Da'wah to Muslims

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 Da'wah to Muslims

Introduction:
Wisdom is required when inviting people to Islam. It should be in accordance to their mentality, state, and beliefs. It is not of wisdom to talk to a Muslim or guide him or advise him in the same way one talks to an Atheist, Pagan, Christian, or Jew.

Muslims are divided into 2 categories:
1) Those who submit to the truth and do not show stubbornness. It is enough to call this category by showing them the truth. 

i.e By knowledge, action, and belief (I'tiqaad)

2) Those who are heedless and follow their desires. These are the disobedient Muslims. This category is called to the right path by:
a) Good Advice الموعظة الحسنة

b) Exhortation and intimidation ترغيب و ترهيب
c) Using descriptive or pictorial matters such as stories, parables etc.

FIRST: Good Advice (الموعظة الحسنة) 

الموعظة الحسنة (Good advice) is a prohibition that is joined with exhorting and intimidating. It softens the hearts and has an effect on the souls.  

Allah says in Surat An-Nisa [4:66]:

وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ فَعَلُوا مَا يُوعَظُونَ بِهِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ تَثْبِيتًا

"...but if they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them, and would have strengthened their (Faith);"

And He says in Surat An-Nur [24:17]:

"Allah forbids you from it and warns you not to repeat the like of it forever, if you are believers."

The Da'eyah (preacher) should call the people to Allah by 2 ways:
a) وعظ التعليم - Educational Admonition
b) وعظ التأديب - Disciplinary Admonition


Educational Admonition (وعظ التعليم)
This is by teaching the creed of Tawheed and the 5 Islamic rulings: The obligatory matters, the unlawful matters, the sunnah matters, the disliked matters, and the allowed matters.

When one contemplates the Quran, he will see how the rulings are presented to the people in the form of advice which softens the hearts and motivates to action.

E.g. In Surat Al-Baqarah [2:222-223], Allah says:

"They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they have purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allah has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers, etc.)."

"Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth (have sexual relations with your wives in any manner as long as it is in the vagina and not in the anus), when or how you will, and send (good deeds, or ask Allah to bestow upon you pious offspring) before you for your ownselves. And fear Allah, and know that you are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give good tidings to the believers (O Muhammad)."

Allah commands to fear Him after prohibiting sexual intercourse with women during menses. He warns against opposing this divine guidance by His statement:
و أعلموا أنكم ملقوه - "Know that you are going to meet Him (in the hereafter)"

i.e you will be taken to account for your deeds on the Day of Resurrection.

And His statement,
و بشر المؤمنين - "Give the glad tidings to the believers."

This is good news for those who comply with His limits and follows Allah's guidance.

The glad tidings include the worldly benefits and the delight in the Hereafter, the attainment of every good and the averting every of evil. This glad tidings is for those who have faith.

E.g. In Surat An-Nisa [4:13-14], after Allah mentioned the rulings of inheritance and its division, He conclude with the statement: 

"These are the limits (set by) Allah (or ordainments as regards laws of inheritance), and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success."

"And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment."

If the Da'iyah to Allah follows this way of Da'wah from the Quran, he will attract the ears and affect the hearts. Accordingly, they will receive the beliefs and rulings by Allah's permission and act upon them with aspiration. 


Disciplinary Admonition (وعظ التأديب) 
This is done by emphasising good conduct such as forbearance, tolerance, courage, patience, generosity, etc. as well as showing their benefits and good impact in the society and encouraging the people to adopt them.

Similarly, the Dai'yah should emphasize bad conduct such as anger, hastiness, treachery, cowardice, miserliness, etc and warn against them.

The Dai'yah should bring evidences from the Book and Sunnah for both kinds of conduct. He should also use the quotations (athaar) of the Sahabah, the Tabi'een (the followers), and the early generations.

