Essential Communication Skills

Essentials of Effective
Communication
Australian Islamic Library www.australianislamiclibrary.org
from Islamic Perspective
Muhammad Nabeel Musharraf
Essential Communication Skills for All Muslims
Australian Islamic Library

1
www.australianislamiclibrary.org
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah R.A. says...

If we study the khutbahs of the Prophet sallallahu alehi
wasallam and his companions, we find them embued with
perspicuous guidance, tawhid, attributes of Allah, explaining the
basic articles of the faith, inviting people to Allah, and drawing
their attention to His providential care that makes Him so
beloved to His slaves. His khutbahs referred to Allahs dealings
with others in the past so as to wam his listeners against His
wrath and exhort them to remember Him, thank Him and win
His pleasure and love. Those who heard these khutbahs were
inspired with the love of Allah and they looked forward eagerly
to meeting their Lord. As time went by, the example of the
Prophet was forgotten and other things prevailed. The main
purpose of the khutbah was forgotten. The eloquent and nice
words that moved the hearts became rare in speeches. The main
thrust of the khutbah was neglected. The hearts were no longer
touched and the basic purpose of the khutbah was lost.
Introduction:
In order to emphasis the relevance and importance of our topic for
this book, we will first highlight a few jewels from Quran and
Sunnah.
Allah commands us in Quran about conveying the noble message of
Islam in a beautiful manner:
"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and
fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.
Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His
Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided."
(Quran, an-Nahl: 125)
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has said:
"Convey from me, even one verse." (Bukhari).
Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of
scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim,
according to his or her ability.
Calling people to Allah also means completing our own worship, the
reason for which we are created. It is one of the noblest acts that
"And who is better in speech than he who (says: 'My Lord is
Allah (believes in His Oneness),' and then stands straight (acts
upon His Order), and) invites (men) to Allah (Islamic
Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of
the Muslims.'" (Quran, Fussilat: 33)
So, conveying the message of Islam, and doing so with good
instruction, and arguing in a way that is best, is an obligation upon all
of us. In order fulfill, this responsibility, we have to understand

effective methods of communication and giving Dawah.
In order to master this skill, we have to focus on 3 aspects:
A. Having right knowledge to deliver the beautiful message of Islam
B. Understanding and implementing methodologies and guidelines
pertaining to effective communication techniques (body language,
structure of communication, content organization, flow, logical
reasoning etc.)
C. Eloquence of language and language skills
Communication Skills
Effective
Communication
Language
Skills
Subject
Knowledge
Australian Islamic Library is trying to focus on these 3 aspects

through various means. Our large collection of books on various
aspects related to Islam helps development of right knowledge background and base. It is an on-going process and no-one is expected to
master all this or become a scholar before he or she can start
conveying the message.
With regards to correct method of giving Dawah, Australian Islamic
Library has a comprehensive set of online training course (book form
and audio/ video lectures). In addition to that, this book is aimed at
strengthening the core competencies in the area of effective public
speaking and communication techniques.
Matters related to eloquence and language skills are covered in our

bookshelf on learning arabic language.
We hope our readers would find this book useful and pray for our
guidance and guidance of all humanity.
May Allah keep us steadfast on the straight path - the path followed
by those who He loved and not those who disobeyed.
Australian Islamic Library

January, 2015
Famous Mohadith, Imam An-Nawawi

says:
It is preferred for the khutbah to be in an
eloquent and proper Arabic, and it should
be an organized speech that the people can
understand. It should not be a speech,
which is over the heads of the people, nor
should it be shallow or contain foul
language as that would defeat its purpose.
Its words should be chosen carefully to
make them attractive and meaningful.
Symbols and Abbreviations

R.A.: radhi Allahu anhu/anha/hum, meaning: may Allah be pleased
with him/her/them.
S.A.W.S.: sallallahu alayhi wa sallaam, meaning: may the peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him. This is an invocation of blessing that
should be said upon mentioning or hearing the name of the Prophet
Muhammad. At times abbreviated as (pbuh), (s.a.w.s..) or (saaws). It
is in fact a supplication that Allah mention Muhammad to the high
angels and that the angels in turn praise Muhammad before Allahs.
This is a form of praise and blessing to Muhammad and a request that
he suffers no harm and is given a sanctified station in the Hereafter. It
also makes the one who mentions it worthy of praise and reward. It is
allowed to mention it for other prophets and messengers of Allah.
PBUH: Peace be Upon him (Salutations on Prophet Muhammad) and
used interchangeably with S.A.W.S.
S.W.T.: Subhaanahu wa taalaa - May He be Glorified and Exalted.
It is one of the many ways of glorifying Allah the Almighty. It also
means Glory be to Allah on High. Far removed is He from any
imperfection". The shortened form of this glorification is Allah
Taala". This is an epitaph attached to the name Allah. The first part
signifies recognition that Allah is free of any defects or shortcomings
and is to be glorified and praised. The second word is actually a verb
that signifies that Allah is high above His creation in every aspect.
Notes:
1. In most cases, we make use of the word Allah instead of God. Allah
(S.W.T.) is an Arabic term, which connotes the One and Only True
God. Allah is not only the God of the Muslims. Allah is the Rabb of
the Worlds (39:75 and 15:21). He is the universal God of all mankind.
Most Muslims prefer to use the term Allah instead of God. The term
Allah has no plural word unlike the term God. It signifies absolute
2. We retain the original Arabic word Rabb instead of the word
Oneness of God.
Lord to mean the Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer, because
the word Lord has human connotations. Christians not only use
the term Lord to refer to Jesus Christ but also to other human
beings. We will therefore try to avoid to the best of our abilities to
keep Creator separate from Creations.
It was narrated
that
Hudhaifah
R.A.said:
Australian Islamic
Library
www.australianislamiclibrary.org
"I heard the Messenger of Allah say: 'Do
not acquire knowledge in order to show
off before the scholars, or to argue with
the foolish, or to attract people's
attention, for whoever does that will be
in Hell.'"
Sahih Al Bukhari
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Expectations and a note on purification of Intentions:

