Should We All Be Conveyors of the Message of Faith?

The question of whether all of us should be conveyors of the message of faith, or 'muballigh' in Islamic terminology, receives a comprehensive answer from the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that goes beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no.' At first glance, the term 'muballigh' or 'missionary' might conjure an image of a formal preacher or someone dedicated full-time to disseminating religion. However, Islamic teachings reveal that in essence, every Muslim is a carrier and transmitter of the message of faith, although the form and scope of this duty are not identical for everyone and depend on individual capacities, knowledge, and circumstances. The Holy Quran explicitly speaks of 'inviting to the way of your Lord.' Verse 125 of Surah An-Nahl is one of the most crucial verses in this regard: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best." This verse not only specifies the method of invitation (wisdom, good instruction, and the best manner of argumentation) but also addresses a general audience, encompassing all believers. While the primary and prioritized responsibility rests with the Prophets and then the scholars of religion, every Muslim can and should, to the best of their ability and knowledge, be a conveyor of the faith. This is not necessarily in the manner of a public speaker or preacher, but primarily through their life and actions. The first and perhaps most powerful form of invitation and conveying the message is 'Dawah bil Hal' or 'invitation by example.' When a Muslim demonstrates good character, honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, justice, patience, and forbearance in their daily life, this itself becomes the best form of propagation for the faith. People observe our behavior and actions more than our words. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the perfect embodiment of this type of Dawah; his life and personality were the strongest evidence for the truthfulness of his message. Many people were initially attracted to him because of his noble character and then came to believe in the divine message. Therefore, every time a Muslim acts with integrity in their dealings, treats their neighbors with kindness, or stands up against injustice, they are, in fact, conveying the message of Islam because these actions are reflections of Quranic teachings. This method of propagation, without the need for passionate speeches or scholarly debates, profoundly impacts people's hearts and minds, prompting them to reflect on the source of such beauty and goodness. Another form of conveying the message is 'Dawah bil Qawl' or 'invitation by speech,' but this speech must be accompanied by wisdom and good counsel. Wisdom implies understanding the circumstances, knowing the audience, choosing the right time, and articulating the message in a way that is understandable and acceptable to the listener. Good counsel means speaking affectionately, without belittling others, and with compassion. 'Jidal al-Ahsan' (the best manner of argumentation) means engaging in discussion and exchange of ideas with strong logic and reasoning, without insult or offense, and with the aim of reaching the truth. This implies that every Muslim, in their daily interactions, can respond to questions about faith or clarify ambiguities with kind words, logical arguments, and utmost respect and politeness. This duty stems from the principle of 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar' (enjoining good and forbidding evil), which is a fundamental tenet of Islam. While 'Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar' is a collective duty, the manner of its execution varies for each individual; some perform this duty with authority, some with their tongue, and some with their heart (i.e., with internal aversion to wrong and inclination towards good). This type of verbal propagation requires a foundational knowledge of the faith so that the individual can transmit the message correctly and without distortion. Furthermore, in Surah Aal-Imran, verse 104, the Quran states: "And let there be [arising] from among you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those are the successful ones." This verse indicates that in addition to the general responsibility, there should be a specialized and committed group possessing sufficient knowledge to guide and instruct people. These individuals are the religious scholars, specialized preachers, and graduates of Islamic seminaries who specifically bear the responsibility of propagating and explaining the faith. This duty is a 'Fard al-Kifayah' (collective obligation); meaning if a sufficient number of people undertake this task, the obligation is lifted from others. However, if no one fulfills this duty, then all will be sinful. This does not mean that others have no duty, but rather that expertise and dedication in this field constitute a heavier and more specialized duty for a particular group. This group is also responsible for researching, clarifying, and defending the principles of faith, and they must approach issues with deeper insight. Therefore, it can be concluded that all of us, in some way, bear the responsibility of 'conveying the message of faith,' but not necessarily in the sense that everyone must be a formal preacher or lecturer. Our primary responsibility is, firstly, to practice the teachings of our faith ourselves and be practical role models for others. This includes respecting the rights of others, social responsibility, purity of soul and body, and adherence to the high moral values of Islam. Secondly, to the best of our ability and knowledge, with wisdom and good counsel, convey the message of Islam to others, answer questions, and clarify misconceptions. This responsibility applies to every Muslim in their home, workplace, community, and even in international interactions. We can be worthy representatives of our faith through a kind smile, gentle words, and fair conduct. The main purpose of invitation is to guide people towards success in this world and the Hereafter, and this must be done with sincere intention for the pleasure of Allah, without compulsion, and with full respect for others' freedom of belief. Ultimately, guidance is from Allah, and our role is merely to deliver the message. This responsibility is an opportunity for every Muslim to be a beacon of divine light through their good conduct and words, both in their own life and for others, thereby fulfilling their human and religious duty and earning the pleasure of the Creator.