If the Dai'yah would like that his Da'wah to have a strong impact, he should do the following:
1) Look into the widespread evil that spread in the community, especially the new ones and the ones which people talk about much.
2) Choose the evil which has the greatest harm and worst effect and make it the theme of his speech and advice.
3) Think of the evil consequences of that evil on the manners, social affairs, health, finance, etc.
4) Bring evidences from the Quran and authentic narrations and from the statements of the Companions.
5) Write the topic -if he wishes to- about this evil and the warning of the Lawmaker (Allah and his Messenger ﷺ) against them. (If he does not wish to write, the subject should at least be clear in his mind with evidences before delivering it to the people).

Advice

1) The Dai'yah should take care of dealing with the public in accordance to their level of understanding.
2) He should take care of their readiness to listen to him and choose simple words that they can understand and avoid using words that are difficult for them.
4) He should be wise and put things in their right place.
5) He should drive away boredom from people when he speaks by mentioning some stories or life examples, with the condition that they are in harmony with the Quran and Sunnah.

In this way, the Dai'yah will be successful by Allah's permission so long as his intention is sincere and truthful.  

SECOND: Exhortation and Intimidation (الترهيب و الترغيب)

One of the ways of Dawah to the sinners and disobedient among the Muslims is to use exhortation and intimidation. This way has a great effect on human souls because by nature, man loves what is good and hates what is evil.  This natural disposition of loving the good for oneself and hating the evil pushes one to fulfill all that is good for it and protect it from all that is evil.

The Quran and the Sunnah are full of exhortation and intimidation. Allah says in Surat al Isra [17:9-10]:

"Verily, this Quran guides to that which is most just and right and gives glad tidings to the believers (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad, etc.). who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a great reward (Paradise)."

"And that those who believe not in the Hereafter (i.e. they disbelieve that they will be recompensed for what they did in this world, good or bad, etc.), for them We have prepared a painful torment (Hell)."

The Quran guides to that which is the best of the ways and the most clear means. Of its guidance is exhortation by promising the good doers and the obedient ones with great and abundant good (in this world and hereafter) and giving them the good news of good reward. It also intimidates those who transgress the limits of Allah with severe punishment and a bad end.

This makes the Dai'yah to Allah to take care of these two wise ways of Da'wah:
a) Exhortation and giving glad tidings (الترغيب) 
b) Intimidation and warning (الترهيب)

Exhortation and giving glad tidings (الترغيب)

This is of two categories:
1) Exhortation to acts of obedience (generally)
2) Exhortation to specific types of acts of obedience.

1- Exhortation to acts of obedience (generally)
This category has different forms. For example:

First Form: Exhortation by promising of good in this worldly life 
(a) By promising a good life and safety from every evil. Allah says in Surah An-Nahl [16:97]:

"Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)."

(b) By promising succession and establishment in the land (giving them the authority in the land). Allah says in Surah An-Nur [24:55]:

"Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)."

(c) By promising provision with different kinds of good and an increase in the provision with gratitude.
Allah says about Nuh (عليه السلام) in Surah Nuh [71:10-12]:

"I said (to them): 'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving;"

'He will send rain to you in abundance;"

"And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers."

And He says in Surah Ibraheem [14:7]:

"And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: "If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe."

(d) Exhortation in extending life and not hastening the punishment.
Whoever worships Allah, fears Him, obeys the Messenger and repents from all sins, Allah will forgive his sins, extend for him his life and avert from him the destruction till the time of his death. [Tafseer Al-Baghawi, Tafseer ibn Katheer]

Allah says in Surah Ibraheem [14:10]:

"Their Messengers said: "What! Can there be a doubt about Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? He calls you (to Monotheism and to be obedient to Allah) that He may forgive you of your sins and give you respite for a term appointed." They said: "You are no more than human beings like us! You wish to turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring us a clear authority i.e. a clear proof of what you say)."

(e) Promising with different types of support,success, and victory.
-Promise of Allah's allegiance [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:257]
-Promise to defend them [Surah al Hajj 22:38]
-Promise with sufficiency [Surah At-Talaq 65:3]
-Promise with support[Surah ar-Rum 30:47]
-Promise of might and highness [Surah al Munafiqoon 63:8] and [Surah Al-Imran 3:139]

(f) Promise of the love of Allah for the believers.