Your ability to excel in this field of competence depends on your
interest and commitment to learn for the sole pleasure of Allah, the
All-Knowing, Who bestows knowledge and wisdom to whom He
likes. Allah the Exalted says:
He (Allah) grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to

whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit
overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of
understanding. (Quran Baqarah 2: 269)
If I go really plain and simple, I have three expectations, rather

requests, from readers:
A. I want my readers to understand the importance of attaining
competence in public speaking and effective communication and its
role in introducing Islam to humanity who are unaware of its beauty
and who have been presented with a false message of Islam through
biased media and those among us who misrepresent Islam.
B. All readers are requested to purify their intentions and learn
effective communication and public speaking skills purely for the
pleasure of Allah S.W.T. and not for any worldly benefits.
C. I have tried to present all essential concepts in a manner that
makes things really simple to understand and follow. I expect readers
to practice these skills, discuss with friends and make them their
second habit.
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...So worship Allah (alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely

for Allahs sake only, (and not to show-off and not to set up
rivals with Him in worship). Surely, the religion (i.e. the
worship and the obedience) is for Allah only.... (Quran, AzZumar 39:2-3)
Say: Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and
my death are (all) for Allah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)
of the Worlds. (Quran 6:162)
The above Quranic injunction implies that we must develop Ikhlas

(Sincerity) to Allah. This means to do good deeds purely for the
pleasure of Allah and not out of self-conceit to seek appreciation or
praise from people. Allah (S.W.T.) has clearly commanded us to
worship Him with sincerity as shown in the following Quranic
injunctions:
Say, Verily, I am commanded to serve Allah with sincere

devotion. (Quran 39:14)
Call then upon Allah with sincere devotion to Him even
though the Unbelievers may detest it. (Quran 40:14)
In line with the above commandments, Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam (May the peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him) taught us to be sincere to Allah in the performance of our
deeds. In this way, we attain Allahs rewards. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
made it clear that every deed is rewarded according to our intention:
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Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r.a.) (Radhi Allahu anhu, meaning: May

Allah be pleased with him) said, I heard Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) saying, The reward of deeds depends upon the
intentions and every person will get the reward according to
what he has intended. (Bukhari 1/1 and Muslim 3/ 4692)
The following authentic ahadeeth (plural of hadeeth) should serve as

admonitions for those who do not purify their intention, solely for
Allahs sake:
Jundub (r.a.) radhi Allah hu anhu (May Allah be pleased with
him narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, He who let the
people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise,
Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of
Resurrection). And he who does good things in public to show
off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real
intention (and humiliate him). (Bukhari 8/506)
Kab ibn Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, He who acquires knowledge in order to fall into
polemics with other scholars and prove his superiority over
them, or to dispute with the ignorant or to attract the inteion of
the people, Allah will throw him in the Fire. (Tirmidhi 225
and Ibn Majah narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar)
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Therefore, in order to attain success, make the intention in your heart

to dedicate your time and efforts in learning these skills to Allah
alone, the Almighty. By doing so, the time you would be spending
on reading this book and practicing these skills will inshaAllah
become a source of good deeds for you. Seek Allahs help and
guidance by including in your daily prayers, especially in the last
sujod (prostration) the following duaas
...Rabbi zidniy ilmaa.
...O my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)! Increase me in
knowledge. (Quran, Ta-Ha 20:114)
Rabbi habliy hukman, walhiqniy bissaalihiyn, waj-aliy lisana
ssidqin fiyl akhirin, waj-alni miw warathati jannatin naim.
O my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)! Bestow wisdom on me,
and join me with the righteous; grant me honorable mention on
the tongue of truth among the latest (generations); and make
me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss. (Quran, AshShuaraa 26:83-85)
After reading, understanding and analyzing all the contents of this

book, you are expected to achieve at least 75% the following desirable
objectives (linked to three key expectations explained earlier in this
chapter):
1. To read various principles, guidelines and techniques on Public
Speaking, especially from the Islamic perspective;
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2. To quote various Quranic ayaat (verses) and authentic ahadeeth on

public speaking and implement them in your actions
3. To remember the need to purify ones intention, to dedicate public
speaking for the sole pleasure of Allah the Almighty;
4.To identify ways of improving self-confidence in Public Speaking
and be able to make use of them during the public speaking sessions
(as required in this book) and after whenever given the opportunity
to speak in the public;
5. To apply the principles and techniques learned from this book in
doing Dawah according to the Quran and Sunnah; and
6. To invite others to learn and practice Islam according to the Quran
and the Sunnah.
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Book Organization:
Considering the needs of our readers, this book is divided in
following sections:
Resource
Preparation
Audience
Profiling
Speaker
Competencies
and Charectar
Public
Speaking
Basics (Islamic
Perspective)
Effective
Delivery
Effective
Public
Speaking
Handling
Difficult
Situations
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Public Speaking from

Islamic Point of View
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An Introduction to Public Speaking from Islamic Point of View

Praise be to Allah (S.W.T.) from Whom we ask help and pardon, and
in Whom we take refuge from the evils within ourselves. Verily,
whoever Allah guides has no one who can lead him astray, and he
whom He leads astray has no one to guide him. We testify that there
is no god but Allah, and we testify that Muhammad S.A.W.S is His
servant and Messenger.
From the Islamic viewpoint, effective public speaking is the art and
process of conveying the message of Islam (to others) with certain
knowledge, wisdom and beautiful preaching for the pleasure of Allah
(S.W.T.) subhanahu wa taala (the Exalted).
Allah, the Almighty, says:
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): if
you do turn back, know you that it is Our Messengers duty to
convey (the Message) in the clearest manner. (Quran 5:92)
Say (O Muhammad): This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah

with a certain knowledge. And whoever follows me (must
also invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure
knowledge). Glory to Allah! And I am not of the polytheists.
(Quran 12: 108)
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Invite (all) to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and

beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are
best and most gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have
strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (Quran
16:125)
Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah,

works righteousness, and says, Ì am of those who bow in
Islam? (Quran 41:33)
From the above divine injunctions, we derive the following criteria of

effective public speaking:
First, public speaking must be that what pleases Allah the

