Islamic da’wah is a noble task of all Prophets given by Allah (SWT). It is calling people to believe that there is no god but Allah and to a way that has been taught by His messengers. The Qur’an states, “We surely sent a messenger to every community, saying, “Worship Allah and shun false gods.” (Surah al-Nahl, Ayat: 36). In the chain of messengers through the ages, from the first man, Adam (A.), to the last day, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger. He did the same by the divine guidelines. The Qur’an says: “O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, and a deliverer of good news, and a warner, and a caller to ‘the Way of’ Allah by His command, and a beacon of light.” (Surah al-Ahzab, Ayat: 45-46). He (PBUH) was also recommended to do the act as it was the higher purpose of His sending to this world. Historically, prophetic daw’ah activity was started by the first Man and Prophet Adam (A.) and ended by the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

As the last Prophet (PUBH) has passed away, we are responsible for continuing da'wah activities according to his directions. The lack of these activities causes many difficulties not only in the lives of believers but also in society. Therefore, this act has been obligatory on every Muslim based on the context. The Qur’an commands, “Invite all to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner. Surely your Lord alone knows best who has strayed from His Way and who is rightly guided. (Surah al-Nahl, Ayat: 125). The ayat does not only make the da’wah activities compulsory for all of us but also shows its methods. The main methods have been mentioned in this ayat as (i) wisdom (hikmah), (ii) kind advice (al-maw’ijah al-hasanah) and (iii) debate in the best manner (al-mujadilah al-hsanah).

The wisdom (hikmah) is the most significant tool for successful da’wah activities. It helps a preacher (da’i) to do the right thing in the right way and place. It consists of a few requirements. Analysis of the issue and context based on one’s knowledge in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and other branches of knowledge, using reason (‘Aql) and his experience, is important, but enlightenment from divine power is essential in hikmah. To achieve the quality, one must study the Qur’an, Hadith and other available sources of knowledge. Using reason in making any decision is important but needs to be filtered by the Qur’an and Sunnah. Otherwise, it will not work.

Advising people to do good things and avoid wrongs is another method of da’wah. It must be kept in mind that we are only responsible for preaching Islam and showing its beauty to others in a good manner and etiquette (adab). Forcing anyone by any means is a must-avoiding act in Islam. The Qur’an rejects compulsion saying “Let there be no compulsion in religion, for the truth stands out clearly from falsehood. So, whoever renounces false gods and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the firmest, unfailing hand-hold. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ayat: 256).

Debate is allowed in Islam for preaching Islamic teaching and convincing others to do good but in the best manner. The purpose of any conducting debate will be only for preaching purposes, not to show anyone’s depth of knowledge, the skill of discussion or argument, or gain any worldly purpose.

The best example of the Qur’anic method of dawah has been made in the life of the Prophet (PUBH). Therefore, a preacher must search for the prophetic teaching of da’wah in every situation. The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) could show the best way of implementing divine guidelines in practical life. He (PBUH) is the most authoritative expounder of the Qur’an as well as Al-Shari’h. (Surah al-Nahl, Ayat: 44). He is also the model for all of us. (Surah al-Ahjab, Ayat: 21).

Acts according to our words are very important in Islamic da’wah activities. People do not only listen to a preacher but also look at his/her actions. They naturally scan the words and actions of a preacher to keep it in their practical lives. The significance has been mentioned in the Qur’an as well. It says: “O believers! Why do you say what you do not do? How despicable it is in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do!” (Surah as-Saff, Ayat: 2-3).

A gentle approach to others with full of love is also essential for successful da’wah activities. Allah (SWT) sent Musa (A) to Fir’aun with a recommendation of this manner. The Qur’an states: “Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has truly transgressed ‘all bounds’. Speak to him gently, so perhaps he may be mindful ‘of Me’ or fearful ‘of My punishment’.” (Surah Taha, Ayat: 43-44).

It is noted that people have the choice of whether to accept an invitation or reject it. Everyone is responsible for his actions. He/she will be accountable for all actions and deeds on the Day of Judgment. We should not forget that many of the relatives of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not accept His invitation. Therefore, we must preach Islam to others showing its beauty and convince them to be on the right path. May Allah (SWT) accept us for this noble task!

The writer is a scholar of Islamic views on contemporary issues and can be reached at [email protected]