Allah mentions in the Quran about His love for the Tawwaabeen (those who repent), those who purify themselves, Muttaqeen (the pious), Muhsineen (the good doers), Saabireen(the patient ones), Mutawakkileen (those who put their trust in Allah), etc.

(g) Promise with guidance and success 

In Surah Al-Hajj [22:54]:

وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَهَادِ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

"And verily, Allah is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Path."

(h) Promise of not letting the enemies overpower them. In Surah an-Nisa [4:14]:

"And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment."

(i) Promise of security 

In Surah al-Anaam [6:82]:

"It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided."

(j) Promise of preserving their efforts 

In Surah Al-Kahf [18:30]:

"Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner."

(k) Promise of increasing them in knowledge and understanding 

In Surah Tawbah [9:124]:

"And whenever there comes down a Surah (chapter from the Quran), some of them (hypocrites) say: "Which of you has had his Faith increased by it?" As for those who believe, it has increased their Faith, and they rejoice."

Second form: Exhortation by mentioning the Sunnah (way) of Allah with His sincere believing slaves.
Allah's way in supporting His believing slaves never changes. His mercy with those who show complete servitude to Him at time of calamity and distress is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-A'raaf [7:56]:

"And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allah's Mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers."

-> The response of Allaah to the invocation of Adam and Eve after committing the sin and accepting their repentance.

- Surat Al-A'raf [7:37]:

- Surat Al-Baqarah [2:37]

-> The response of Allaah to His Prophet Ayyub عليه السلام when the harm became most severe.

- Surat Al-Anbiya [21:83-84]

-> The response of Allaah to Yunus عليه السلام.

- Surat Al-Anbiya’ [21:87-88]

- Surat As-Saaffaat [37:143-144]

-> The rescue of Allaah of His prophets and believing slaves when the punishment befell their disbelieving people.

-> The rescue of Nuh عليه السلام. 

- Surat Yunus [10:73]

-> The rescue of Hud عليه السلام. 

- Surat Hud [11:58]

-> The rescue of Saalih عليه السلام. 

- Surat Hud [11:66]

-> The rescue of Ibraheem and Lut عليهما السلام. 

- Surat Al-Anbiya [21:70-71]

-> The rescue of Shuaib عليه السلام. 

- Surat Hud [11:94]

-> The rescue of Musa and Haaroon عليهما السلام. 

- Surat As-Saaffat [37:114-116]

-> The rescue of those who enjoined the good and forbade the evil from among Bani Isra’eel. 

- Surat Al-Araaf [7:164-166]

Third Form: Exhortation by promising the later and greatest good in the Hereafter.

Allaah promised those who believe in His Oneness and do good righteous deeds with an everlasting delight in the Hereafter, perfect security, and forgiveness of sins. The Qur’an and Sunnah are full of examples of this form.

Fourth Form: Exhortation by mentioning the state of the believers in Paradise and what Allaah has prepared for them. 

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned in a Qudsi Hadith: Allah the Exalted says, “I have prepared for my righteous slaves that which no eyes have ever seen, no ears have ever heard of and no heart ever have ever imagined.” Recite if you will, Surat As-Sajdah [32:17]: “No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” [Al-Bukhari]

Allaah has mentioned about: 

-> The rivers of Jannah in Surat Muhammed [47:15]

-> Their dwelling in Surat At- Tawbah [9: 23]

-> Their jewelry in Surat Al-Kahf [ 18:31]

-> Their food in Surat in Surat Al- Tur [52:27-28]

-> Their drink in Surat Al-Insan [76:5-22]

-> Their description in Saheeh Al- Bakhari and Muslim,etc

-> The greatest delight of the people of paradise is looking at Allaah’s Glorious countenance.