Almighty (i.e., according to the Quran and the blessed Sunnah of
Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)
Second, it must be done sincerely for the sole pleasure of Allah
(S.W.T.)
Third, it is should be objective and focused on conveying the noble
message of Islam by inviting people to Islam or calling them to
Quran and Sunnah
Fourth, it should be backed up with knowledge, wisdom and
beautiful preaching
Fifth, the public speaker must be a righteous believer
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Note that public speaking which does not meet the above criteria is
not considered effective from the Islamic point of view. In order to
make it effective, we should strive to train ourselves up to this given
criteria. No matter how eloquent a speaker is, no matter how
interesting his speech is and no matter how much applause is shown
towards it, the speech is considered useless and may fall under the
category of Lahv (inappropriate, if it can cause any negligence
among the receivers of communication). If the speaker learns
excellence of speech just to gain fame and popularity instead of
Allahs pleasure and if he or she speaks nothing but forged speech
instead of the Quran and the authentic Ahadith, the speaker gains
nothing for the life Hereafter.
Allah (S.W.T.) says:

There is the type of man whose speech about this worlds life
may dazzle you and he calls Allah to witness about what is in
his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies. When he
turns his back his aim everywhere is to spread mischief
through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loves
not mischief. When it is said to him Fear Allah he is led by
arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell; an evil bed
indeed (to lie on)! (Quran 2: 204-206)
In line with the above verse, our Messenger (s.a.w.s.) made it very
clear that learning the art of speaking just to get the attention and
praise of the public is a sin. The same holds true in talking forged
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and/or evil speeches in the public. Let us take admonitions in the

following Ahadith:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) (radhi Allahu anhu, meaning: May Allah be
pleased with him.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: On
the Day of resurrection Allah will not accept repentance or
ransom from him who learns excellence of speech to captivate
thereby the hearts of men, or of people. (Abu Dawud 4988)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,

Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions,
Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah
will not accept his fasting.) (Bukhari 3/127)
Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Who

believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or
keep quiet. (i.e., abstain from dirty and evil talk, and should
think before uttering). (Bukhari 8/157)
Authentic knowledge of Islam and effective public speaking go hand

in hand as far as communicating for Islam is concerned. For Islamic
preacher, it is also important to practice what we are preaching. Allah
(S.W.T.) says:
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Do you enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to

practice it) yourselves, and yet you study the scripture? Will
you not understand? (Quran 2: 44)
O you who believe! Why say you that which you do not?
Grievously hateful is it in the sight of Allah that you say that
which you do not. (Quran 61: 2-3)
In our Prophet S.A.W.Ss life, there are best examples for all aspects of
our lives including public speaking and calling people to Islam.
Following the blessed guidance from our Prophet (s.a.w.s.), we can
please Allah (S.W.T.) and earn His ultimate reward.
Say: If you do love Allah follow me: Allah will love you and
forgive you your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most
Merciful." (Quran 3:31)
Prophet S.A.W.Ss mission was to convey the noble Message of Islam

to all mankind. And as there are no more prophets to come, this
responsibility now lies with Muslim ummah.
Say (O Muhammad): This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah

with a certain knowledge. And whoever follows me (must also
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invite others to Allah, Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge).

Glory to Allah! And I am not of the polytheists. (12: 108)
Ability to do so effectively can be hugely benefited from effective
communication and public speaking skills and thats exactly the
reason why we wrote this book and it is in your hands.
You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin
what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah...
(Quran 3:110)
The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another.

They enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil. They observe
regular prayers, pay zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger.
On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in
Truly, Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous
deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow. They shall be
adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their
garments there will be of silk. For they have been guided (in
this life) to the purest of speeches; they have been guided to
the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all) Praise. (22:23-24)
But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall

soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, to
dwell therein forever. Allahs promise is the truth, and whose
word can be truer than Allahs? (Quran 4:122)
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Where can you use these principles

Focusing on Islamic Perspective of communication mentioned above,
following are some of the situations where we can put these skills to
use in order to engage in effective community activities and for
Dawah purposes.
During Dawah activites and while calling people to Islam

Giving Khutbah and public lectures
Conducting Halaqas and group discussions
Techer-student relationship (These principles are no just applicable
for teachers but also for students when they are communicating with
their teachers and peers etc.)
Community service activities and social work
Debates and Dialogues
Personal Relationships
Parenting
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Speakers
Competencies and
Character
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As a public speaker, you will come across a diverse range of

situations and behaviors. In these very different situations, you need
to have some in-built qualities and characteristic that can make
people listen to you and be receptive to the beautiful message of
Islam you are delivering. No matter the size of the audience,
engaging speakers share following traits as a common denominator,
and we can all learn from them, whether we are on a Masjid staff,
MSA or Imam in your locality.
1. Pure Intentions:
As a Khateeb or a muslim speaker, you need to get your intentions
right. Your speech, your communication and everything you do
should be for Allah alone.
Say, "Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my
dying are for Allah , Lord of the worlds. (Quran 6:162)
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r.a.) said: I heard Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) saying, The reward of deeds depends upon the
intentions and every person will get the reward according to
what he has intended. (Bukhari 1/1 and Muslim 3/ 4692)
No speech is complete if it does not mention the name of our Lord.
Our intention is to seek His pleasure alone.
Abdullah ibn Umar (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, Do not speak much without mentioning Allah,
for much talk without mention of Allah produces hardness of
heart, and the one who is farthest from Allah is he who has a
hard heart. (Tirmidhi 2274)
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Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

as saying that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, says: Ì am near
to the thought of My servant as he thinks about Me, and I am
with him as he remembers Me. And if he remembers Me in
his heart, I also remember him in My Heart. And if he
remembers Me in assembly I remember him in assembly,
better than his (remembrance). And if he draws near Me by
the span of a palm, I draw near him by the cubit, and if he
draws near Me by the cubit I draw near him by the space
(covered by) two hands. And if he walks towards Me, I rush
towards him. (Muslim 4/ 6471)
2. Know your audience.

