"Invite mankind, O Mohammed (salallahu alaihi wasallem) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path and He is the best aware of those who are guided" Surat An Nahl:125

"And argue not with the people of the scripture, unless it be in a way that is better, exceptwith such of them as do wrong". Surat Al 'Ankabut:46

He (Subhanahu wa ta'Ala) addressed Musa and Harun: "Go both of you to Fir'awn. Verily, he has transgressed all bounds, and speak to him mildly. Perhaps he may accept admonition and fear Allah". Sura Ta-Ha:43-44

These ayaat from the Qu'ran show us the way for us to invite others to Islam. The most important thing is that the Da'awa is for Allah, not for any personality, people or group. By giving da'awa, we are carrying out a duty that Allah has given us, and we do not do it for any other reward but the reward from Allah. So, Allah is not judging us if there is no response from the people we talk to, neither does He get angry by them if they cause problems or are against us, because guidance is only from Allah (Subhanahu ta'Ala) We are only responsible for ourselves, not for others.

"Not upon you (Mohammed salallahu alaihi wa salem) is their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills" Surat Al Baqarah

"And do not grieve over them (non-believers) and do not be distressed because of what they plot" Surat An Nahl:127

"Truly Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty to Him) and those who are Muhsinun (those who do good)". Surat An Nahl

There are three requirements to consider when giving da'awa:

Da'awa with Hikmah - with rational argument and clear proof

"Do they not look at the camels, how they are created? And at  the heaven, how it is raised? And at the mountains, how they are rooted and fixed firm? And at the earth, how it is spread out?" Surat Al Ghashiyah:17-20

"And thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells on hills, on trees, and on men's habitations. Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth) and follow the ways of Thy Lord made smooth: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is a sign for those who give thought." Surat Al Nahl 68-69

Fair preaching- it is the beautiful reminder that will affect the emotions and make you think - not intimidation.In this way, da'awah enters the heart with kindness and emotions deepen with gentleness. Kindness in speech, more often than not, will touch the hearts that are opposed.

"And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. Had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from you. So overlook their faults, and ask Allah's forgiveness for them" Surat Al Imran:159

"And argue with them in a way that is better" Surat An Nahl:125

Keep to the point of the discussion and do not allow it to move to any personal or side issues, otherwise it will take an opposing and confrontational role.

"Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many contradictions" Surat An Nisa:82

We must always decide on our aim when we want to give da'awah to a particular person and think about where we want to limit according to the response.

With one person, we might want to discuss in a way to bring him to our way of thinking so that he too can cal others to Islam. With another, we may want to influence a particular concept he believes. With another we may look for support and assistance.

Da'awah is not about outdoing or beating  someone in a debate. Rather it is to arrive at the truth.

It must be remembered that it is difficult for someone to admit defeat or to leave an opinion he has held to be true or has been defending. So, we have to speak with respect, not to treat him unfairly or make him feel low or shameful or rejected. The aim is to win him over, not to win his hostility. The aim is to bring him close, not to create a distance between you.

We must also be aware of how the person is feeling. There is a time and a place for everything. If the heart isn't open, the mind certainly won't be, and the path to the mind is through the heart. When the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihi wa salem) called groups from the tribe of Bani 'Abdullah, he addressed them by saying:

"indeed, Allah has granted your father an excellent name."

By doing this, he touched their hearts and so they were open to listening and responding to him.

In all circumstances, the truth must be spoken. We should be patient over any harm. Bukhari narrated from 'Ubadah bin Saamit who said:

"We gave Ba'yah to the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihi wa sallem) to hear and obey in ease and hardship, and that we should not fight those in authority, and that we should speak the truth where ever we are, and regarding Allah (Subhana ta'Ala) we will fear the blame of none."

Derived from an article taken from Al-Waie Magazine