Approach of calling to Islam was not motivated by force, which hinders people from embracing Islam. Islam aims at guiding people all regardless of their color, race, nation, or place; rather it is a call directed to all mankind.
Accordingly, it is necessary to use the moderate approach when calling to Islam, because Prophet Muhammad was sent a mercy for mankind. The approach that adopted in calling to Allah is restricted in many texts, for example, Allah Almighty says: (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.)
On these grounds, Islam lays the principles of calling to Allah, and defines the approach of calling to Islam to the Prophet and callers coming at later times.
Considering the conditions of the addressee and the moderate approach of calling to Allah, Da`yah should not be overwhelmed by enthusiasm, impetuosity, and ardor, and thus overlook wisdom and moderation, and the good admonition which penetrate hearts deeply and touch emotions softly.
Da`yah should neither act in scolding, and reprimand without necessity, nor unveil errors resulting from ignorance or good intention, because kindness in admonition often guide the hesitated hearts and reconcile the reluctant hearts
Arguing the dissenting with good admonition without prejudice or censure attracts him as human soul bears pride urging it to defend her opinion fiercely, but when it feels that Da`yah aims not at mere gaining prevalence; rather conviction and reaching the right, then such souls surrender to the right.
Da`yah should bear in mind and hold to the following when calling to Allah:
First: observing what Allah has ordered when calling to Islam as stated in the Quran which reads: (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.) This is the divine approach that Da`yah should observe at all times and all places, in addition to calling to Allah with insight as stated in the Quran: (Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.”)
Second: Da`yah should know that guidance is to Allah only as stated in the Quran (Indeed, [O Muúammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.), and that the function of Da`yah is to convey the message as stated in the Quran: (upon you is only [the duty of] notification), (And there is not upon the Messenger except the [responsibility for] clear notification.”)
The duty of Da`yah to Allah is to address people and invite them with moderation approach in all matters of religion, be knowledge, giving fatwa, or preaching. Basically, Islam disavows extremism, immoderation, and extravagance in all aspects of life. Da`yah should not be in hurry to receive advantages of his efforts, or to be weary of or discontented if people rejected his call to Allah.
Translated by Ammar
