Da’wah’s Necessity and Method in the Modern World (Part 5)
Invitation Through Action
One of the key factors that attract people to the message of Da’wah is the pure character, good deeds, and noble qualities of the one who calls others to Islam. Such an individual becomes a role model for others, embodying the teachings of Islam in a way that others can observe and learn from. In many regions, Islam has spread not through force or power, but through the exemplary conduct of its preachers. As Dr. Abdul Karim Zidan notes, “There are two essential aspects in this context: 1. Beautiful and inviting manners; 2. Actions of the caller that align with his words.”
Today, people do not focus solely on information, and very few are captivated by knowledge that lacks accompanying action. On the contrary, they observe behaviors and customs. If actions align with speech, they yield a more significant impact. Therefore, it is a well-known saying that «أدعوا الناس بغیر ألسنتکم»; that is, invite people to Islam and the Hereafter without words.
Using Expressions in Harmony with the Spirit of Invitation
One of the principles of Da’wah is to use expressions that harmonize with the spirit of invitation and the mission of the prophets. It is crucial to express the content of the invitation without ambiguity or condescension, inviting people to the Hereafter, encouraging them toward the endless blessings of Heaven, and warning them of the torments of Hell. People should be urged to believe in the unseen, and the supplicant should explicitly emphasize belief in Allah, His attributes and actions, angels, destiny, and life after death while warning against being trapped in the dark well of nature. Introducing the nature and attributes of Allah is at the pinnacle of this call. The Holy Quran states: «يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ (۱) قُمْ فَأَنْذِرْ (۲) وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ (۳)» This translates to: “O Prophet! Arise and warn the people and declare the greatness of your Lord.” Therefore, invoking the greatness of Allah is one of the principles of Da’wah that should make people feel the presence of Allah and invite them to His side, rather than to oneself or one’s people or party.
When the call is directed to Allah, it instills such zeal and firmness in the caller that it does not alter the rules of Sharia; rather, it presents them completely to the people. As a result of political and social expediency, or in pursuit of satisfaction or power, this conviction does not waver and does not allow even the slightest negligence or deviation from the laws of Sharia under any circumstances.
This is exemplified by the incident involving a woman from the Bani Makhzoom tribe who committed theft. When her crime was proven and they used Osama as a mediator to approach the Prophet, peace be upon him, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, became upset and remarked harshly: «أتشفع فی حد من حدود الله؟! » Translation: “Do you intercede for the divine limits?” They then point out that the decline of past nations was due to their discrimination in the implementation of divine laws; they exempted the nobles while imposing limits on the weak.
Therefore, it is this fortitude that ensures the implementation of all the Quranic teachings, Sharia rules, and Islamic principles with fervor and religious love.
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