Assalamualaikum my beloved brothers and sisters,
"O My Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence) and ease my task for me; and make loose the knot from my tongue so that they understand my speech."
[ Surah Thaha, verse 25-28 ]
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
In the process of da'wah , LOVE is an essential matter. A deep personal relationship and forging a sense of trust is essential for the gradual process of da’wah as this builds appreciation, love and understanding. The long, arduous road of da'wah is not without its perils. Sometimes we observe the da'wah process from some quarters bringing more hurt than healing. That’s because many do not understand that the process of change is not just about stating religious laws or values. It needs to begin with LOVE. We also need to nurture the seed of love gradually with words of wisdom, understanding heart and trust.
Cultural and race differences will not be a barrier if we begin with love for Allah to bring others to Him as our intention. It is natural to have the sense of need to give advice or even warnings to family or friends as being good Muslims. Anger, regret and sometimes even depression becomes the consequence of our "lack of courage" to pursue corrective action. The lack of soft-heartedness and eloquence may result in dire consequences. Harshness has no place in da'wah and may instead turn someone away from Islam, as Allah has warned.
"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. And had you been severe or harsh-hearted, surely they would have broken away from you: so look over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them..."
[ Surah Ali Imran, verse 159 ]
“However, to have perfection is only afforded to our prophets. As for us, being normal Muslims, who are not free from sin, and sometimes lack the required eloquence. Inevitably, harshness may surface in difficult circumstances - whether a lack of time or meticulousness in our choice of words.”
May Allah guide us all in our intention, actions, utterances, writings, etc in our path towards contributing to Islam, nurture love towards fellow Muslims and build unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. Spreading salam and Avoiding Negative Suspicions (su'uzh zhon) are key ingredients in building loving relationships. Rasulullah saw said:
"You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam amongst yourselves."
[ Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim, Ahmad & Tirmidhi ]
"O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins..."
[ Surah al-Hujurat, verse 12 ]
If we are sincere, the capacity of our love can overcome any obstacles that hinder us from bringing others to the Light of Truth. InsyaAllah
So, the best solution is begin with love………………….
"(On the Day of Judgement) you will be with those whom you love."
[ Hadith Narrated by Imam Bukhari ]
Verily, Allah knows best.
With love and duas,
References:
1) "Fiqhud Da'wah al-Fardhiyah" by Prof. Dr. Ali Abdul Halim Mahmud
2) "Rifqon Ahlu-Sunnah Bi Ahlu-Sunnah" by Syaikh 'Abdul Muhsin Bin Hammad al-'Abbad
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