Calling others to divine truth a must for believers

Allah Almighty commanded there be a group among believers who call people to the good and the right: “Let there be a community among you who call to the good, and enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success.” (Qur’an, 3:104)

In light of this verse, sincere Muslims feel it as an obligation on their part to tell others about Islam, its beauty and the morality therein, as also the futility of living in a manner not in sync with this spiritual morality.

Having fully grasped the import of ethics in one’s life, they want others too to experience the same. They know what awaits in the hell for those who live a rebellious life; and hence these believers want people to live a life that pleases Allah Almighty and which saves them from Hell’s torment.

It is therefore obligatory to know the truth. Because, the Judgment in the Hereafter is going to be based on our deeds in this temporal life. And that will decide our eternal life in the Heaven or the Hell as a return for those deeds.

Such believers therefore do their best in their efforts to convince every single person to embrace Allah’s grace and thus saving them from the fire of Hell. They spend their whole time in helping people come to the straight path.

Such people receive great physical and spiritual strength from the believers, who continue preaching with the same zeal even if they fail to convince a single person of the right path. Their responsibility nevertheless is to only communicate the message. It is Allah the One Who will bestow guidance on whomever He wishes. When many in Makkah did not believe, despite Prophet’s (peace be upon him) profound efforts, Allah said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): “You cannot guide those you would like to, but Allah guides those He wills. He has best knowledge of the guided.” (Qur’an, 28:56)

 

“The believers are only those who have had faith in Allah and His Messenger and then have had no doubt and have struggled with their wealth and themselves in the way of Allah. They are the ones who are true to their word.” (Qur’an, 49:15)

This attribute of believers explains their enthusiasm in their hearts very explicitly. Likewise, believers strive for the values they believe in doubtlessly, regardless of what happens, only with the strength given by the enthusiasm of their faith. Another reason that keeps their believers’ vigor alive is that they live in between fear and hope as revealed in the verse, “... And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (Qur’an, 7:56) 

Living in between fear and hope means “Believers could never be completely sure whether Allah is pleased with them or not, and whether they showed morals that could be rewarded with His Garden. Therefore, they are aware Allah’s torment on the Day of Judgment and constantly strive to make their morals better. They have great hope that they could reach the grace and Garden of Allah Who is infinitely merciful. Since they experience these two feelings, hope and fear, at the same time, they never find their efforts sufficient and never consider themselves exempted from mistakes and deficiencies. As it is revealed in the verse, “... And those who...fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of (their) account.” (Qur’an, 13:21), they are aware of Allah’s torment every moment. In return for this continuous enthusiasm, Allah promises believers this good tiding: “Give good news to the believers that they will receive immense favor from Allah.” (Qur’an, 33:47)

 

Every Prophet has faced difficulties while carrying the divine mission. They braved intimidation and danger to their life while leading their respective communities to the right path. 

In the Qur’an, the Prophet Noah’s (peace be upon him) sincere efforts are pointed out as such: “He said, ‘My Lord, I have called my people night and day but my calling has only made them more evasive. Indeed, every time I called them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes and were overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them openly. Then I addressed them publicly and addressed them privately. I said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Truly He is Endlessly Forgiving’.” (Qur’an, 71:5-10)

Thanks to the Prophet Noah’s zeal to preach the moral values of religion and carry out Allah’s command, he was not affected by their actions and continued his mission with a solid determination. 

However, it is important not to forget that the Prophet Noah and those who preach Allah’s religion with great spirit will be rewarded for every word they speak and effort they show on this path. 

Allah Almighty says: “(Triumphant) are those who turn repentant (to Allah), those who serve (Him), those who praise (Him), those who fast, those who bow down, those who fall prostrate (in worship), those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong and those who keep the limits (ordained) of Allah — And give glad tidings to believers!” (Qur’an, 9:112)

 

• The writer has authored more than 300 books translated in 73 languages on politics, religion and science.