Great communicators know exactly who will be sitting in the crowd
and will tailor their message to that audience. This may need
preliminary research and audience profiling. We have a chapter
dedicated to this very skill.
Make sure you know who will be in the room and where they come
from. Speak with appropriate level of energy, passion, tone, and
language for your audience. Pay attention to the signs of an engaged
audience. Look for eye contact, heads nodding in agreement, and
other indicators of an actively listening audience.
Some of the above mentioned aspects to note the audience behaviors
and tone your style according to it are covered in our chapter on body
language.
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If we look at Seerah and Quranic revelations in Makkah, where

majority was of Pagans, we find the speech focused on Oneness of
Allah and very few of the other commandments were revealed.
Whereas in Madinah, there was a population of Jews and Christians
which were given reference from their own books and reminded of
the message brought down by their respective prophets. When
Muslims were in majority and they were willing and eager to accept
the commandments of Allah, He sent down His commandments.
3. Know what you are talking about
One of the most important ingredients of an effective speech or
conversation is grip on subject. Our strength is Quran and Sunnah. A
muslim speaker should make an effort to increase his or her
knowledge with whatever efforts he or she can make.
However, as mentioned earlier, it is not a requirement that it can only
be scholars who can talk about Islam. Yes, you cannot issue fatwas,
but Islam should definitely be our topic of discussion.
In order to increase ones knowledge about Islam, there are two key
resources - Books and Authentic Teachers. With regards to books,
Australian Islamic Library (www.australianislamiclibrary.org)
presents a huge collection of Islamic books in various international
languages. Concerning teachers, it is our responsibility to get attached
to authentic scholars and enhance our knowledge of islam and
increase our iman. Verily, it is the company of righteous companions
that helps us acquire the sweetness of belief and remind us of our
responsibilities as Muslims. It is more so in Western Countries where
we have to make a deliberate struggle to get the right religious inputs
and protect ourselves from fitnas spread all around. Those who fail
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to find themselves right inputs, easily fall prey to disbelief, adultry,

drugs and all sorts of evil deeds.
Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be
upon him, said, A man is upon the religion of his best friend,
so let one of you look at whom he befriends. (Sunan Abu
Dawud 4833)
There are a lot of easily accessible online options available to enhance
our knowledge through books and authentic teachers. One of such
useful resources is FREE islamic education from Islamic Online
University (islamiconolineuniversity.com). It is an excellent
institution run by Dr. Bilal Phillips and offers free diploma program
in Islamic studies covering all important basic aspects fo faith and
dawah including arabic languages skills, tafsir, hadith, usool, fiqh
and others.
Sharpening the Saw:
Most of us would have heard this term but there are very few who
know its real meaning and importance. Let us ponder on this a little.
Consider an example of a woodcutter who is sawing for several days
straight and is becoming less and less productive. The process of
cutting dulls the blade. So the solution is to periodically sharpen the
saw. Failing to do that would mean that the saw wouldnt fulfill the
purpose it is meant to. Same way as saw needs to be sharpen, we
need sharpening our skills and thought too. If we dont do so, we will
not be able to serve our intended purpose i.e. communicating the
deen of Allah to humanity.
Here we need to understand two important aspects.
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1) If youre overworking yourself and your productivity begins to fall

off, common wisdom says to take a break. However, that isnt
sharpening the saw thats putting the saw down. When you put
down a dull blade for a while, the blade will still be dull when you
pick it up again. We are therefore required to consistent in our work
and take appropriate loads. It should be kept in mind that overcommitting or under-committing and undermine our team effort or
our own selves. Balance is the key.
2) Now the woodcutter cant just alternate between cutting wood and
sharpening the saw indefinitely. Downtime is needed too, but it isnt
the same as sharpening the saw. The woodcutter can become even
more productive by sharpening the blade, studying new woodcutting
techniques, working out to become stronger, and learning from other
woodcutters. Over the decades and centuries, hardness of trees saws
are meant to cut may not be changing much. However, the amount of
change we see in our environments is extremely rapid. Therefore, in
order to keep us remain effective in such environments, we not only
need to sharpen our selves in what we are already doing but also
need to train our selves to take up new challenges and explore new
avenues for dawah and communicating the noble message. We have
to increase our productivity, vision and understanding of broader
context of environment we are working in.
Forgetting to intentionally sharpen the saw can lead to a feeling of
burnout. If you merely alternate between productive work and
downtime, your production capacity will drop off. Youre still
working hard, but you dont feel as productive as you think you
should be. When you sharpen yourself regularly, youll find that you
can flow along at a steady pace week after week without getting
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burnt out. In such situation, it is experienced that attending a

weekend seminar, reading an inspiring book, having an interesting
conversation, doing some social work or similar activity give a
greater and long lasting refreshing feeling. Its common to see people
return from an islamic conference or convention or Ijtema with a
notable spike in motivation that lasts for weeks. We need to explore
avenues to give us that right input and boost our energy levels and
motivation.
It should also be remembered that we do not only have 1 blade to
manage. We have many of them which need to be managed on
priority. How are your various blades doing? Your skills, your
knowledge, your mind, your physical body, your relationships, your
motivation, your commitment, your capacity, your emotions are all
of them still sharp? If not, which ones are dull, and what can you do
to sharpen them? We encourage all readers to take a pause and think.
Once you have thought through this, plan some actions you can take
to sharpen your saws.
4. Have a crystal clear focus.

What are you trying to get across to your audience? Before you even
write your sermon or speech, know the concise answer to this
question. If you dont know, then your audience wont either. To hit
your target, you have to know where youre aiming. Have a roadmap for where you are taking your audience. Clarity is the key to
articulating your points without complexity.
While selecting what to talk about, select a reasonably sized
discussion topic. Sometimes it happens that discussion gets so
31
diverged that concluding it is beyond possibility. In such a situation,

listeners are not able to retain the key point you are trying to make.
It is therefore emphasized for Halaqas and Khutbahs to select a verse
(or a few related verses) or a hadith (or a few related ahadith) for
discussion so that it can be appropriately understood and absorbed
by audience.
O you who believe! Be not like those who hurt Moses but
Allah cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered; and he
was honorable in Allahs sight. O you who believe! Fear Allah
and (always) say a word directed to the Right. That He may
make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your
sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has already
attained a great achievement (Paradise). (Quran 33:69-71)
5. Win the hearts of your audience.
All of the engaging Khateebs and speakers, win the hearts of their
audience members. They are authentic, transparent, and down to
earth. Remember that 90% of communication is nonverbal. People
more relaxed appear more confident and make their audiences more
comfortable. Engage your audience with humor and tell your stories,
but remember that clear content is the key.
If we look at Seerah, we come to know the type of attention
companions of the beloved Prophet S.A.W.S. used to have when He
was talking to them. It is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari that
They used to sit so cautiously as if birds are sitting on their
heads and if they moved the birds would fly away".
32
Our blessed Prophet S.A.W.S had the most eloquent speech as

