Your Akhlaq, Qualities and Characteristics- The Da’iyah

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Wisdom

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)

Wisdom is putting something where it belongs in a way that will extract the maximum good and wisdom of why it was ordained.

Trust in Allah

Know that the victory and support comes from Him and that He is with you. There will undoubtedly be tests, but if you pass the test your rank in paradise will be raised.

Love

Don’t confuse hating sins with loving people. Some of the world’s best du’at has been set apart in the field because they are motivated by their love of people.

This was the same thing Prophet (SAW) felt.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Perhaps, you, would kill yourself in grief, over their footsteps (for their turning away from you), because they believe not in this narration (the Qur'ân).” (18:6)

Have a close relationship with Allah

Don’t be the candle that illuminates for others at the expense of burning itself out.

Points to ponder: “if your level of knowledge is above average, you should not be content with worship that is average.”  Do extra deeds than others.

Akhlaq (Manners)

People generally put you under the microscope and associate our actions with your religion. We will break akhlaq into two categories:

1. Those related to yourself: This is when you are truthful with yourself. You always review yourself and engage in self criticism. You sincerely strive to better yourself, and free your heart from envy. Hold yourself accountable before Allah holds you accountable.
2. Those related to dealing with others

a.      Patience:  Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, criminals). But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.” (25:31)

Be patient as you may encounter many people who will not want to accept what you talk.

b.      Gentleness:  Allah says in the Qur’an:

"And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)." (20:44)

“And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allâh's) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (3:159)

c.       Humility:  “No-one is humble for the sake of Allah, but Allah will raise him in status. (Muslim).”

If you hear any hadith/ayat that you already know, don’t try to make others feel that you know it. Rather act as if you don’t know it and hear it as if you’re listening to it for the first time.

d.      Helping People:  It really softens the heart of the people. When we help the poor and needy, they will always remember that.

You will also be more effective if you:

1.      Practice what you tell people to do: This is a very important point that you have to remember. Only if you practice what you preach the person who you are giving Da’wah to will get affected.

If he sees you practicing what you are telling him to do he will be moved with your words.

2.      Give people attention and make them feel important: Give attention to children. Do not yell at children while in masjid so that they do not hate the masjid. When giving salaams to elders, give salaams to children also, so that they do not feel that they are invisible.

The Prophet (SAW) even used to make children feel important! Do you do that?

3.      Let you appearance be slightly better than average.

Pearls of Wisdom: Smiling

The number one tactic for making a good impression is smiling. By smiling, you achieve four important things:

1.      It conveys confidence: because people who are nervous and unsure of themselves typically do not smile.

2.      It conveys happiness: humans are naturally drawn to people who are happy.

3.      It conveys enthusiasm: it shows you are glad to be there and to meet your prospect, and this in turn makes them pleased to meet you.

4.      It conveys acceptance: it lets your prospect know that you are unconditionally accepting of who they are.

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