“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imran 3:104]
Da'wah, meaning "invitation" or "summons," is the Islamic practice of calling people—both non-Muslims and Muslims—towards a better understanding and practice of Islam, based on the Quran and Sunnah. It involves sharing the message of Allah's Oneness (Tawheed), clearing up misconceptions, and encouraging righteous actions through wisdom, good character, and polite dialogue. Da'wah embodies comprehensive understanding of Islam (through complete understanding of Qur'an and Sunnah) and a general understanding of the faith being followed by the audience to whom Da'wah is being extended.
We have already published a number of posts on importance, meaning and mode of Da'wah, which can be accessed from our reference page: Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to Islam for better understanding of what really Da'wah is.
Today, through this post we link verses from three different Surahs of Qur'an which together form an excellent synthesis. and provide a complete Qur’anic philosophy of Da'wah — covering Da'wah method, limits, and transformation. This balanced framework protects a dāʿī (one extending Da'wah) from arrogance, burnout, and misplaced expectations. These Surahs are Surah Mu'min 40:28–45 with Surah Al-Qasas 28:56 and Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:11.
Before we explain the philosophy of Da'wah, let us in one paragraph explain the passage of verses of Surah Al Mu'min (40:28–45) for it is the basis of the Method of extending Da'wah mentioned in successive lines.
Surah Al Mu'min is revealed in the context of Pharaoh’s court, where a believing man from Pharaoh’s own family secretly held faith in Musa عليه السلام and, at a critical moment, spoke publicly to defend him against unjust execution. In a society dominated by tyranny, propaganda, and arrogance, this believer delivers a reasoned, compassionate, and courageous speech: he appeals to conscience, logic, historical precedent, and fear of the Hereafter, warning his people against persecuting a messenger who came with clear signs. He contrasts the call to Allah with the call to falsehood, expresses sincere concern for their ultimate fate, and entrusts his matter to Allah when facing danger. The passage concludes by showing that Allah protected him while Pharaoh and his people were engulfed by punishment, demonstrating that truth can be spoken even within corrupt systems, that moral courage may be costly but is divinely supported, and that oppressive power ultimately collapses before Allah’s justice.
Now let us outline a unified Qur’anic Da'wah Philosophy, grounded directly in these three pillars:
- Method: Speak with wisdom, courage, and compassion
- From Surah Mu'min (40:28–45): This passage teaches how to give Da'wah. Following are core methods to give Da'wah:
- Appeal to conscience (40:28)
- Use reason and fairness (40:28)
- Remind of history (40:30–31)
- Show concern for akhirah (40:32–33)
- Clarify moral paths (40:41)
- Center on Tawḥīd (40:42–43)
- End with tawakkul (40:44)
- Da'wah principle: Daʿwah is moral persuasion, not emotional pressure or political force.
- Limits: Guidance is not in human control
- From Surah al-Qaṣaṣ (28:56) “Indeed, you do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills…”
- Core limit: Even the Prophet ﷺ could not guide those he loved most - Love, logic, and effort are not enough
- Da'wah principle: You are responsible for delivery, not conversion.
- This protects the dāʿī from: (1) Guilt, (2( Manipulation, (3) Despair, and even (4) Pride
- Transformation: Change must come from within
- From Surah ar-Raʿd (13:11) “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.”
- Core transformation law: (1) Guidance is not imposed, (2) Hearts must open voluntarily, and (3) Inner moral change precedes outer reform.
- Daʿwah principle: Daʿwah invites — it cannot substitute inner repentance and sincerity.
- Verses 40:28-45
- Dimension: What you cannot control
- What it teaches: Wisdom, logic, compassion, courage
- Verse 28:56
- Dimension: How to call
- What it teaches: Hearts & guidance belong to Allah
- Verse 13:11
- Dimension; What must happen in them
- What it Teaches: Inner moral transformation
- In family Daʿwah: Da'wah begins at home. It should be every endeavour of the elders to build faith among the children by speaking with love(40), accepting Allah's decree (28:56), and Focus on hearts, not arguments (13:11)
- In public Daʿwah: However, when in public the mode changes to Speaking truth with courage (40), not chasing validation (28:56) and calling for personal reform (13:11)
- In political or social Daʿwah: Address conscience and justice (40), don’t idolize leaders or systems (28:56), and Emphasize ethical revival (13:11)
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
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