The Principle of Relativity in Dawah
Written by: Faraj Kindi
Member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars
Dawah (inviting to the path of Allah) holds immense significance in Islamic law. It is the mission of all prophets and messengers, peace be upon them. Allah commands His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction" (Qur'an 16:125).
The Prophet's directive applies to the entire Muslim community:
"There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern" (Qur'an 33:21).
The method of Dawah is thus clearly outlined by Allah, incorporating wisdom, good counsel, and kind words, accompanied by righteous deeds to embody exemplary character:
"And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah, does righteousness, and says, 'Indeed, I am of the Muslims'" (Qur'an 41:33).
The best role model for Dawah is the Messenger of Allah, as Allah describes him and his success:
"And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them" (Qur'an 3:159).
The Flexible Nature of Dawah
The methodology of Dawah is not rigid but adaptive. It encompasses various approaches and strategies that allow the da'ee (caller to Islam) to connect with people's hearts based on their circumstances, cultural and intellectual backgrounds, and societal contexts. This requires knowledge of the principles of Dawah, intelligence, and insight, applying the principle of relativity in Dawah through the following practices:
1. Pardoning the Missteps of the Dignified
Concealing the mistakes of honorable individuals has a profound impact on softening hearts and opening doors to repentance. This is particularly crucial for those of high social standing who may have stumbled. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Pardon the lapses of those with honorable status, except for the prescribed penalties."
(Narrated by Ahmad)
This guidance emphasizes forgiving those who are otherwise upright when they err, except in cases involving Allah's prescribed punishments. People can be categorized into two groups:
- Those who are generally upright: Their mistakes should not be exposed or discussed, as doing so constitutes forbidden backbiting.
- The general populace: They are encouraged toward repentance through compassion and wisdom.
The Prophet’s approach to commanding good and forbidding evil was characterized by gentleness, a model for da'ees in addressing human frailties.
2. Differentiating Between Praiseworthy and Blameworthy Actions
A da'ee must distinguish between words and deeds based on context, time, and circumstances. Actions may be appropriate in one situation but inappropriate in another. For instance, in a battle, the Prophet (peace be upon him) uplifted his companions' morale by saying:
"Who will take this sword with its right?"
After several companions volunteered, the Prophet handed it to Abu Dujanah, who tied his red band of valor and began to strut confidently. Observing this, the Prophet remarked:
"This strut is disliked by Allah and His Messenger, except in this situation."
3. Adapting to Circumstances and Permissible Space for Dawah
Dawah progresses through stages based on prevailing conditions. During persecution in Mecca, the Prophet began privately, then gradually extended to his close kin, followed by open proclamation after gaining support. Similarly, in oppressive regimes, da'ees must operate within permissible boundaries to ensure their safety and preserve the Dawah’s continuity.
In environments where there is freedom, da'ees can utilize all available means to spread the message of Islam effectively.
4. Prioritizing Education Based on Context
Education is fundamental to Dawah. A da'ee must be well-prepared through Islamic upbringing, rooted in Quranic teachings, the Prophet’s example, and the experiences of the early Muslims. Educational institutions, mosques, and Dawah organizations serve as crucial platforms for preparing individuals to carry the message of Islam.
5. Gradual Reform
Social and personal change requires gradualism. Rapid, sweeping reforms can lead to resistance and failure. The example of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) illustrates this. When his son urged him to enforce immediate reforms, Umar replied:
"Do not hasten, my son. Allah condemned alcohol twice in the Qur’an before finally prohibiting it. I fear imposing the truth all at once might cause people to abandon it altogether, leading to greater harm."
Essential Qualities for a Da’ee
- Understanding Human Nature: A da'ee must address people in ways that foster hope, optimism, and constructive engagement, avoiding despair or excessive severity.
- Mastery of Administration: This ensures balance between decisiveness and flexibility, centralization and decentralization, caution and initiative, and planning and spontaneity.
- Appreciation for Aesthetics: Insights from architecture, art, and natural beauty enhance the da'ee’s creativity, enabling harmonious and relatable communication.
- Knowledge of Sharia Objectives: This allows for deriving rulings on contemporary issues.
- Literary Proficiency: Familiarity with literature, poetry, and historical anecdotes enriches the da'ee's ability to convey profound messages effectively.
Conclusion
A successful da'ee employs a well-organized, long-term plan based on Quranic guidance, the Prophet’s example, and the lessons from Islamic history. By adhering to the principle of relativity in Dawah, they can adapt to diverse contexts while maintaining the essence of the message, ensuring its reach and impact on hearts and minds.
Note: The opinions expressed in this article reflect those of the author and not necessarily the views of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.