Q 9: Many people wrote about the role of the Masjid (mosque) and Minbar (pulpit) in Islam. There are people who say that some people have deviated the role of the Minbar, while others say that they are prevented from making use of the beloved and purest place on the earth; namely the Masjid. They can not sit, study, or learn inside it. Other people may say that Minbars are used for other goals than that of Da`wah (call to Islam). They are used to invite people to a political party, a ceremony, and so on.
A: Undoubtedly, the Masjid and Minbar are two long-serving tools used for instructing the Muslim community in particular and people in general and conveying the Message of Allah (may He be Praised). Allah (Exalted be He) sent the Messengers (peace be upon them) to convey His Message and teach people His Shari`ah. From 'Adam (peace be upon him) and then Noah, they preached the mission in Masjids and Minbars whether the Minbar is inside the Masjid or outside, built or made of wood. A camel, horse, or any other animal or raised place may be used as a Minbar to convey Allah's Message. In conclusion, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has ordained His slaves to convey His Message and teach people what His Messengers brought by any possible means. The Masjid and the Minbar are the most important means that can be used for conveying this Message and spreading Da`wah, as the Masjid is the place where Muslims gather for many events, such as the Jumu`ah (Friday) Prayer. All scholars and preachers have to care about and restore Da`wah, the greatest message, and to help people comprehend the religion.
Along with the Masjid, other means such as radio, television, press, and speeches can be offered in gatherings and ceremonies, as well as writing and any other means can be used to convey religious and worldly obligations to people. They have to convey Allah's Message and Shari`ah. The followers of the prophets and their successors including the people of knowledge and faith must convey Allah's Message and Shari`ah so that the evidence is established and every one, young or old, male or female, or follower or deviant, can comprehend the religion and be inexcusable. It is impermissible for rulers and authorities to prevent any scholar from using a Minbar to teach people unless it is proven that he is not qualified for this task or calls to falsehood. Qualified persons who call to the truth and guidance must be encouraged, supported and provided with the facilities that can be used for conveying Allah's commands and Shari`ah.
Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression.
By Al-'Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al- M a' ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh's Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd).
Religion is based on advising one another. Upon this we said: For whom? He replied: For Allah, His Book, His Messenger and for the Muslims, leaders and subjects. (Related by Muslim)
When he (peace be upon him) sent `Ali to Khaybar to call the Jews to Islam and fight them in case of rejecting the call, he said Invite them to Islam and inform them what is obligatory for them from the rights of Allah, for, by Allah, if Allah guides aright even one man through you that is better for you than to possess the most valuable camels. (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim)from Sahl Ibn Sa`d Al-Ansary (may Allah be pleased with him).
One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer.
helps his brother. (related by Imam Muslim in his Sahih from Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him).
I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to grant us, all Muslim brothers and sisters, scholars in particular and knowledge seekers in general success and guidance to the truth, for He is the Most Generous. Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!