The dots on the 'i'

A principle of Da'wah

We make Da'wah to make people understand. That is why when we explain, we must be very clear. We should not hide behind obscure and ambiguous expressions. This method has the possibility of misleading the general public, instead of guiding them to the right path. This way of doing Da'wah is not a way to develop the public, but it is a way to envelop them in deviation. That is why if someone asks one whether a Muslim can convert to another religion, then if one is a good Muslim, one must answer clearly that it is a very serious sin which a Muslim does not have the right to do and that Islam advocates a very severe punishment for the one who commits this grave sin. But if instead of that, one says that he can convert to another religion on condition that he does not criticise Islam afterwards, then one is committing Kufr and one is misleading people. When people hear that, they understand that there is no use in being a Muslim. They understand that a Muslim can change his religion and adopt any other religion that he wants and actually, this is what the youngsters are doing in Mauritius.

In such a situation, it is the duty of a true preacher and a good Muslim to explain that he did not say such words for the press to make the necessary rectification if it has been misreported. What does it cost this preacher to declare openly that it is Haraam and forbidden for a Muslim to renounce Islam and to enter in another religion and that this is a very serious sin that deserves death penalty in an Islamic state?

It is the duty of a sincere and concerned preacher to convey the message of Islam clearly instead of hiding behind obscure and ambiguous expressions because, just as it is not good to have bad thoughts about someone, in the same way, it is not good to give others the opportunity to have bad thoughts about one.

[English version of "Les points sur les 'i'" – Al Jamiat – Vol.4 No.8]