2- Exhortation to specific types of acts of obedience 

The Da’iyah should take care of encouraging people to fulfill the word of Ikhlas (sincerity), Salat , Zakat, Saum, Hajj, Jihad in the cause of Allaah, dutifulness to parents, joining relations with the kith and kin, reconciliation between people, feeding people, spreading the salaam (greeting), offering the prayer at night ( Qiyam ul-Layl ) and so forth. It is also incumbent upon the Da’iyah to encourage the people to adopt self-merits such as courage, sincerity, forbearance, humbleness generosity, patience, etc. by mentioning all that is mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.

Examples for this is a kind of exhortation are Allah’s statement in Surat al-Baqarah [2:177]:

"It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and gives the Zakat, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.) in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqun."

His statement in Surat Al-Imran [3:16-17]:

"Those who say: "Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire."

"(They are) those who are patient ones, those who are true (in Faith, words, and deeds), and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allah. Those who spend [give the Zakat and alms in the Way of Allah] and those who pray and beg Allah's Pardon in the last hours of the night."

And in Surat Al- Imran [3:134-135]:  

"Those who spend [in Allah's Cause - deeds of charity, alms, etc.] in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers)."

"And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allah - And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know."

Intimidation and Warning (الترهيب)

This is divided into two categories:

Category 1: Intimidation by mentioning the threat with torment and punishments for sins generally.

Category 2: Intimidation by mentioning the threat with punishment for specific type of sins.

Category 1: Mentioning the torment and punishment for the sin generally has different forms, for example: 

First form: The threat of deprivation of good in this worldly life or being taken with punishment in this world.

1-Persistence in committing sins is one of the causes of being afflicted with poverty, 

2-Constriction in life

3-Being afflicted with sickness

4-Commiting sins was the cause behind the destruction of the ancient people and the destruction of nations. Allah says in Surat ash-Shura [42:30]: 

"And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much."

Allah pardons many sins and He does not recompense them. He says in Surat Fatir [35:45]:

"And if Allah were to punish men for that which they earned, He would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth, but He gives them respite to an appointed term, and when their term comes, then verily, Allah is Ever AllSeer of His slaves."

All what happens in the earth of calamities, scariness of fruits, drought, land infertility, scarcity of rain, etc. are because of  sins and are punishments for some of what people have earned. Allah says in Surat ar -Rum [30:41]:

"Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His Pardon)."

The Da'iyah may use this kind of intimidation in Da'wah. He may either mention what has befallen the towns of destruction and deprivation of good because of their oppression and their arrogance, and ungratefulness to Allah. 

E.g. What happened to Pharoah and his people, as mentioned in Surat ad-Dukhan [44:25-27]

OR

by mentioning about what happened to certain individuals or groups of people of deprivation of good such as:

- The People of Sheba and what happened to them  due to their ungratefulness 

- The Story of Qaroon

- The Story of the Owner of the Two Gardens in Surat al-Kahf.

- The Stort of the Owner of the Garden in Surat al-Qalam. 

Second form: Intimidation by warning against the befalling of a hastened punishment.

The Da’iyah may use this way of Da’wah with those who turn away from the obedience to Allah if they insist in committing sins and show stubbornness towards the truth. Allah says in Surat al-An’am [6:46-47]:

"Say (to the disbelievers): "Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there - an ilah (a god) other than Allah who could restore them to you?" See how variously We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), yet they turn aside."

"Say: "Tell me, if the punishment of Allah comes to you suddenly (during the night), or openly (during the day), will any be destroyed except the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doing people)?"

Third form: Intimidation by mentioning the fate of the nations which belied their messengers.

E.g. Allah says in Surat al-Hajj [22:42-45]:

"And if they belie you (O Muhammad), so were belied the Prophets before them, (by) the people of Nuh (Noah), 'Ad and Thamud,"

"And the people of Ibrahim (Abraham) and the people of Lout (Lot),"

"And the dwellers of Madyan (Midian); and belied was Musa (Moses), but I granted respite to the disbelievers for a while, then I seized them, and how (terrible) was My Punishment (against their wrong-doing)."

