Thread by @FatimaBarkatula

I think I should write a book: 12 Rules for Da’wah, an antidote to idiocy

Rule #1: Learn from the knowledge and Adab of a scholar and murabbi.

(Through spending long periods of time with elder scholars (not young da’ees) you learn wisdom, discretion, patience, good character etc)

Rule #2: Know that your actions speak louder than your words -though both are important.

(People see Islam through how we behave, treat them and make them feel, more than mere fantastical philosophical arguments)

Rule #3: Be careful not to turn da’wah into entertainment - you’ll end up doing harmful things.

(it will sap the sincerity & humanity out of your da’wah interactions and make winning arguments more important than winning hearts.)

Rule #4: Call to Allah and the values He revealed that there is consensus about. Don't call to yourself, your sect, your hero, your opinion.

Rule #5: Exercise deep wisdom, embody a gracious manner and Ihsan in your reasoning at all times or you may ‘win the battle but lose the war’.

As per Qur’an: 16:125

Rule #6: Let discretion be your strength.

(No need to announce every da'wah encounter you have, negotiate privately, give gifts, be respectful, go the extra mile, work hard for Allah without announcing everything you do and creating a reactive atmosphere)

Rule #7: Be humble - Allah and Islam don't need you.

(Don't get bigheaded and start feeling you are significant in da'wah. You might not be the right person for every da'wah encounter. There are many unknown, quiet Muslims doing more and better than you.)

Rule #8: Don't tamper with the message of the Prophet ﷺ. Deliver it politely, but accurately, confidently and unapologetically.

Rule #9: First listen sincerely. You must understand and empathise with the psychology and context of the person you are engaging with.

Rule #10: Study the Seerah multiple times from beginning to end and be a serious student of Sacred Knowledge (Talib ul-'Ilm) and 'Abid (worshipper of Allah).

(This fake 'da'ee' class is a lazy category for ppl who can't be bothered to seek knowledge deeply with senior scholars)

Rule #11 Expect to be tested when you engage in calling to Allah.

(This is why in Suratul ‘Asr, Allah says: “those who exhort one another to Truth and exhort one another to Sabr…” when you convey the truth, you are always tested & need high levels of patience/steadfastness.)

Rule #12: Let your desire to call to Allah be rooted in love, hope & awe of Allah and sincerely wishing for salvation for the sons & daughters of Adam.

(This will prevent you taking offence when your ego is bruised, or reacting in an impetuous way. Genuine care shines through.)