15. Three Levels of Dawah Work
There are three levels on which Muslims must perform dawah work. Every believing man and woman must prove himself or herself to be a preacher of Truth on one of these three levels. Those who will not participate in this mission will find their deeds have become worthless in the eyes of God. In this regard, God has the same criterion for the Prophet as for his followers.
It is necessary for every believer to be eager to give guidance to other people. The first level of dawah work deals with the intention of an individual to do so. This is known in the Islamic Shariah as niyyah. Specifically, it means the individual intention to participate in the mission of dawah work. But such intention is not just some kind of verbal repetition or lip service. It is a feeling which makes the heart tremble. Every believer should become restless and tremble on seeing others being misguided. This feeling should be of such intensity that, while thinking about it, tears should flood his eyes. And he should pray for the guidance of others while contemplating in solitude.
On the second level of dawah work, believers should take every precaution not to become a hindrance in the way of dawah work. They will not act in such a way as to arouse in people’s hearts hatred or disgust for Islam, nor will they in any way cause annoyance on the subject. They will completely refrain from any such acts as will cause friction between the addresser and the addressee. They will take special care to conduct themselves in this way, even if it means sacrificing their economic, national or political interests.
On the third level, dawah is to be performed directly. Those who have the ability to present Islam through public speaking, writing or through the modern means of communication should call upon people to accept the divine religion. They should try to address people’s minds by using arguments which make a very strong impression, so that their addressees may leave the wrong path and come to accept true guidance.
The phrase in the Quran, ‘and God will save you from the people,’ means that you need not make excuses for inaction. In this situation, none of your excuses will be accepted by God. You have to leave all possible or impossible excuses to God and throw yourself completely into the mission of dawah work. In this regard no other work for the believers would be right.
The principle of divine law for man is that he will held accountable only for what he is capable of. Whatever capability a man possesses, to that extent only will he be held responsible. If he is lacking in capability, he should at least pray in his heart for others guidance.
