How to Carry-out Da’wah Effectively and See Positive Results

You are the best of people ever raised up for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient. — Qur’an 3[Al-’Imran]:110

As Muslims, Da’wah is our collective responsibility. Young or old, male or female, rich or poor your status doesn’t stop you from calling to the way of Allah. To do da’wah is to invite someone or people to the deen of Allah, it can be done to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Giving the call to a Muslim is like a reminder and encouragement to worship Allah. While the non-Muslim is being invited to taste the fruit of faith and earn emancipation through believe in Allah.

This righteous act can be considered an act of worship in which you earn multiple rewards if executed accordingly. A very effective way of doing da’wah is by living a lifestyle established upon Islamic principles. This was explicitly portrayed by the Noble Messenger PBUH through his conducts. And this was the main reason why a lot of people embraced Islam even without saying a word or lifting the sword. You don’t have to be a scholar to be a da’i as Allah’s Apostle has challenged us all to be carriers of the message:

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence, and tell others the stories of Bani Israel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire.” — Al-Bukhari.

As to what follows, here are few points to consider in effectively carrying out da’wah to yield positive results in sha Allah:

1. The intention is all that matters: Set out all da’wah activities with a clear goal — to please Allah and follow the sunnah in line with the methodology of the righteous predecessors. What this means is the basis of your da’wah will be in line with the Qur’an and sunnah.The intention is more important than the action itself. It’s more about you living the Islam that you call others to. Hence, you have to be cautious of your behavior both privately and publicly. Bear in mind that the end doesn’t justify the means. The beauty of having a positive intention is that even if people do not harken your call, you’re not denied the reward from your Lord.
2. Have a solid knowledge base: The one who is calling to the path of Allah needs a good understanding of the call. The ones you’re calling to might have questions, clarifications and concerns. If you’re not well equipped, you might mislead people with ignorance. You surely wouldn’t want to do that. Hence, seeking knowledge is incumbent upon everyone who intends to embark upon the call.

“Invite 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 who is [rightly] guided.” — Quran 16[An-Nahl]:125

3. Your character speaks louder than words: Before you call other people to Islam, you should let Islam pass through you by living with good actions and beautiful manners. People are often influenced by actions more than instructions. This was why a lot of non-Muslims accepted Islam on the day of conquest. The Prophet PBUH showed them good character by granting them freedom and they fell in love with it.

Allah The Most High tells us:

“Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason” — Qur’an 2[Al-Baqarah]:44

4. Give glad tidings before threatening with warnings: A common trait today is that young dua’t often condemn people out rightly to hell or call them kuffar. This isn’t an effective way to make the call. Where lies the glad tidings of hope and reward? Start with giving people glad tiding and them remind them of the severity of Allah’s punishment.

When Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) sent Abu Musa and Mu`adh bin Jabal to Yemen. He sent each of them to administer a province as Yemen consisted of two provinces. The Prophet (ﷺ) said (to them), “Facilitate things for the people and do not make things difficult for them (Be kind and lenient (both of you) with the people, and do not be hard on them) and give the people good tidings and do not repulse them. — Al-Bukhari

5. Change is gradual and it takes time: Applying moderation in calling to the way of Allah is a key fundamental. Both the extreme of exaggeration as well as the extreme of being too lenient causes harm to the call. Da’wah should be a gradual process; beginning with the most important affairs and moving on to more detailed affairs with time. Here’s another encounter of the Prophet PBUH with Mu’aadh Ibn Jabal.

When the Prophet PBUH sent Mua’dh to Yemen, he said to him, “You are going to a people from the People of the Book. Let the first thing that you call them to be the worship of Allah alone. If they acknowledge this from you, then inform them that Allah has obligated upon them five prayers during their days and nights. If they acknowledge this from you, inform them that Allaah has obligated Zakaah upon them…”

6. Connect people to the truth and not individuals:

Remember Da’wah is a call to Allah, not any personality or partisanship. The call should be to the Sacred Texts of the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This is because individuals and groups err. However, following the Qur’an and Sunnah is a sure guidance to felicity. For this reason, Allah (the most High) ordered His Messenger to say:

“Say, (O Muhammad) this is my way: I call to Allah upon certain knowledge — I and those who follow me” — Qur’an 12[Yusuf] : 108

7. Have patience as this leads to steadfastness: One of the beauties of da’wah is that it purifies the dai’ unconsciously. While you call others to Allah, it also serves a s a reminder for you first. In addition, Patience is required to see the fruits of da’wah yield. It’s not immediately the massage is shared that it resonates with the individual. Hence, while doing da’wah we also have to follow up with dua’ as well. We should pray that Allah guides them and also keep us steadfast as well. This was evident when the Prophet PBUH prayed that Allah should grant Islam to either Umar or Amr. And we all know the result of that supplication as the history of Islam is incomplete without mentioning the role of Umar Ibn Khattab in spreading the message.

In sum, have the right intention and know the basis of your religion. Show people the beauty of Islam through your character and give them glad tidings first before warning them of Allah’s wrath. Take things easy with the people as great things take time. Never forget to connect them to the truth, not individuals. Lastly, be patient as this will lead to your steadfastness in the long run. May Allah guide us to the true implementation of the methodology of the Prophet PBUH in establishing Da’wah the right way.

PS: And Success comes only by the will of Allah! If you find this piece beneficial, it’s by Allah’s Grace. It’s no scholarly work and we accept our mistakes. Suggestions are welcomed in making this effort better as well. You are free to share by any means for enlightenment purposes. Kindly give a “click-clap” to enable other readers on Medium to see this post. We ask Allah to keep us guided and steadfast upon the right path. Please subscribe to Jum’ah Nugget so as to get our next publication in sha Allah!

Yaumul Jum’ah 7th Rajab 1442H // Friday 19th February 2021.