Bismillaahir
Rahmaanir Raheem
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barkatuh!
Conveying the message
An important matter for
Muslims to realize is that Da'wah is an
obligation upon them. Allah says in the Qur'an:
"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." (Qur'an, 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." (Qur'an, 3:104)
Prophet Muhammad (peace
be upon him) said: "Convey from me,
even if it be one verse."
(Al-Bukhari)
Conveying the message therefore is a responsibility on
each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability. Yet, this Da'wah
should be based on knowledge and practice. One cannot call people to
Islam without knowing what Islam is and acting upon it in the first
place.
The obligation is further emphasized by the following verse
which explains that not conveying the message and hiding knowledge is
disobedience to Allah that causes Allah's curse to descend upon such
people.
"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." (Qur'an,
2:159)
In the same connection, the
Prophet (peace be upon him) 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.'"
(Qur'an, 41:33)
With regards to the reward, the Prophet (peace be
upon him) has said: "Whoever guides
(another) to a good deed will get a
reward similar to the one who performs it." (Sahih Muslim)
Also, "By Allah, if Allah were to guide
one man through you it would be better
for you than the best type of camels." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
- SG
Source:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa
URL
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2010031566347
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