Methods of Inviting to Allah
The act of دعوت (calling) is a divine obligation imposed upon us by Allah – the Exalted. Every Muslim is responsible for it according to their abilities and status. This act is considered one of the greatest forms of worship in the eyes of Allah – Glory be to Him. The benefits of this practice extend not only to the inviter but also to the invitee. As it is an act of worship, it requires sincerity towards Allah – Glory be to Him – and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him – in its implementation. In this article, we will explore some of these methods as outlined below:
Inviting with Wisdom
- Explanation of the Method
Inviting with wisdom means that the caller should possess knowledge about what they are inviting to, understanding their audience and the appropriate methods for engaging them. For instance, the approach suitable for children may not be effective for adults, and what resonates with educated individuals may not apply to the uneducated. Additionally, it is important to prioritize the most essential matters before the less urgent ones and to consider the contemporary context of society and the community.
- Evidence
Allah – the Most High – states: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way and He is most knowing of the rightly guided.”
- Importance
This method yields the best results and serves as a guiding principle for all other methods. Due to its significance, Allah – Glory be to Him – has placed it above other approaches, as it speaks to every category of people appropriately and aligns with the realities of the community.
- Example of the Method
One example is the wisdom exhibited by the Prophet – peace be upon him – when he invited Al-Husayn to Islam. As narrated by Ibn Al-Husayn, the Prophet asked his father: “O Al-Husayn, how many gods do you worship today?” To which his father replied: “Seven; six on earth and one in the sky.”
Inviting with Good Counsel
- Explanation of the Method
This approach involves the use of advice, guidance, and kind words that resonate in the hearts of the audience, followed by treating people with gentleness.
- Evidence
The earlier mentioned verse also applies here: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way and He is most knowing of the rightly guided.”
- Importance
This method is used to alert those who are heedless of their responsibilities, encouraging them to fulfill them and admonishing those who indulge in wrongdoing to abandon their vices.
- Example of the Method
A narration by Al-‘Arbad bin Sariyah states: “The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – delivered a sermon which caused our hearts to tremble and our eyes to shed tears.”
Arguing in the Best Manner
- Explanation of the Method
This involves persuading the audience through reason, engaging in respectful and gentle debate. The aim is to seek the truth, without raising one’s voice, insulting, or mocking.
- Evidence
The previously mentioned verse also supports this method.
- Importance
This approach serves to refute the arguments of opponents with reason and logic.
- Example of the Method
An instance of this is the interaction of Prophet Ibrahim – peace be upon him – with the one who claimed divinity.
Encouragement and Warning
- Explanation of the Method
This strategy employs an alluring approach to prompt invitees to accept the truth while also using fear and admonition to discourage them from rejecting it.
- Evidence
Allah – the Exalted – declares: “Indeed, Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, while those who disbelieve enjoy and eat as cattle eat, and the Fire will be a place of return for them.”
- Importance
The human psyche is naturally driven by fear and desire; thus, employing these innate tendencies to guide individuals from darkness into light is truly fruitful by Allah’s grace.
- Example of the Method
The Prophet – peace be upon him – would promise those who pledged allegiance to him that if they fulfilled their commitments, they would be granted Paradise.
Means of Propagation of the Call
Propagation by Speaking
- Explanation of the Method
This involves utilizing speeches, lessons, lectures, and similar forms of communication.
- Evidence
Allah – the Exalted – says: “And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, ‘Indeed, I am of the Muslims.’
- Importance
This is a method employed by the Prophet – peace be upon him – who established at least one weekly gathering, specifically the Friday sermon.
Propagation by Action
- Explanation of the Method
This approach is about taking action that eradicates wrongdoings and reinforces the truth.
- Evidence
Allah – the Exalted – states: “Let those among you who see an evil change it with their hand; if they cannot, then with their tongue; and if they cannot, then with their heart, and that is the weakest of faith.”
- Importance
Utilizing practical methods helps transform ideas into reality.
Propagation through Good Conduct
- Explanation of the Method
When the inviter embodies the principles they are advocating, they have a profound impact on the people around them.
- Evidence
The Prophet – peace be upon him – said: “Take your rites of pilgrimage from me.”
- Importance
The influence of actions and behavior is much more powerful than mere words.