others are obstinate and they need preaching, guiding, and a reminder of the verses that deter evil acts
and encourage good ones and the Hadiths that also deter, encourage, and warn. Some people may have doubts regarding any matter; in this case, they need to be argued with in a way that is better to dispel their doubts and clarify the truth. Allah (Exalted be He) says,
and argue with them in a way that is better.
If some people have doubts regarding any matter, the Da`iyah should clarify the matter and dispel their doubts using clear evidences. The Da`iyah should do this in a way that is better; as violence and severity may remove any benefit and lead to the hardness of their hearts, wrongheadedness and stubbornness. Instead of violence and severity, leniency and arguing in a better way should be adopted to convey the truth and not to miss the opportunity and benefits as long as those whom you call to Allah (Exalted be He) are seeking the truth from you and do not act wrongly or aggressively. But, if they adopt injustice and aggression, another way should be sought; as Allah (Exalted be He) says,
And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong
If the People of the Book are to be argued with in a way that is better, the Muslims are worthier to be argued with in the same way. But, if some of them act wrongly or oppressively, another way should be adopted such as rebuke, reprimand, discipline, or imprisonment.
There are many honorable verses that denote the merits of Da`wah and encourage people to participate in it. For example,
And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh's (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."
clarifies that no person is better in speech than the one who calls others to Allah, and urges Muslims to adopt Da`wah. If there is no person better in speech than the one who calls to Allah, the Muslims who have sound religious knowledge should hasten to seek this great status i.e. the status of the Messengers (may peace be upon them all) who called people to Allah and guided them to the truth. The messengers (may peace be upon them all) are the best persons in speech [and all matters], the leaders of Da`wah and guidance and the perfect example; hence, they deserve to be included in the people referred to in this verse more than any others. The honorable verse that reads
And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh's (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."
shows us that the Da`iyah should be pious; as he calls others to Allah by his tongue and his righteous deeds. Accordingly, Allah (Exalted be He) says, and does righteous deeds Thus, Da`wah should be through good words and righteous deeds to give a good example to all people.
All the messengers (may peace be upon them all) called people to Allah (Exalted be He) through their good words, deeds and behavior. Many people, especially the laypeople and the unlettered persons, may respond when they see good behavior or righteous deeds, but not so when they hear the words, which they may not understand. Accordingly, the Da`iyah should have a good reputation and should abide by righteous deeds and good morals in order that people may be guided by his deeds, words
and behavior. As for Allah's saying (Exalted be He), and says: "I am one of the Muslims." it means that the Da`iyah should declare his religion and clarify that he adopts the ultimate method and the right [path]. He boasts about this, showing his happiness, and delight with no atom of hypocrisy or showing off. He declares that he adopts the straight path and he is a Muslim, not of the Jews, Christians, or idolaters. He declares that he is a true Muslim and calls others to Allah, Islam, and the truth using knowledge. He declares this with great pleasure, joy, and firm belief to make those whom he calls know that he adopts a clear way and a true method. He shows that he calls to Islam while he is one of its people who adhere to it. Many Du`ah may call people to do something while they do not perform it because they receive money, make showoff, or for other reasons. The true Da`iyah is the one who calls others to Islam, because it is his religion, the truth that cannot be changed, the way to salvation and dignity, and Allah's Message that He (Exalted be He) chose, accepted, and became satisfied with.
This honorable verse urges Muslims to practice Da`wah and shows the high status of the Du`ah who are the best people in word when they are sincere and do righteous deeds. They are the best of people and their Imams are the Messengers (Peace and Blessings be upon them) and then their Companions who follow them with sure knowledge until the Day of Judgment.