Page 10 Page 11 The Islamic Bulletin An important matter for Muslims to realize is that da’wah is an obligation upon them. Allah says in the Quran: “Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.” [an-Nisaa’ 16:125] “Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma’roof [i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do] and forbidding al-Munkar [polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden]. And it is they who are successful.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104] The second verse may seem to be restricting the general obligation given in the first verse, but a close look at the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reveals that calling to Allah is an individual obligation, rather than a collective one. The Prophet (pbuh) has said: “Convey from me, even one verse.” Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability. The obligation is further emphasized by the following verse which explains that not conveying the message - hiding knowledge - is disobedience to Allah that causes Allah’s curse to descend upon such people, which shows that such a sin leads to the Hellfire. “Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers.” In the same connection, the Prophet (pbuh) has stated, “Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the branding iron from the hellfire. [Ahmad] Calling people to Allah also means completing our own worship, the reason for which we are created. It is one of the noblest acts that entails a high reward. “And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims.’” [Fussilat 41:33] With regards to the reward, the Prophet (pbuh) has said: “Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it.” [Saheeh Muslim] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfil your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your eyes, and restrain your hands from injustice.” [Bukhari] Dawah (Invitation) - Our Obligation Wisdom In Islam encompasses in its radiant words the true goals that all of us must strive for. Its bounty of mercy, forgiveness and guidance is stunning in its clarity. Imagine using this wonderful guidance on a regular basis? It is important to endeavor to practice and then to invite others to practice these beautiful words of wisdom. A Bedouin came one day to the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and said to him, “O, Messenger of Allah! I’ve come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this life and the Hereafter.” Ask what you wish. I’d like to be the most learned of men. Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men. I wish to be the richest man in the world. Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world. I’d like to be the most just of men. Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men. I want to be the best of men. Do good to others and you will be the best of men. I wish to be the most favored by Allah. Engage much in Allah’s praise, and you will be most favored by Him. I’d like to complete my faith. If you have good manners you will complete your faith. I wish to be among those who do good. Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don’t see Him, He sees you. In this way you will be among those who do good. I wish to be obedient to Allah. If you observe Allah’s commands you will be obedient. I’d like to be free from all sins. Bathe yourself from impurities and you will be free from all sins. I’d like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light. Don’t wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light. I’d like Allah to bestow His mercy on me. If you have mercy on yourself and on others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment. I’d like my sins to be very few. If you seek the forgiveness of Allah as much as you can; your sins will be very few. I’d like to be the most honorable man. If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men. I’d like to be the strongest of men. If you put your trust in Allah, you be the strongest of men. I’d like to enlarge my provision. If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision. I’d like to be loved by Allah and His messenger. If you love what Allah and His messenger love you will be among their beloved ones. Wisdom in Islam
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