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Fatwa CenterAdaptable means and methods of Da‘wah (Islamic propagation)
Question
How do I call non-Muslims to Islam?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alyhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Striving to do Da‘wah is obligatory on every Muslim, each according to his own capacity and ability, and this is the predominant opinion of the scholars. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allaah with insight, I and those who follow me.} [Quran 12:108] and anyone who follows the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is a caller to Allaah The Exalted. Also, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ordered anyone who hears something reported on his authority to convey it to those who have not heard it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The methods and means of Da‘wah depend upon the person who is calling people to Islam himself as well as upon those whom he is calling to Islam. They also depend on the time, place and circumstances. Anyone who is going to do Da‘wah must make sure that it is done using the following ways: wisdom, giving kind advice and arguing with good speech in a good manner. The propagator must apply the methods and adopt the means that ensure the conveyance of his message, like seeking the appropriate way to address people. This is because whatever is necessary to fulfill an obligation becomes obligatory itself. The perfect way of doing this has been clarified in the verse where Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.} [Quran 29:46]
Therefore, the best way is that which has been prescribed in the Quran: to begin by mentioning points of agreement. After that, the propagator can discuss points of disagreement, but in a refined manner. Allaah The Almighty sets us examples in the Quran for calling the People of the Book to Islam. One example is the verse where Allaah The Exalted addresses the Christians who claim that ‘Eesaa (Jesus) 
and his mother Maryam (Mary), may Allaah exalt her mention, are two gods, and those who claim that ‘Eesaa is the son of Allaah The Exalted. Allaah The Almighty Says to them (what means): {O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allaah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allaah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allaah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allaah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son.} [Quran 4:171] Also, Allaah The Almighty Says about the miracle of the creation of ‘Eesaa (what means): {Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allaah is like that of Aadam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.} [Quran 3:59]
However, if the propagator is trying to call idolaters or atheists to Islam, he must use simple logical arguments that prove to them that Allaah The Almighty is their Creator and the Creator of the whole universe. He must clarify the fact that Allaah The Almighty is the Creator of nature; hence, nature cannot create anything. He must also try to make them accept the indisputable fact that their parents did not create them, because they are also incapable of creating anything. Such facts are acknowledged by most people and should be the base upon which the propagator builds his argument. He should then call his audience’s attention to the fact that Allaah The Almighty has honored man and has created him solely for the sake of worshipping Him Alone. In return, Allaah The Almighty has subjected many of His creatures to serve mankind, as He Says (what means):
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{It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth.} [Quran 2:29]
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{And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth -all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.} [Quran 45:13]
Thus, the propagator should proceed to lead the people he is calling step by step to Islam until he succeeds in making them feel a sense of inner conviction that Islam is the true religion. All this applies to the propagator who has the gift of persuasion; other Muslims are only required to carry out the duties of Da‘wah, each according to his own capacity. Indeed, the least thing that a Muslim can do is to be a good Muslim himself and, thus, set an example of good morals and ethics for others. In other words, he should practice ‘Silent Da‘wah’ as some people call it.
Allaah Knows best.
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