"And many a township have We destroyed while it was given to wrong-doing, so that it lies in ruins (up to this day), and (many) a deserted well and lofty castles!"

And in Surat al-Ankabut [29:39-40]:

"And (We destroyed also) Qarun (Korah), Fir'aun (Pharaoh), and Haman. And indeed Musa (Moses) came to them with clear Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but they were arrogant in the land, yet they could not outstrip Us (escape Our punishment)."

"So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment - awful cry, etc. (as Thamud or Shu'aib's people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves."

Types of Punishments

E.g.

- The People of Nûh, Allah drowned them.

[Surat al-Qamar 54:11:12]

- The People of Hûd, Allah sent a cry upon them. 

[Surat al-Qamar 54:19-20]

- The People of Saalih, Allah sent a cry upon them.

[Surat al-Araaf 7:78]

- The People of Lût, Allah raised their town up to the sky then turned them upside down and stoned them.

[Surat Hûd 11:81]

- The People of Shuaib, Allah sent cloud which rained them with fire and also sent the awful cry upon them and an earthquake from beneath them.

[Surat ash-Shûra 26:178]

[Surat Hûd 11:94]

- Pharaoh and his people, Allah drowned them in the sea.

[Surat Yunus 10:88-91]

- Qaroon, Allah made the earth to swallow him and his dwelling.

- [Surat al-Qasas 27:76]

Fourth form: Intimidation by threatening with the punishment in the Hereafter

This kind has effect on softening the heart when the seizure of Allah is mentioned and his severe torment for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

Allah says in Surat An-Nisa [4:14]:

"And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment."

Also, He says in Surat an-Nisa [4:115]:

"And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination."

Fifth Form: Intimidation by describing the state of the disbelievers and what Allah has prepared for them in the Hereafter.

This is one kind of Da’wah which causes fear and makes one flee to Allah and purify servitude to Him and return to Him in repentance - in order to be saved from the disgraceful torment in the Hereafter.

Allah says in Surat az-Zumar [39:71]:

"And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened (suddenly like a prison at the arrival of the prisoners). And its keepers will say, "Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say: "Yes, but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers!"

And in Surat al-Hajj [22:19-21]:

"These two opponents (believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other about their Lord; then as for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads."

"With it will melt or vanish away what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins."

"And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them)."

Sixth Form: Intimidation by mentioning the psychological torment on the Day of Judgment. 

An example for this is Allah’s statement in Surat Ibrahim [14:22]:

"And Shaitan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: "Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)."

Allah also says in Surat al-Muminum [23:103-106]:

"And those whose scales (of good deeds) are light, they are those who lose their ownselves, in Hell will they abide."

"The Fire will burn their faces, and therein they will grin, with displaced lips (disfigured)."

"Were not My Verses (this Quran) recited to you, and then you used to deny them?"

"They will say: "Our Lord! Our wretchedness overcame us, and we were (an) erring people."

Allah says in Surat Ghafir [40:10-12]:

"Those who disbelieve will be addressed (at the time of entering into the Fire): "Allah's aversion was greater towards you (in the worldly life when you used to reject the Faith) than your aversion towards one another (now in the Fire of Hell, as you are now enemies to one another), when you were called to the Faith but you used to refuse."

"They will say: "Our Lord! You have made us to die twice (i.e. we were dead in the loins of our fathers and dead after our deaths in this world), and You have given us life twice (i.e. life when we were born and life when we are Resurrected)! Now we confess our sins, then is there any way to get out (of the Fire)?"

"(It will be said): "This is because, when Allah Alone was invoked (in worship, etc.) you disbelieved, but when partners were joined to Him, you believed! So the judgement is only with Allah, the Most High, the Most Great!"

Allah says in Surat az-Zukhruf [43:77-78]:

"And they will cry: "O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us." He will say: "Verily you shall abide forever."

"Indeed We have brought the truth (Muhammad with the Quran), to you, but most of you have a hatred for the truth."

