each according to his ability; as Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope.
The honorable Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) continued to perform Jihad and Da`wah perfectly before and after the death of our great Prophet (peace be upon him). Abu Musa, Mu`adh and `Ali were sent to Yemen during the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to call people to Allah and guide them. Then, Mu`adh returned during the time of Abu Bakr AlSiddiq, while `Aly and Abu Musa returned at the time of the Farewell Pilgrimage. Their successors followed in their footsteps and did their best to spread Islam.
The Companions who went to Iraq and AlSham called people to Allah (Exalted be He) and spread Islam there. After the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), they performed Da`wah, Jihad and educated the people in AlSham, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt and many other countries in East and North Africa. Thus, Islam spread in many countries in the four corners of the world.
Nowadays, Jihad has dwindled, as Muslims have become divided and have opened the way for their enemies to have the upper hand in many places. Muslims, except for those whom Allah has guided, have become interested in gaining high positions and satisfying their needs and interests. But, there is no might or power except with Allah.
In these times, Da`wah and guiding people should be adopted and should not be forsaken. Islam spread through Da`wah in many places in Africa, Europe, America, Japan, Korea and many other countries in Asia. The Muslim traders who traveled to many places and dealt with the people of these countries and the Du`ah who taught the people in their countries left no stone unturned to spread Islam there.
Hence, those whom Allah (Exalted be He) grants religious knowledge should realize that Da`wah is one of the greatest tasks; as Jihad is absent today in many places and the people are in dire need to learn their religion in the light of the EverGlorious Qur'an and Sunnah. Thus, those who have religious knowledge, wherever they are, are obliged to call people to Allah and to convey His Message patiently. Their Da`wah should stem from the EverGlorious Qur'an and Sunnah following the steps of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the honorable Companions, and the righteous predecessors (may Allah be pleased with them all).
They should call the people to monotheism and work towards clearing their hearts from polytheism, myths, and innovations [in religion], as people are afflicted by these matters, except for those whom Allah has shown His Mercy. The Du`ah should take an interest in purifying the creed from the polytheism and corruption that have befallen it. Also, they should work towards spreading Islam and its rulings and morals, as well as instructing people about the Qur'an and Sunnah. Actually, the EverGlorious Qur'an is the main source in calling people to perform the good while Sunnah explains and clarifies it. In addition, Muslims should follow the Prophet's (peace be upon him) example in his word and deed.
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, And Verily, you (O Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﷲ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭﺳﻠﻢ) are on an exalted (standard of) character. `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "His character was the Qur'an."
Hence, the Du`ah should take an interest in the EverGlorious Qur'an by reciting it to the people and guiding them to study and act upon its teachings. Similarly, they should clarify the Sunnah and urge them to adhere to it. In addition, they should teach them the Sirah (biography) of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the biography of his honorable Companions in order to follow their example and to be guided by their guidance. The best way to spread Islam and purify people's hearts of polytheism, myths and innovations [in religion] is to call them to Allah with wisdom,
fair preaching, and discussing [with them] in a good way, in the light of the honorable Qur'anic verses and Hadith, and the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as adopted by his Companions and those who followed them.
Finally, may Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) guide us all to work for His Pleasure and guide us to His Right Path! May He grant us and all Muslims success in following, adhering to, and calling to the way of our Prophet (peace be upon him) and his honorable Companions! I supplicate to Him to rectify, guide and grant success to the rulers of the Muslims, and to bring them and their people together following the way of truth and guidance. May Allah employ them all to perform Jihad to support the truth and crush falsehood to be among the true callers to Allah! Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is Generous and Gracious. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet of Allah, his family, and his Companions.