10-11 / 23
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 success-
ful.” [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 Mu
-
hammad (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 responsibil-
ity of each and every Muslim, according to his
or her ability.
The obligation is further emphasized by the fol
-
lowing verse which explains that not conveying
the message - hiding knowledge - is disobedi
-
ence 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 in-
vites 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]
D
awah
(I
nvitation
) -
O
ur
O
bligation
Wisdom In Islam encompasses in its radiant
words the true goals that all of us must strive
for. Its bounty of mercy, forgiveness and guid
-
ance is stunning in its clarity. Imagine using this
wonderful guidance on a regular basis? It is im
-
portant to endeavor to practice and then to in
-
vite others to practice these beautiful words of
wisdom.
A Bedouin came one day to the Prophet Mo
-
hammed (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 Judg-
ment.
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 stron-
gest 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.
W
isdom
in
I
slam