The obligatory conditions for the one who calls to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He).

Question:
What are the conditions that must be present in the one who calls to Allah? And is the unlettered person who cannot read or write obligated to call to Allah?

Answer:
Answer: The first condition for the one who calls to Allah is sincerity to Allah (Mighty and Majestic); he must not call out of showing off, for fame, or for the sake of worldly greed, but rather he calls to Allah. The second condition is that he must be upon clear insight, meaning upon knowledge. He must qualify himself with knowledge before calling to Allah, so that his calling is based on knowledge and understanding of the religion of Allah (Mighty and Majestic). He must know how to call, how to deal with those who are called, and how to issue rulings if asked, because the one who calls to Allah and stands before people and speaks will be asked about issues. Therefore, he must understand the religion of Allah so that he can answer them. Also, the one who calls to Allah may face objectors who argue with him. If he does not have knowledge, he will fail before them. He will argue with them, as it is said: {And argue with them in the best manner}. He must be prepared for this. As for the one who does not have knowledge, he does not call to Allah except in the way of simple guidance and clear matters, such as commanding prayer, commanding the payment of zakah, and commanding clear matters. As for matters that require knowledge, the caller must have knowledge of them.