Can the average Muslim give da’wah?

Question:

What are the conditions required for da’wah (calling others to the religion of Islam) and can it be given by the average Muslim?

Answer:

(From) the conditions of da’wah are what Allah ﷻ has mentioned in his book:

(قُلْ هَٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ)

Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight”
[Yusuf 12:108]

This is the greatest condition of da’wah to Allah ﷻ

(قُلْ هَٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ
ٱتَّبَعَنِىۖ)

Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me”
[Yusuf 12:108]

(Meaning) My followers and I must fulfill this condition in order to give da’wah upon insight.

Insight in regards to what our calling is, Insight in regards to those whom we are calling, and Insight in regards to what we are calling to.

In the absence of insight, I advise you to convey based upon your capability and not to put yourself forward for da’wah and become a renowned caller to (the religion of) Allah ﷻ whilst you have not fulfilled this critical condition in calling to (the religion of) Allah ﷻ which is to be upon insight and knowledge. The term ‘Insight’ has also been explained to mean knowledge.

In regards to the average Muslim; he conveys what he understands, has knowledge of and insight upon.

(The Prophet ﷺ said:)

(بلغوا عني ولو آية)

[Convey from me, even if it is one verse]

(Narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar in Al-Bukhari. Hadith Number 3461)

So, if he understands a hadith, there is nothing wrong with him conveying this hadith; saying ‘I certainly heard this from students of knowledge (or) I heard from the scholars’ – and he ascribes this to them. Verily they said such and such.

This way, by the will of Allah ﷻ; you will have conveyed what you intended to explain to the people. As for becoming a caller to (the religion of Allah ﷻ) and to putting yourself forward for da’wah (without insight); as is the case with the ‘Tableegh Jammat’, this would be incorrect.

Travelling from place to place calling (to the religion of Allah ﷻ) whilst you have no insight. The Prophet ﷺ made having insight a condition of da’wah and it is a must have. This is the greatest condition and cannot be absent. Insight upon what you are calling to and insight about those you are calling.

Answered by: Shaykh Abu Bilaal Al Hadhramy – may Allah preserve him

Source: https://t.me/abubilalhami/2690

Answered on: 20, Safar 1441 (18th October 2019)

Translated by: Abu Sufian Saami Ibn Daniel Al-Ghaani