The Ruling on Da`wah

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In general, Da’wah is obligatory upon every Muslim; he/she has to somehow participate in Da’wah because it is part of Iman and the Shahadah. This can be among your Muslim fellows or with Non-Muslims. 

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth, best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (16:125)

More specifically…

“The Believers men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” (9:71)

Some Scholars argue that Da’wah is obligatory on all Muslim. While other Scholars argue that Da’wah is obligatory only on the Learned Scholars.

“The religion is sincere advice” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated ‘ABDULLAH bin 'Amr: The Prophet (SAW) said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence..”(Bukhari)

In His (SAW) farewell khutubah the Prophet (SAW) gave his message and then said:

“…let those who are present convey (the message) to those who are absent.” (Bukhari)

Da’wah can be done at two levels:

Basic Level: Under this level, all Muslims are obligated to give Da’wah. Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is the basic level of doing Da’wah. If we stop somebody from doing any bad deed, it is Da’wah. If we guide somebody to do good deeds, it’s Da’wah.

Higher Level: Under this level, only the Learned Scholars or part of the ummah is obligated to do Da’wah. For example:

• Educating people is the job of the scholars
• Issuing fatawah is the job of the Mufti
• There are certain levels of enjoining good and forbidding evil that are only for those appointed by the Imaam/Governing body. Example, policemen, etc.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104)

“Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).”  (9:122)

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