Category 2 - Intimidation by mentioning the threat with torment and punishment for certain kinds of sins.

The Da’iyah should take care of this category by mentioning what have been mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah concerning the punishment and torment for certain sins such as neglecting the salah, the Zakat, Sawm and Hajj (in case of capability), warning against undutifulness of parents, cutting the relation with the kith and kin, killing without a just cause, adultery, dealing with usury, devouring the properties of an orphan, theft, drinking intoxicants, gambling, backbiting, slandering, lying etc. The greatest warning should be against Shirk, innovations in the Religion, magic, going to the fortunetellers, invoking the righteous people, etc.

Also, the Da'iyah should warn against immoralities such as comdice, in chastity, lying, breaking the covenants, treachery, betrayal, envy, malice, etc.

Examples from the Qur'an

-Warning against Shirk [Surah al-Ma’idah 5:72]

-Warning against Killing [Surat an—Nisa 4:93]

-Warning against breaking the covenant [Surat Ar-Ra'd 13:25] 

Example from the Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Avoid the seven destructive sins”. They said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! What are they?’ He ﷺ  said: “Shirk in Allah, magic, killing the soul which Allah has forbidden except with true cause, eating riba, devouring the wealth of an orphan, fleeing from the battle field (at time of facing the enemy), slandering the chaste believing women who are unaware.” [Al-Bukhari]

THIRD: Using descriptive and pictorial matters

#1 - Using Wise Stories 

The best of stories is these which are mentioned in the Quran and authentic Sunnah, as Allah says in Surat Yusuf [12:3]:

"We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Quran. And before this (i.e. before the coming of Divine Inspiration to you), you were among those who knew nothing about it (the Quran)."

And in Surat Yusuf [12:111]:

"Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Quran) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of the Allah's existing Books [the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah] and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who believe."

The Prophet ﷺ used to relate stories to his companions to benefit them and incite them to do the good and to frighten them from falling into the opposite to that good.

E.g. The story of the blind, leper, and bald man among Bani Israel to warn against ungratefulness to Allah’s blessing and miserliness. 

E.g. The story of the man who killed one hundred souls then repented, to show how the environment has an effect on the person. 

#2 - Setting Parables

There are many parables (similitudes) that are set forth in the Quran such as:

- The example of the one who spends in the causes of Allah like one who sows a seed which produces seven ears and each ear consist of one hundred seeds. Allah multiplies the reward for whoever wills.

- The example of the one who spends in a way of show off (Riya) and the nullification of his deed like a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. [Surat al-Baqarah 2:264]

- The similitude of the life of this world and its quick vanishment with water comes down from the sky. As a result of this water, a plant grows, then it becomes dry and broken pieces (straw).

- The Prophet ﷺ set forth an example for good companion and bad companion like the seller of a musk and black smith.

#3 - Drawing attention to praiseworthy descriptions, such as mentioning the descriptions of the believers and the result of being attributed with them.

E.g. Surat Al-Mu'minoon [23:1-11]

The greatest result of these descriptions is the attainment of Al-Firdaus Al-A'laa in Paradise.

#4 - Drawing attention to tangible traces such as the monuments of the ancient and people and oppressors in the land. Contemplating the impacts of destruction, earthquakes, sicknesses are one of the greatest admonitions and lessons for one to reflect on. Allah commanded us in the Quran to walk in the land and complete over their traces of the ancient; their monuments, and impacts.  Allah says in Surat al-An'am [6:11]:

"Say (O Muhammad): "Travel in the land and see what was the end of those who rejected truth."

Also, He says in Surat ar-Rum [30:9]:

"Do they not travel in the land, and see what was the end of those before them? They were superior to them in strength, and they tilled the earth and populated it in greater numbers than these (pagans) have done, and there came to them their Messengers with clear proofs. Surely, Allah wronged them not, but they used to wrong themselves."

The command is to walk with bodies while reflecting with heart; contemplating over the evil end of those who wronged themselves.