Praise be to Allah and may the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger Muhammad, his family members, his companions and his followers.
Thereafter, we are going to shed light upon the characteristics of the preacher in this episode.
Sixth: The Characteristics of the Preacher:
For the success of Da`wah activities and for their good results, it is necessary for the preacher to be characterized by the qualities and manners of the ideal preachers. A true preacher should follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him) in the field of Da`wah. In the following lines we will mention some sorts of qualities and manners that a preacher should be characterized by, while performing Da`wah activities:
1 - Sincerity and Honesty:
As we have demonstrated the necessity of the pure and sincere intention in Da`wah works. Preacher’s all actions and moves should be for Allah Almighty Alone, not marred by anything of worldly desire or earthly decoration. The preacher should expect the reward or gift from Allah Alone, as Allah (Glory be to him) says about His Prophet Hud: "O my people I ask of you no reward for it (the Message). My reward is only from Him Who created me. Will you not then understand? ([Surat Hud: 51].
2 – Islamic Knowledge:
It has been outlined previously in our talk about the fundamentals of Da`wah that no mission could be fruitful but only when the preachers would have adequate Islamic disciplines that support them to explain the Islamic rulings and laws for the people, as Allah (Glory be to Him) says about the real scholars having sufficient Islamic knowledge and about the ignorant people who follow their own wishes and run after the allegorical Verses and commandments, Allah Almighty says: “It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad) the Book (this Qur’ân). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book, and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking trials, and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding.” [A’li `Imran: 7].
3 – Tolerance and Kindness:
Among the most important manners that a preacher should be characterized by on every step and every movement are the qualities of patience and kindness, since all people by their nature love soft and kind behavior, while they hate rude and harsh treatment, as Allah (Glory be to Him) says: “And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allâh’s) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who put their trust (in Him).” [Surat A’li `Imran: 159].
Furthermore, Allah Almighty has ordered the Prophets Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them) to go to Pharaoh and address him with soft words despite his tyranny and dictatorship, Allah Almighty says about them: “Go, both of you, to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed. And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)." [Surat Taha: 43 - 44].
4 - Patience and Endurance:
Patience in the way of Da`wah and bearing its hardships is essential requirement that must be available in the preacher, as hastening, irritation and anger is totally contradictory to the nature of Da`wah activities. So whoever wants to walk in this way he must be familiar with its landmarks and should have some idea about its hardships, in order to be fortified with the qualities of patience and endurance. For there are many challenges that stand in the face of Da`wah and try to abort it, therefore, patience is necessary to face them, as well as inviting the people to Allah always requires patience and endurance because people’s natures, abilities and perceptions are different.
Even the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him) has faced different types of harms and sufferings during his invitation, but remained always firm on his way with patience and piety, until Allah(Glory be to him) honored him with success and supported his religion and backed his mission, rather Allah Almighty Himself comforted His Prophet (may the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon him) and ordered him to be patient, as He (Glory be to Him) says: “And endure you patiently (O Muhammad), your patience is not but from Allâh. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans), and be not distressed because of what they plot.” [Surat An-Nahl: 127]. Also Allah Almighty says: “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.” [Surat Al Baqarah: 155].
Furthermore, we will mention in the following episode, by the will of Allah the rest of the characteristics of the preacher.
May the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family members and his all companions.
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