Dawah (Invitation) - Our Obligation

(The Holy Qur'an "Sûrat Al-Mâ'idah" : Chapter: 5, Verse: 48) {And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) the Book (this Qur'ân) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures) . So judge among them by what Allâh has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allâh had willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so compete in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allâh; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ.}

(The Holy Qur'an "Sûrat A-Hijr" : Chapter: 15, Verse: 9) {Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur'ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).}



An important matter for Muslims to realize is that da'wah is an obligation upon them. Allah says in the Quran:

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [an-Nisaa' 16:125]

"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma'roof [i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do] and forbidding al-Munkar [polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden]. And it is they who are successful." [Aal 'Imraan 3:104]

The second verse may seem to be restricting the general obligation given in the first verse, but a close look at the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reveals that calling to Allah is an individual obligation, rather than a collective one. The Prophet (pbuh) has said: "Convey from me, even one verse." Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability.

The obligation is further emphasized by the following verse which explains that not conveying the message - hiding knowledge - is disobedience to Allah that causes Allah's curse to descend upon such people, which shows that such a sin leads to the Hellfire. "Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers."

In the same connection, the Prophet (pbuh) has stated, "Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the branding iron from the hellfire." [Ahmad]

Calling people to Allah also means completing our own worship, the reason for which we are created. It is one of the noblest acts that entails a high reward.

"And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [Fussilat 41:33]

With regards to the reward, the Prophet (pbuh) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your eyes, and restrain your hands from injustice." [Bukhari]