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Advice for Brothers Going Out to Give Da‘wah By Shaykh Abu ‘Abdirrahman Yahya ibn ‘Ali Al-Hajuri hafidahullah Introduction In the name of Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. All praise is due to Allāh, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions. This is advice for brothers who go out to call people to Allāh. It was originally an answer to a question given by Shaykh Abu ‘Abdirrahman Yahya ibn ‘Ali Al-Hajuri (may Allāh preserve him) on the night of Sunday, 17th Sha‘ban 1430H, at Dar Al-Hadith in Dammaj. He later reviewed and corrected it. May Allāh reward him and all those who helped publish it. We ask Allāh to make it beneficial. The Question: A brother says: “We see many people going out for da‘wah these days. Do you have any advice for them on how to call to Allāh properly?” The Answer 1. Being Qualified for Da‘wah Most of those who go out, praise be to Allāh, have experience in calling to Allāh. Many of them have memorised the Qur'ān and learned from the Sunnah, and they have much good in them. However, only those who can truly benefit people should go out for da‘wah—whether in their own town or elsewhere. Those who organise these trips should carefully choose people who can benefit others. Young people who are not yet capable of leading or teaching should first seek more knowledge and complete their memorisation of the Qur'ān before going out. It is easier for someone to start in his own town, since people who know him may overlook small mistakes. But when someone goes elsewhere, people watch him closely. Even a small mistake may be seen as big, even though they themselves may commit similar mistakes. 2. Good Character and Conduct A Sunni Muslim should hold firmly to knowledge and the Sunnah, maintain good character, be gentle, and call people with wisdom. He should mix with people only in ways that benefit them and protect his dignity and knowledge. People are different: * Some places have students eager to learn, so the caller can stay there, teach, lead prayers, and strengthen the da‘wah. * In other places, few people attend except during times like Taraweeh. In such cases, it is fine to visit nearby villages from time to time and encourage them toward good. 3. Steadfastness and Positive Impact A strong and steady student of knowledge connects people to goodness and the Sunnah wherever he goes. We have seen people become very happy with such a student and not want him to leave. When a righteous person with knowledge gathers people, their hearts soften, their manners improve, and they feel inner peace. 4. Being a Good Example Be as good as people expect you to be—in knowledge, actions, da‘wah, uprightness, character, and dignity. It is very disappointing when a student comes, impresses people with his knowledge and advice, earns respect, and then later changes—chasing worldly matters, strange ideas, or criticising his teacher. People become confused and discouraged. It is not acceptable for a Sunni who loves Allāh and the Hereafter to fall into such behaviour—unless it is a small slip that he quickly corrects. 5. Respecting People’s Natural Goodness Ordinary people love goodness when it is presented to them well, especially if their minds are not corrupted by doubts or innovations. Many people are naturally inclined to goodness. If you nurture them properly and make them love the religion, they will admit their mistakes and turn to the truth. But if they later see bad behaviour from someone they trusted, they may feel shocked and disappointed. 6. Spreading the Sunnah with Gentleness The Sunnah should be spread because it brings blessing. But it should be presented kindly, gently, and with clear evidence. Attract people to goodness. Whoever accepts it, accepts it; whoever does not, that does not harm you. The standard is the truth—not people’s opinions. 7. Staying Focused and Ignoring Trouble