Challenges of Dawah: Navigating the Path of the Prophets

Dawah, or the act of calling people to Allah, is a noble cause that was carried out by the most honorable people on earth: the messengers of Allah. Bestowing His Mercy on His creation and helping them fulfill their responsibility as trustees on earth, Allah sent humanity guidance and appointed some of them to help others embrace it. This mission is not merely a historical footnote but a living obligation for the modern believer. Even though this noble cause was primarily the job of Allah’s messengers, the rest of the Ummah is also obligated to perform it, especially after the death of the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). As the Quran states, “Say, ‘This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me'” (Yusuf 12:108).

While this responsibility comes with great honor and immense reward, it also poses significant challenges of Dawah. Those who follow in the footsteps of the messengers will inevitably face similar trials. Therefore, Allah prescribed for His messengers and their followers the necessary tools to effectively fulfill this responsibility. In addition to direct Divine support, the Da`iyah (caller) must acquire knowledge and demonstrate exceptional personal and interpersonal qualities. At the pinnacle of these qualities sits Sabr—a comprehensive term that serves as the keyword solution to the challenges of calling others to the truth.

Sabr: The Solution to Dawah Obstacles

The Arabic word Sabr, often translated simply as patience, is far more expansive than its English equivalent. In classical Arabic dictionaries, the term encompasses two vital pillars:

• Patience: The ability to tolerate pain, suffering, delay, or trouble without becoming angry or losing hope.
• Perseverance: The quality of remaining resolute and steadfast in one’s actions despite ongoing hardship.

For the Da’iyah, Sabr is the anchor that prevents the heart from drifting when the waves of opposition grow strong. Without this dual-faceted strength, the mission of Dawah would be abandoned at the first sign of difficulty.

Three Categories of Challenges of Dawah

To understand why Sabr is the essential keyword solution, we must categorize the hurdles inherent in the cause of Da`wah. These obstacles are not random; they are part of the divine test of sincerity.

In this discussion, we will focus on the most critical yet often overlooked category: the challenges within the soul of the caller.

Personal Challenges: The Battle Within

This type of challenge is the most important and should take the highest priority in the Da’iyah’s life. Since the primary focus of Dawah is helping others, the caller often forgets to audit their own heart. It is a fundamental truth that the Da`iyah is a human facing the same spiritual ailments as everyone else. When Moses (peace be upon him) was commanded to face Pharaoh, his first response was a prayer for internal strength: “My Lord, expand for me my breast” (Taha 20:25). He knew that his own soul would be the first and most difficult frontier to conquer.

1. Overcoming Laziness, Boredom, and Despair

Calling people to Allah is a lifelong endeavor; people do not transform overnight. Because results are often delayed or entirely invisible, the human soul is prone to laziness and boredom. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reminded us that on the Day of Judgment, some Prophets will appear with only one or two followers, and some with none at all. This lack of apparent success can lead to a sense of despair if the Da`iyah is not grounded in Sabr.

The story of Noah (peace be upon him), who called his people for 950 years with very little response, serves as a vital lesson. The Quran uses these narratives to prepare the Da`iyah’s heart, teaching them not to hasten in expecting results. In this context, “be patient” is not just a suggestion; it is a strategic requirement for long-term survival in the field of calling to Allah.

2. The Gap in Knowledge and Skills

At its core, Dawah is the art of dealing with the complexities of the human soul to bring about positive change. Presenting the message of Allah in a way that is relevant and understandable is a highly challenging task. This requires a continuous, lifelong process of learning and skill development. Whether it is learning the nuances of Islamic jurisprudence or mastering the interpersonal skills of effective communication, the process demands immense patience. The Da’iyah must be a perpetual student, understanding that the lack of knowledge is an internal hurdle that can only be cleared with dedicated effort and time.

3. Facing the Challenges of Teamwork and Organization

Dawah is rarely a solitary effort; it thrives when performed in organized teams. As the Quran instructs, “And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good” (Aal Imran 3:104). However, teamwork brings its own set of internal challenges. Personalities may clash, and opinions may differ on the best methodology.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent his companions to teach Islam, he gave them a specific keyword solution for teamwork: “Be flexible with one another and do not get into conflict.” This flexibility requires a high level of Sabr. Many noble efforts in the history of Da`wah have failed not because of external enemies, but because of an inability to organize, build, and maintain effective, patient teams.

4. Managing Personal Conflict and Discipline

Finally, the Da’iyah must navigate the personal conflicts that arise when a message is rejected. It is difficult to remain loving and compassionate toward people who ridicule or mistreat you. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) faced extreme rejection from his own kin, yet he maintained his discipline. It takes a great deal of self-governance to continue calling someone to their own salvation when they have caused you personal harm. This requires the Da’iyah to separate their personal ego from the divine mission, using Sabr to remain objective and merciful even in the heat of conflict.

Conclusion: Sabr as the Path to Victory

In conclusion, the path of Dawah is as difficult as it is honorable. By identifying the personal challenges of Dawah—laziness, lack of knowledge, and organizational conflict—the caller can begin to apply the keyword solution of Sabr. It is the fuel for the long journey and the shield against the internal whispers of defeat. As we have seen, the first battle of the Da’iyah is not with the world, but with themselves. By mastering the self through patience and perseverance, the caller becomes a more effective vessel for the guidance of Allah.

By Dr. Wael Hamza