Ramadan is the Season for Inviting Others to Allah (1/2)

We praise Allah that He has guided us to the path of salvation. We seek His assistance in elevating the word of truth and calling to what is right.

Islamic work – calling people to Allah – is one of the most emphatic and important duties in Islam. It is one of the greatest forms of worship by which we draw nearer to Allah.

The month of Ramadan is an ideal opportunity for us to engage in this noble activity, especially with our fellow Muslims. The people’s hearts in Ramadan are humbler because they are more aware of Allah’s remembrance during this month. They are more responsive to exhortation and more inclined to repentance.

There are many ways we can engage in calling people to Allah during this blessed month. Islamic work entails elevating Islam, advancing it, and bringing it nearer to the people. It likewise entails dispelling all negative influences and false notions that turn people’s hearts away from the truth.

The activity of calling to Allah embraces every word, every deed, every stroke of the pen, and every expenditure of effort or wealth that serves the religion and is in accordance with Islam’s wisdom. There can be no doubt that knowledge is at the heart of calling to Allah. Knowledge is its foundation, its guide, and its greatest benefit.

However, Islamic work requires effort along with knowledge. Everyone must work according to his abilities and strengths.

My esteemed brothers and sisters who are observing the fast, the sacred texts have come to us commanding us to call people to Allah. The Qur’ân extols the honorable status of this activity and warns us against laxity.

The texts speak of the tremendous virtues if Islamic work and the great reward in store for those who engage in it.

Allah commands us in many ways. He commands us to call the people, saying: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching.” [Sûrah al-Nahl: 125].

“Say: I am commanded to worship Allah and to not join with Him any partners. Unto Him do I call and unto Him is my return.” [Sûrah al-Ra`d: 36].

Allah, likewise, commands us to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. He says: “You are the best of nations brought forth for humanity. You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah.” [Sûrah Al-Imrân: 110].

Allah commands us to convey the Message: “O Messenger! Convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord.” [Sûrah al-Mâ’idah: 67].

He commands us to carry out this activity with one another: “And exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to patience.” [Sûrah al-`Asr: 3].

We are told to give warning: “And give warning to your nearest kinfolk.” [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ’: 214].

And to give glad tidings: “And give glad tidings to the believers.” [Sûrah al-Tawbah: 112].

As for the virtues and benefits of calling to Allah, these are mentioned in numerous verses of the Qur’ân and countless hadîth of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

At the forefront of these virtues is the fact that calling to Allah is an act of worship and obedience. It is something that pleases our Lord.

It is also something that makes us safe from His displeasure and from his punishment.

This noble activity is a means of strength for Allah’s religion. By carrying out this activity, we are following in the footsteps of His Prophets and Messengers.

It is an activity that is loathed b the enemies of Islam. It offers relief to the victims of ignorance, superstition, and the shackles of blind custom.

Calling to Allah is a means of multiplying the positive effects of our good deeds, both in this life and in the Hereafter. It is a means of bringing Allah’s mercy upon us and of dispelling affliction.

The best of our speech is a word uttered in inviting to Allah. Allah says: “Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says: Indeed I am of those who submit in Islam.” [Sûrah Fussilat: 33].

This article was written by Sheikh Muhammad al-Hamad

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