mentioned in this hadith:
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, I
have been given the keys of eloquent speech and given victory
with awe (cast into the hearts of the enemy)... (Bukhari 9/127)
6. Evaluate yourself regularly.
Do you evaluate yourself and receive feedback from your Masjid
team on periodic basis? Are you focused on doing whatever you can
to improve your communication? Many speakers lose their audience
when they are thinking a lot while talking or talking in a tone and
voice that doesnt echo with the listeners, or talk about things that are
not very relevant. For example, it is sometimes seen that some
speakers use such terms and jargon that a normal person is not
aware of. He or she accordingly loses interest. Consider a situation
when you are giving Dawah. If you start to use those words which a
non-Muslim is not aware of, you are missing the whole point. To
overcome this, you need to analyze and judge your own style, speech
and communication methods. One option in this regard can be to
listen to your recorded speech or watch a recorded video to help
improve style and transitions. Be sure to remain open for constructive
criticism. Record your content, and pay attention to the things that
you can improve. Pay attention to facial expressions, repeated words,
and the filler words that you continually use out of habit. Once you
see yourself speaking, it is far easier to change ineffective behavior. It
would also be helpful to present to a smaller and more familiar group
first before taking it to external audience.
33
When I receive feedback from my colleagues on my way of

presentation, style and delivery I often come to know such insights
that I myself would never have considered or thought. It brings in
that element of continuous improvement.
7. Call people to action.
Tell your audience how they can respond. Challenge them with next
steps. It is no longer enough to simply educate an audience on a topic.
People are looking for more than just an education and inspiration.
They want to be moved to behave differently and called into action.
Give your audience tangible and obtainable next steps and goals.
If we look at Seerah, we find plenty of examples to emphasize this
point. Prophet S.A.W.S frequently use to question the audience to
trigger their thinking and used to give feedback on their response.
Similarly he emphasized engagement and response in his
conversations which is exactly what we should also follow if we want
to be effective in our speech.
8. Be prepared
What we speak can be perceived differently by different people based
on their beliefs, life experiences, thoughts and perceptions. If we do
not consider all these aspects in advance, we can end up in a situation
where our whole effort can be jeopardized by inability to answer
questions correctly or to handle difficult situations. We should not let
our nerves put us down. We should remain confident as what we are
doing is the best of works and what we are delivering is noblest of
messages.
34
Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah,

works righteousness, and says, I am of those who bow in Islam
(i.e. Muslims)? (Quran 41:33)
Speakers that are gifted in captivating the attention of a group are
always prepared and have rehearsed in advance.
One of the most important aspects related to being prepared is to
have your references ready. You should be able to quote your source
and prove your authenticity. Many speakers bring their evidences
and sources with them to nullify any doubts and questions on
authenticity. This needs to be managed based on group characteristic
and types of questions expected. We have a chapter dedicated to this
aspect to cover it in more detail.
Human being are psychologically more attentive to things that they
can imagine or relate to. That is the whole reason why stories and
movies have become so popular. As a speaker, you can get benefit
from this human behavior by presenting relevant events from Seerah,
previous nations, Islamic history and other authentic sources. If
presented in a coherent manner, this can truly be a warmth for our
sole and a revival for our hearts.
Prophet S.A.W.S emphasized the importance of effective planning
and deliberation as follows:
Abdullah Bin Sarjis (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
said, A good manner of conduct, deliberation and moderation
are a twenty-fourth part of prophecy. (Tirmidhi 5059)
Al Wazi bin Zari (r.a.) narrated that The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
said to him (al-Mundhir al-Ashajj): You have two
35
characteristics which Allah likes: gentleness and deliberation.

(Abu Dawud 5206)
This planning and preparation process has to be coupled with holistic

thinking and mature reflection.We have to let the words of Allah
(s.w.t) and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) strike the hearts and minds of the
audience. Proper content selection, effective explanation and
engaging presentation are some important requirements for all
speakers to consider in this regard.
9. Do not feel stressed in saying I dont know or if you make a

mistake
It is one of the most important point that all mulsim speakers need to
keep in mind. Our efforts are to spread the truth and we should not
communicate any incorrect information or something that is doubtful.
It is perfectly ok to say I dont know if you dont know a thing.
However, it should not be left there. You should take all measures to
ensure that you find out the correct answer to query of question and
feed it back to the audience.
Even most accomplished public speakers make mistakes at some
point. Just keep in mind that youll notice more than anyone in your
audience. The most important thing a speaker can do after making a
mistake is to keep going. Dont stop andunless the mistake was
truly earth shattering i.e. something against Quran and Sunnah or
something that can totally sabotage your messageDont tend to
apologize to the audience for a minor slip. Because to err is human,
36
a mistake can actually work for you, because it allows you to connect
with your audience.
If you do a mistake or if something gets slipped out of your tongue
that is incorrect, never try to defend. Say only what is the truth as it is
not a trait of a muslim to speak falsehood and tell lies.
Following are a few verses and ahadith emphasizing our
responsibility to speak only the truth:
And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and
supports) itsuch are the men who do right. They shall have
all that they wish for, with their Rabb. Such is the reward of
those who do good: so that Allah will remit from them (even)
the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according
to the best of what they have done. (Quran 39:33-35)
That Allah may reward the people of Truth for their Truth,
and punish the Hypocrites if He wills, or turn to them in
Mercy; for Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Quran
33:24)
Shall I inform you (o people) on whom it is that the evil ones

descend? They descend on every lying wicked person (into
whose ears) they pour hearsay vanities and most of them are
liars. (Quran 26:221-223)
37
O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him,
and speak (always) the Truth, He will direct you to do
righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And
whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed
achieved a great success. (Quran 33:70-71)
Kuraym ibn Fatik (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) offered the Fajr (early morning) prayer. When he
finished it, he stood up and said three times: False witness has
been made equivalent to attributing a partner to Allah. He
then recited: So avoid the abomination of idols and avoid
speaking falsehood as people pure of faith to Allah, not
associating anything with Him. (Ab Daud 3592)
Ab Umamah Sad ibn Abi Waqqas (r.a.) narrated that Allahs

Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, A believer is stamped with all the
characteristics except treachery and falsehood. (Tirmidhi
4860 and Ahmad)
Abdullah ibn Amr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) said, If you have four characteristics, whatever
worldly advantage passes you by does not matter to you:
keeping a trust, speaking the truth, a good character, and
abstemiousness in food.
(Tirmidhi
5222, Ahmad and
Bayhaqi)
38
Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Qurad (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) performed ablution one day and his Companions
began to wipe themselves with the water he had used. The
Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked them what induced them to do that.
And when they replied that it was love for Allah and His
Messenger, he r said, If anyone is pleased to love Allah and
His Messenger, or rather to have Allah and His Messenger love
him, he should speak the truth when he tells anything; fulfill
his trust when he is put in a position of trust; and be a good
neighbor. (Tirmidhi 4990 and Bayhaqi)
Ab Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,

He has been successful whose heart Allah has made sincere
towards faith, whose heart He has made free from unbelief, his
tongue truthful, his soul calm, his nature straight, whose ear He
has made attentive and his eye observant. The ear is a funnel
and the eye is a repository for what the heart learns. He is
successful whose heart is made retentive. (Tirmidhi 5200,
Ahmad and Bayhaqi)
Ubadah ibn as-Samit (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

said, If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall
guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a
promise when you make it, when you are trusted with
something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower
your eyes, and restrain your hands from injustice. (Tirmidhi
4870, Ahmad and Bayhaqi)
39
8. Be Humble and Composed

Speakers need to have a pleasant and composed personality. Speak
with respect and you will get respect.
Hadrat 'Amr ibn al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with him)
reports that the Holy Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace
be upon him) in his special talk, used to pay attention even to
the worst man in the community with a view to win his heart.
"Towards me also," states Hadrat 'Amr (may Allah be pleased
with him), "he used to pay much attention, addressing me more
than he did others, wherefore I began to think that I was the
best man in the community.
Rasulullah (SAW) always gave a person he spoke with full

attention. So if someone addressed him he wouldn't talk to
them over his shoulder or be distracted with something else.
He would turn his entire body to face them and listen and
speak.
Iyad ibn Himar (al-Mujashii) (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said: Allah has revealed to me that you must be
humble, so that no one oppresses another and boasts over
another. (Ab Dawd 4877)
If you are too aggressive people will stop listening to you and your
message will never get across.
40
Allah talks to Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.S. and mentions about his

kindness to his companions as follows:
So by mercy from Allah , [O Muhammad], you were lenient
with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in
heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon
them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the
matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah .
Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. (Quran 3:159)
Prophet S.A.W.S. also emphasized friendliness in dealing with
people:
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, A
believer is friendly, and there is no good in one who is neither
friendly nor is treated in a friendly way. (Tirmidhi 4995 and
Ahmad)
Prophet S.A.W.S. Strongly prohibited insulting others:

Abdullah bin Amr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever
speak evil intentionally. He used to say, The most beloved to
me amongst you is the one who has the best character and
manners. (Bukhari 5/104)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should
not harm his neighbor. Anybody who believes in Allah and the
41
Last Day should entertain his guest generously. And anybody

who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is
good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and
dirty talk). (Bukhari 8/47 and 8/482)

Beware of suspicion (about others), as suspicion is the falsest
talk. Do not spy upon each other, and do not listen to the evil
talk of the people about others affairs. And do not have
enmity with one another, but be brothers... (Bukhari 7/74)
Bilal bin Al-Harith (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) said, A man speaks a good word, not realizing its
worth, for which Allah records for him His good pleasure till
the day he meets Him. A man also speaks an evil word not
realizing its importance for which Allah records for him His
displeasure till the day he meets Him. (Tirmidhi 4833 and Ibn
Majah)
Abdul Malik Al-Ashari (r.a.) and Ali ibn AbuTalib (r.a.)

narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: There is in the
Paradise an apartment, the exterior of which can be seen from
its interior, and the interior of which can be seen from its
exterior. Such apartments have been prepared for those who
are polite in talk, provide food (to the needy), fast frequently
and observe the Tahajjud prayer when the people are asleep.
42
(Tirmidhi 1232, Ahmad, Bayhaqi transmitted it in Shuab alIman. Tirmidhi transmitted something similar from Ali. In his
version the words are: He who is sweet in talk.)
Abdullah bin Masd (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

said, A believer does not taunt, curse, abuse or talk
indecently. (Tirmidhi 1740)
Imam Al-Ghazali summed up the Prophets treatment of those

around him as follows:
Everyone thought that the Prophet honored him more. Whoever

came to him could see his face.
He used to call his companions by their surnames with honor and
he used to give one surname who had no surname.
He was very affectionate and kind in dealing with the people.
Nobody could speak loudly in his assembly.
The Prophets human love, kind thought, and compassion turned

those around him to true religion and warmed their hearts to faith. It
is such superior and exalted morality that all Muslims should always
be seeking to reproduce in our people dealing and public speaking.
A speaker has to emotionally intelligence and be able to control his or
her response appropriately according to situation. Prophet S.A.W.S
has said:
43
The strong is not the one who over comes the people by his
strength. But the strong is the one who controls him while in
anger."
We know plenty of examples from Prophets seerah when he received
a lot of torture and attitude while conveying the noble message of
Islam. People threw stones at him in Taif, they put rubbish on him, a
beduine tied his cloth on his neck, they boycotted him to Saib e Abi
Talib and did not leave any harm that they could give to Muslims.
Did this all disarray the Prophet? Did he stopped conveying his
message? Did he alter his message? Did he ask God to finish these
people up? He could have easily done so and Allah would have
accepted his prayer. But he rather forgave. Not only forgave, but also
prayed for them. This was the mercy of our beloved messenger
S.A.W.S. Our problems are not bigger than his and our enemies are
not more ignorant then his. If he could forgive them, pray for them
and continue spreading the noble message of Islam, we can all do this
too being his lovers and followers of his blessed foot-pints.
In addition to personality traits mentioned above, another important
feature of an effective public speakers personality is dressing and
outlook. If a speaker is tidy and has an appealing personality, his
words would become heavy in weight. Following are a few pearls
from Quran and Sunnah of our beloved messenger Muhammad
S.A.W.S.:
O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every
time and place of prayer: eat and drink: but waste not by
excess, for Allah loves not the wasters. (Quran 7:31)
44
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (r.a.) narrated that Allahs

Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, Eat, drink, give sadaqah and wear
clothes so long as neither prodigality nor pride is mixed up
with it. (Tirmidhi 4381, Ahmad, Nasai and Ibn Majah)
14. Avoid useless talk, discussion, argumentation and debate:

As Muslim speakers, we should keep in mind that we have to avoid
all useless talk and avoid undue argumentation. If ever, we have to
argue based on the situation, it should be in the best possible manner.
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good

instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed,
your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way,
and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. (Quran
16:125)
And do not argue with the People of the Book (the Jews and
the Christians) unless it be in a way that is better, save with
such of them as do wrong. But say (to them), We believe in the
Revelation which has been sent down to us and in that which
has been sent down to you. Our God and your God is One; and
it is to Him we submit (in Islam). (Quran 29:46)
The Believers must (eventually) win through those who
humble themselves in their prayers; who avoid vain talk...
(Quran 23:1-3)
45
And (ask) of the Sinners: What led you into Hell-Fire? They
will say: We were not of those who prayed, nor were we of
those who fed the indigent; but we used to talk vanities with
vain talkers; And we used to deny the Day of Judgment until
there came to us (the Hour) that is certain." (Quran 74:41-47)
Ab Umamah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
said, No one who has once found the right way, ever goes
astray except through dispute. Then Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) recited this verse, They set it forth to you only by
way of disputation. Nay! But, they are contentious people
(43:58). (Tirmidhi 180 and Ibn Majah)
Mughirah bin Shubah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
said, ...Allah has hated for you (1) vain, useless talk, or that
you talk too much about others, (2) to ask too many questions,
(which are not with the right intention) and (3) to waste the
wealth (by extravagance). (Bukhari 3/591)
Abdullah bin Umar (r.a.) narrated, I went to Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) in the morning and he heard the voice of
two persons who had an argument with each other about a
verse. Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) came to us (and) the (signs
of) anger could be seen on his face. He said, Verily, the
(people) before you were ruined because of their disputation in
the Book. (Muslim 6443)
Ab Namlah Al-Ansari (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) said, Whatever the People of the Book tell you, do
not verify them, nor falsify them, but say: We believe in Allah
46
and His Messenger. If it is false, do not confirm it, and if it is

right, do not falsify it. (Ab Dawd 3637)
Above hadith is a beautiful guideline about Dawah. It is not a
matter of doubt that previous religious scriptures have been
altered and forged. But we do not exactly know what is
changed and what is not. While being immersed in argument
and dialogue, we should not start rejecting the matters in
previous books which we have no knowledge about.
47
By trying to incorporate some of these skills and characteristics into

your speaking style you can effectively improve your communication,
no matter what the topic or audience. But to achieve that, you have to
sincerely pray to Allah as our Prophet S.A.W.S did. Allah (s.w.t.) is
the One who gives knowledge (12:22, 17:107, 18:65 and 58:11),
wisdom (2: 269 and 38:20) and eloquent speech (41:21 and 55:4) to
whom He pleases. We should pray to Him for knowledge, wisdom
and eloquent speech so that we can use these blessings to effectively
convey the noble message of Islam to others.
Prophets also prayed to Allah for this blessing:
...O my Rabb! Expand me my breast. Ease My task for me; and
remove the impediment from my speech, so they may
understand what I say. (Quran 20:25-28)
O my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)! Bestow wisdom on me,
and join me with the righteous; grant me honorable mention on
the tongue of truth among the latest (generations); and make
me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss. (Quran, AshShuaraa 26:83-85)
Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to pray
as follows after the dawn prayer, O Allah, I ask You for
beneficial knowledge, acceptable action, and good provision.
(Tirmidhi 2487, Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
48
May Allah grant us knowledge, wisdom, eloquence of speech, will

and ability to utilize these great qualities in spreading the most
beautiful message of Islam.
49
Basic Principles of Public Speaking according to Islam
15. Explain the meaning and excellence of Islam: its rationality,

completeness, practicality, and other excellent qualities in the
most logical and simple way. Always stress that indeed, Islam
is easy.
...Allah (s.w.t.) ntends every facility for you; He does not want
to put you to difficulties... (Quran 2:185)
But whoever believes and works righteousness he shall have a

goodly reward and easy will be his task as We order it by Our
command. (Quran 18:88)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult
for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not
repulse (them). (Bukhari 8/146)

Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his
religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should
not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive
the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength
by worshipping in the mornings, the nights. (Bukhari 1/38)
50
16. If the non-Muslims try to counter-argue by claiming that

their religion also teaches the same or even better, ask for
concrete proof or evidence:
And they say: None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or

a Christian. Those are their (vain) desires. Say: Produce your
proof if you are truthful. (Quran 2:111)
...Say: Produce the Torah and recite it, if you are truthful. If
any, after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are
indeed unjust wrong-doers. (Quran 3:93-94)
Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him?

