The foundation of Islamic work
Allah has mentioned consultation alongside prayer, which shows its great importance. The Ummah gathers for worship in prayer, and it gathers for da'wah through consultation.
The purpose of consultation is to create concern for the Deen of Allah in the hearts of every believer, regardless of their status. Consultation can become a means of connecting people to the work, and it can also become a cause of separation from it if not conducted properly. Administrative discussions should remain separate.
Sacrifice your personal demands and attend consultation. Allah has made consultation a mercy for you. Seek the opinions of your companions, because when opinions are not taken, responsibilities become burdens. Consultation means asking, thinking, and acting collectively.
In this work, the demand is for dedication and sacrifice, not wealth. Wealth can sometimes become a cause of weakening or ending the work.
A strong conviction in the work is essential. Without conviction, the efforts of da'wah will remain incomplete. The deeds performed within the home are a means through which Allah seeks to purify you.
Education and remembrance of Allah are so effective that Umar (RA) set out with the intention of killing, yet his condition completely changed. This was the impact of learning and guidance within the home.
Without encouragement, organization and discipline cannot remain established. Frequently mention the virtues of striving in the path of Allah so that our hearts and attitudes may change. The help of Allah still exists today, and certainty in this reality becomes a means of steadfastness.
The secret of steadfastness is to engage in this effort for your own reformation. Da'wah is first and foremost for oneself. Warning others about the punishment of Allah is also for one's own benefit and correction.
Concern for self-reformation
The true benefit of da'wah is for the caller himself, just as trade primarily benefits the merchant. Through this work, faith should enter and settle in the heart. This is the foundation and the central link of the effort.
Discussion about faith has become less common in our environment, whereas it should increase in visits, gatherings, meetings, and speeches. Without faith, sincerity cannot exist. The promises of Allah and the rewards He grants are according to the level of faith.
We firmly believe that the six qualities contain the essence of the entire Deen, though we often fail to realize their true depth. Whether it is beliefs, worship, or dealings, the six qualities are like a vast ocean whose depth and breadth become apparent only when one reflects deeply upon them.
Four ways to strengthen certainty — First: Belief in the Oneness of Allah
No act of worship, no deed, and no aspect of Deen can be fully understood without the guidance of Hadith. In our talks, meetings, and discussions, we should frequently speak about the greatness of Allah, His power, His signs, His majesty, and His absolute authority until transformation takes place within our hearts.
This effort is about changing certainty and strengthening conviction. Through it, one attains closeness to Allah. Without true belief in His Oneness, no good deed holds value. Develop such awareness of Allah’s greatness that personal desires become subdued.
If people are invited only toward acts of worship without da'wah, they may eventually become inactive. Without da'wah, the Ummah remains at a loss. Speaking about what seems impossible strengthens conviction, while limiting discussions only to apparent possibilities can weaken it.
Four ways to strengthen certainty — Second: The stories of the Prophets (AS) Third: The stories of the Companions (RA)
Mention the unseen help granted to the Prophets (AS) so that conviction and unity may develop. Speak about the blessings of the Companions rather than focusing on extraordinary events. Excessive focus on extraordinary incidents may create attachment to personalities rather than attachment to Allah.
We have been commanded to bring the same kind of faith that the Companions possessed. To develop such faith, their sacrifices, experiences, and examples should be mentioned frequently. Through their stories, certainty in Allah grows, and the barriers of worldly dependence begin to weaken.
Allah continues to help people of conviction even today. A person's expectations from Allah are according to the strength of his faith. Good deeds are means, but the invitation toward deeds must always be accompanied by reliance upon Allah rather than dependence on worldly causes.
Four ways to strengthen certainty — Fourth: Explaining faith through its signs
Explain faith through its signs so that people become aware of weaknesses in their faith. Create an environment where certainty can be learned and strengthened. Populate the mosques and establish circles of learning and faith. Frequently mention the virtues of maintaining and serving the mosque.
It is not our task to force people to abandon their professions and worldly responsibilities. If people leave their fields merely to join da'wah without proper understanding, the intended benefit of Deen will not be achieved. One who constantly blames Deen for worldly losses will struggle to receive the blessings of Deen.
Give priority to righteous deeds over worldly means. Allah may leave a person dependent upon the very things he relies upon instead of Allah. Strive for excellence in worship and develop a deep connection with Allah.
Da'wah is a means of achieving excellence in worship and strengthening one's relationship with Allah.
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