Successful Da`wah

Q 1: What are the means for Da‘wah (calling to Islam) to become successful and how should they be deduced? What are the essential characteristics of a Da‘y (caller to Islam)? We hope that you will mention some of the important books in this field.

A: Firstly, the successful Da‘wah is the one that is accompanied by knowledge of Shari‘ah (Islamic law) and deep insight. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And who is better in speech than he who [says: “My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness),” and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh’s (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds And, He (Glorified be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism with sure knowledge). Secondly, the successful Da‘wah should stem from and rely on the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him), and the correct understanding and application of these two sources as observed by the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet), the Tabi‘un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet), and their followers. (Part No. 12; Page No. 243)  Thirdly, some of the prerequisites that should be available in the Da‘y are mentioned in the story of Prophet Shu‘ayb (peace be upon him). Allah (Exalted be He) relates, saying: He said: "O my people! Tell me if I have a clear evidence from my Lord and He has given me a good sustenance from Himself (shall I corrupt it by mixing it with the unlawfully earned money). I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you. I only desire reform to the best of my power. And my guidance cannot come except from Allâh, in Him I trust and unto Him I repent. This Ayah (Qur’anic verse) shows that the conditions of successful Da`wah includes: knowledge, lawful earnings, doing what Allah commands and avoiding what He forbids, sincere intention, leaving all matters to Allah (Exalted be He), and putting one’s trust in Allah, as success and guidance are in the Hands of Allah Alone.Also, among the prerequisites are those mentioned by Allah (Exalted be He) in His Saying: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Patience is also needed, as Allah (Exalted be He) says: And endure you patiently (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), your patience is not but from Allâh. And: And keep yourself (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, and other righteous deeds) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face; and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, and who follows his own lusts, and whose affair (deeds) has been lost. (Part No. 12; Page No. 244)  Fourthly, there are many books in this field, most important of which is the Noble Qur’an. You should try to memorize and frequently recite it along with pondering its meanings and applying its commands, and advise others to do the same. There is also the Prophetic Sunnah that explains the Qur’an, such as the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, Muwatta’ Malik, Musnad Imam Ahmad, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan Al-Nasa’y, Sunan Ibn Majah and other books of Sunnah. There are also the books of the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and his student Ibn Al-Qayyim, and the books of the Imams of Da‘wah, Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab and his followers.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.