Methods of Calling to Allah
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Calling to Allah is among the most important matters, especially if a person is the imam of a mosque, or if he possesses some knowledge. As you know, in new neighborhoods, on the outskirts of cities, or in the villages, one finds that some people do not come to the mosque. Some of them fall short in the sunnah, some fall short in the prayer, and some fall short in many other matters of the religion. So how should one deal with these people? For example, if a person is invited to a home and finds that the father comes to the mosque but his older sons do not, or relatives whom one must meet on occasions because they are kin and maintaining ties with them is obligatory, and some of their sons do not come to the mosque? How should it be?Meaning: Should one use reprimand and severity, or should one be patient, or what is the way to do that?
Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said: [Surah al-Shu'arah: 214] addresses the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him),The clan is divided into two parts: He has divided for you direct authority over them, such as your children and your family;By the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): (The man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock).
And another part of the clan is separate from him, and you are not directly responsible for them.
So as for the first group, your responsibility toward them is greater than toward the second group, and the second group has a greater claim on you than strangers who have no kinship with you, and neighbors have a greater claim than those who are not neighbors.
So you must fulfill the right of every person, and your calling should be with wisdom, good admonition, and argument in the best manner. You should use force if it is more beneficial, and gentleness if it is more beneficial. It is known, for example, that calling one’s family, over whom one has direct authority, is not like calling strangers. With the former, one may use severity,As the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (And beat them for ten nights) but with the latter, one does not use severity; one uses kindness and gentleness. How many gentle words have drawn one who was far from the truth? And the sensible person uses what he sees to be best, for there is no single standard that applies to all people equally.
Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said:
And warn, [O Muhammad], your closest kindred.
وَأَنْذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَAnd another part of the clan is separate from him, and you are not directly responsible for them.
So as for the first group, your responsibility toward them is greater than toward the second group, and the second group has a greater claim on you than strangers who have no kinship with you, and neighbors have a greater claim than those who are not neighbors.
So you must fulfill the right of every person, and your calling should be with wisdom, good admonition, and argument in the best manner. You should use force if it is more beneficial, and gentleness if it is more beneficial. It is known, for example, that calling one’s family, over whom one has direct authority, is not like calling strangers. With the former, one may use severity,As the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (And beat them for ten nights) but with the latter, one does not use severity; one uses kindness and gentleness. How many gentle words have drawn one who was far from the truth? And the sensible person uses what he sees to be best, for there is no single standard that applies to all people equally.