Morals and etiquette of the Da`ee to Allaah

 

The morals and qualities necessary for a Da’ee (caller to Islaam) are highlighted by Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) in many occurrences in the Qur’aan.

First: Devotedness. It is obligatory for a Da’ee to be so devoted to Allaah that he neither intends to show off, nor wants a good reputation or praise from people. Rather, he should only call to Allaah to please Him.  

Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism)." He (سُبحانه وتعالى) also says: And who is better in speech than he who [says: “My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness) Therefore, you have to be devoted to Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى). It is the most important virtue and the greatest quality that has to characterize your way of Da`wah (call to Islaam), i.e. seeking Allaah and the Hereafter.

Second: Knowledge. Invite people to Allaah with firm knowledge. You should not be unaware of or ignorant about what you call people to. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge."

Knowledge is a necessary obligation. You should not call people while you are ignorant nor talk about a topic you are unaware of. An ignorant person destroys and never constructs, spoils and never reforms. You, servants of Allaah, have to fear Allaah and never say anything about Him without knowledge. Likewise, you should never preach something unless you have sure knowledge and insight into what Allaah and His Messenger (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) said about it. Sure knowledge is indispensible and essential for a seeker of knowledge or a Da’ee to be fully conversant with and have a deep knowledge of all the aspects of what he calls people to. He must also be sure of the proofs that substantiate his topic. Once he is sure of the truth of his points, he should then call people to them, regardless of whether it is a call to do something or to abandon something, i.e. an act of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger or an act forbidden by Allaah and His Messenger (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم). The call should be based on sure knowledge and insight.

Third: Among the qualifications necessary for a Da’ee is that he should have patience, kindness, and gentleness with forbearing temperament as the prophets (peace be upon them) were. Never should a Da’ee be rushing, violent, or unduly strict. Rather, he has to be patient, forbearing and kind while practicing Da`wah. To this effect, we have stated some evidence earlier.

For example, Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) says: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. He (سُبحانه وتعالى) also says: And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. In the story of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron), Allaah (سُبحانه وتعالى) says: "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)."

The Prophet (صلّى اللَّهُ عليه وسلّم) is authentically reported to have said: O Allaah, whoever gains control over some affairs of my people and is hard upon them, be hard upon him, and whoever gains control over some affairs of my people and is kind to them, be kind to him. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih)

So, it is obligatory for you, slaves of Allaah, to be kind in your Da`wah, and not to be harsh with people. Do not make people turn away from Islaam because of your harshness, ignorance or violent, harmful approach. It is thus obligatory for you to be forbearing, gentle, pleasant and lenient in speech so that your words may have an effect on the heart of your brother, or that it may have an effect on one toward whom your Da`wah is directed. As such, people will receive your Da`wah better, will be affected by it and will show appreciation. On the contrary, harshness causes disaffection, alienation, and division, not unity.

*Source: Posted from- Fatwas of Ibn Baz :  Volume 1 > Da`wah to Allah and the manners of those calling to Him > Fourth: Morals and etiquette of the Da`ys to Allah