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Dialogue is a Vital Aspect of Calling to

AllahDr. Muhammad b. Lutf al-Sabbgh

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought out opportunitiesfor dialogue as a means of establishing the truth of Islam. It was animportant means He employed to call people to the faith. Heunderstood that dialogue is a noble way to convince others of what isright.

The ability to engage in dialogue with others is an important one forMuslim preachers to cultivate. Indeed, we can find in the Qur'n

where Allah instructs us in this skill

For instance, we see many places in the Qur'n where Allah drawsattention to his blessings upon us by commanding ProphetMuhammad (peace be upon him) to ask a number of questions. Allahthen gives the proper answers to these questions and develops theseanswers into a moving form of exhortation.

Allah says: "Ask (O Muhammad): 'To whom if you know belongthe earth and all beings therein?' They will say, 'To Allah!' Say: 'Yet

will ye not receive admonition?' Say: 'Who is the Lord of the sevenheavens, and the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme?' They willsay, '(They belong) to Allah.' Say: 'Will ye not then be filled with awe?'[Srah al-Mu'minn: 84-87]

We also see where Allah tells us to argue with the Jews and Christiansin the best manner: "And do not dispute with the people of the

scripture except by what is best unless it be with those of them whoinflict wrong (and injury) and say: We believe in that which has

been revealed to us and revealed to you, and our God and your God isOne, and to Him do we submit." [Srah al-`Ankabt: 46]

Allah says: "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodlyexhortation, and argue with them in the best manner. Surely your

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Lord best knows those who go astray from His path, and He knowsbest those who follow the right way. " [Srah al-Nahl: 125]

Dialogue, when it is used sincerely by all parties as a means to seekthe truth and understanding, actually fosters love between those whoare engaged in it. However, it is important for those engaged indialogue to be free form a desire to defeat the other party. Personaltriumph is never the goal. It is critical to maintain at all times asincere intention to use dialogue as a means of arriving at the truth.

Al-Shfi` said: "I have never argued with anyone without hoping thatAllah would manifest the truth upon his tongue."

It is in such a spirit that one's words become acceptable to the other

party. When one is not out to defeat the other person by way ofargument, but rather to uncover the truth, then when the otherperson makes a valid point, one is ready to concede it and admit whenone has made an error.

One aspect of this is not to try and "catch" the other person by his orher words. It is part of the etiquettes of dialogue to try andunderstand the other person as best we can, and take his or herstatement in the best intended light. This is more likely to induce theother party to reassess his or her own stance than adopting a

confrontational "out to get you" attitude.

It is essential for one to remain composed and objective, to keep one'stone form becoming impassioned and emotional. We must never

become defensive and never stoop to promote our individual selves.Instead, we must try our best to overlook and forgive the slights theother party might make against our persons.

Allah says: "Goodness and evil can never be equal. Repel (evil) with

what is better: Then the one with whom there had been enmitybetween you will become as though he were a bosom friend! " [SrahFussilat: 34]

Allah says: "And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord,and for a garden as wide as are the heavens and the earth, preparedfor those who ward off (evil); those who spend (freely), whether in

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prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon all people for Allah loves those who do good." [Srah l `Imrn: 133-134]

Allah quotes Luqmn as saying: "O my son! Keep up prayer, enjointhe good, and forbid the evil, and bear patiently that which befalls

you; surely these acts require courage." [Srah Luqmn: 17]

A caller to Allah, therefore, should be recognized as being a kindperson. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called us to be gentle,saying: "Whenever kindness enters into something, it beautifies it.

Whenever it is absent from something, then that thing is maligned."[Sahh Muslim (2594)]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Allah is gentle, and He

loves kindness. He bestows upon kindness what He does not bestowupon harshness or anything else." [Sahh Muslim (2165)]

When we engage in dialogue, we must be precise and careful in whatwe say. We must be just at all times with both those who agree with usand those who oppose us.

Allah says: "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, aswitnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you makeyou swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to

piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do." [Srah al-M'idah: 8]

Beyond all this, if we want others to accept what we say, we need toassess what their level is and determine what they are able tounderstand. We must also be sensitive to their feelings and consider

what motivates them and what offends their sensibilities.

If we apply these etiquettes in calling others to Allah, we will be able

to convey our message clearly, and in a manner that will foster understanding,tolerance, and with Allah's help acceptance