8/427)
‘Abdullah
bin Mas‘ûd t
narrated that (once) Allah’s Messenger r
drew a line for us and then said, “That is the path shown by Allah.”
Then he drew several other lines on his right and left sides and said, “These
are the paths on every side of which there is a devil calling towards it.” He
then recited this verse, ‘and verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it
(6:153).’” (Tirmidhi 166, Ahmad, Nasâ’i
and Darimî)
Jâbir
bin ‘Abdullah t
narrated, “We were sitting in the company of the Prophet r.
He drew a (straight) line and drew two (other) lines on its right side and two
lines on its left side. He then placed his hand on the middle line and remarked,
“This is Allah’s Path.” Then, he recited this verse: ‘and
verily, this is My Straight Path; so follow it, and not the (other) paths. They
will separate you away from His Path.’ (6:153).” (Ibn
Mâjah 1/11)
18.
If possible, write and reproduce copies of your speech or lecture for
distribution to the audience after your talk.
To be more effective in conveying the Message of Islam to non-Muslims, we
must spend time and effort writing and producing copies of our lecture, at least
its summary, for distribution to the audience. If possible, we write some of the selected Âyât and
Ahadîth we quote in our lecture or speech. This will serve as a sort of
re-enforcement and reminders to enlighten them of the words of Allah I
and His Messenger r. The following authentic Hadîth shows how the Prophet r encouraged the writing of speech for the
benefit of the listeners:
Abû
Hurairah t
narrated that when Allâh gave victory to His Messenger r
over the people of Makkah, Allâh’s Messenger r stood up among the people. After glorifying Allâh, he said,
“Allâh has prohibited fighting in Makkah and has given authority to His
Messenger and the believers over it. So, fighting was illegal for anyone before
me and was made legal for me for a part of a day, and it will not be legal for
anyone after me.” Abû Shâh, a Yemenite, stood up and said, “O Allâh’s
Messenger