Reflection!
JazakAllahu khairan Ustaza for yesterday’s class. Some of the most brilliant Qur’an students used to listen to music. Then they woke up. Some of the most charismatic speakers of our class used go out in public without their head covered. Most of us at some point at guilty of some form of wrongdoing. We changed our ways because we saw the light, not because someone insulted us. This must be top of mind as we call others to Allah. If we insult and alienate someone who may eventually, even years down the line, become Muslim or a better Muslim, then we are venting our anger at the expense of the truth.
Allah says,
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ
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. [Qur'an 16:125]
Hence if you are calling someone to Allah, especially if you are amending their belief or deeds, do not loose the opportunity to pay a compliment. Then, gently point the error of their way. It is said, ‘One can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar’. It is human nature to listen to a pleasing adversary than an abusive friend. The person you are calling to Allah is only human. And this person is probably busy. So keep the advise short. Do not get sidetracked from your point otherwise you will seem to be waffling. Correct one mistake at a time. Try not to accuse your prospect of too many faults at once.
Though you are primarily leading the discussion, allow your prospect some breathing space so they can share their views as well. Do not wrap your mind around your own argument. Encourage dialogue and a friendly exchange of information.
The reputation of Du’aat (callers to Allah) has yet to improve. We are infamous for being condescending and short tempered in our conversations, even articles and emails. If our mission is link humankind to their Creator, then we should care about human beings; we should give them a proper recognition of Allah in the most loving, rational, to the point, preferably concerned and not outraged manner. Anger tends to put people on the defensive whereas ‘concern’ and rational argument can get a decent hearing. For the sake of Allah, the Qur’an must be read to them. Our recitation and explanation will be heard most clearly not when we are shouting loudest, but when we are communicating in such a way that people are willing to listen.
One person can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
By: Asfiya Irfan (Alumni of TQ 2007 – Canada)