Say: Bring your convincing proof, this is the Reminder for
those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most
of them know not the Truth, so they turn away. (Quran
21:24)
17. Make use of parables and similitude that may give

admonition:
See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly Word
like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches
51
(reach) to the sky. It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the
leave of its Rabb and Allah sets forth parables for men, in order
that they may receive admonition. And the parable of an evil
Word is that of an evil tree. It is torn up by the root from the
surface of the earth. It has no stability. Allah will establish in
strength those who believe, with the Word that stands firm, in
this world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave to stray
those who do wrong. Allah does what He wills. (Quran 14:2427)
We have put forth for men, in the Quran every kind of

parable, in order that they may receive admonition. (39:27)
18. Refrain from making people bored:

used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time,
so that we might not get bored. (Bukhari 1/68)
Ab Wail Shaqiq bin Salamah (r.a.) narrated that Abdullah

bin Masd (r.a.) used to give a religious talk to the people on
every Thursday. Once a man said, O Aba Abdar-Rahman! (By
Allah) I wish if you could preach us daily. He replied, The
only thing which prevents me from doing so, is that I have to
bore you, and I take care of you in preaching by selecting a
52
suitable time just as the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to do with us,

for fear of making us bored. (Bukhari 1/70 and Muslim)
Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl (r.a.) narrated that Abdullah bin Abbast
said, Preach to the people once a week, and if you wont, then
preach them twice; but if you want to preach more, then let it
be three times (a week only) and do not make the people fed-up
with this Quran. If you come to some people who are engaged
in a talk, dont start interrupting their talk by preaching, lest
you should cause them to be bored. You should rather keep
quiet, and if they ask you, then preach to them at the time
when they are eager to hear what you say. And avoid the use of
rhymed prose in invocation for I noticed that Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and his Companions (r.a.) always avoided
it. (Bukhari 8/349)
19. Deliver the lecture briefly but precisely with eloquence in

order to arouse the listeners interest:
Abdullah bin Umar (r.a.) narrated that two men came from the
East and addressed the people who wondered at their eloquent
speeches. On that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, Some
eloquent speech is as effective as magic. (Bukhari 7/622)
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Ab Wail Shaqiq bin Salamah (r.a.) narrated that Ammar

delivered to us (the audience) the sermon. It was short and
eloquent. When he (Ammar) descended (from the pulpit) we
said to him, O Abul Yaqzan, you have delivered a short and
eloquent sermon. Would that you had lengthened (the
sermon). He said, I have heard Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
as saying: The lengthening of prayer by a man and the
shortness of the sermon is the sign of his understanding (of
faith). So lengthen the prayer and shorten the sermon, for there
is charm (in precise) expression. (Muslim 1889)
Amr bin al-As (r.a.) narrated that one day when a man got up
and spoke at length he (Amr bin al-As) said, If he had been
moderate in what he said: It would have been better for him. I
heard the Messenger of Allah said: I think (or, I have been
commanded) that I should be brief in what I say, for brevity is
better. (Ab Dawd 4990)
20. Talk with a sense of feeling or emotion:
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
What is wrong with those people who look towards the sky
during the prayer? His talk grew stern while delivering this
speech and he said, They should stop (looking towards the
sky during the prayer); otherwise their eye-sight would be
taken away. (Bukhari 1/717)
54

said, I know the person who will be the last to come out of the
(Hell) Fire, and the last to enter Paradise. He will be a man who
will come out of the (Hell) Fire crawling, and Allah will say to
him, Go and enter Paradise. He will go to it, but he will
imagine that it had been filled, and then he will return and say,
O my Rabb, I have found it full. Allah will say, Go and enter
Paradise, and you will have what equals the world and ten
times as much (or you will have as much as ten times the like of
the world). On that, the man will say, Do you mock at me (or
laugh at me) though You are the King? I saw Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) (while saying that) smiling that his
premolar teeth became visible. It is said that he will be the
lowest in degree amongst the people of Paradise. (Bukhari
8/575)
Jabir bin Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that whenever Allahs

Messenger (s.a.w.s.) delivered a sermon, his eyes would turn
red. His voice would become loud. And his wrath would
enhance as if he was warning (the people) against an enemy
troop, saying, It will surely attack you in the morning; it will
surely attack you in the evening... (Ibn Majah 1/45)
21. Explain things very clearly. Repeat important points (if

necessary), and speak in a clear voice loud enough for the last
55
person at the back to hear. And never talk so quickly and

vaguely:
And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the
harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass.
(Quran 31:19)
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): if
you do turn back, know you that it is Our Messengers duty to
convey (the Message) in the clearest manner. (Quran 5:92)
(We sent the Messengers) with Clear Signs and Scriptures and
We have also sent down unto you (O, Muhammad) the
Message; that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for
them, and that they may give thought. (Quran 16:44)
How should they have the reminder. Seeing that a Messenger

explaining things clearly has (already) come to them. (Quran
44:13)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that whenever the Prophet

(s.a.w.s.) spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it
thrice so that the people could understand it properly from him
56
and whenever he asked permission to enter, (he knocked the

door) thrice with greeting. (Bukhari 1/95)
aishah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to talk so

clearly that if somebody wanted to count the number of his
words, he could do so. (Bukhari 4/768 and Muslim)
Abdullah bin Amr (r.a.) narrated that once Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) remained behind us in a journey. He joined us while
we were performing ablution for the Asr (afternoon) prayer
which was over-due. We were just passing wet hands over our
feet (not washing them properly) so the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
addressed us in a loud voice and said twice or thrice, Save
your heels from the Fire. (Bukhari 1/96)
aishah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to talk so

clearly that if somebody wanted to count the number of his
words, he could do so. Narrated Urwa bin Az-Zubair: aishah
(r.a.) said (to me), Dont you wonder at Abu so-and-so who
came and sat by my dwelling and started relating the traditions
of Allahs Messenger intending to let me hear that, while I was
performing an optional prayer. He left before I finished my
optional prayer. Had I found him still there. I would have said
to him, Allahs Messenger never talked so quickly and
vaguely as you do. (Bukhari 4/768)
57
22.
Make appropriate
understanding:
gestures
to
facilitate
better
Abu Uthman (r.a.) narrated that while we were at Adharbijan,

Umar (r.a.) wrote to us: Allah s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) forbade
wearing silk except this much. Then the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
approximated his two fingers (index and middle fingers) (to
illustrate that) to us. Zuhair (the sub-narrator) raised up his
middle and index fingers. (Bukhari 7/719)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Abu-l-Qasim (the Prophet r)

said, On Friday there is a particular time. If a Muslim happens
to be praying and invoking Allah for something good during
that time, Allah will surely fulfill his request. The Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) pointed out with his hand. We thought that he
wanted to illustrate how short that time was. (Bukhari 8/409)
Abdullah bin Masud (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

said, The Adhan pronounced by Bilal (r.a.) should not stop
you from taking Suhur, for he pronounces the Adhan at night,
so that the one offering the late night prayer (Tahajjud) from
among you might hurry up and the sleeping from among you
might wake up. It does not mean that dawn or morning has
started. Then he (s.a.w.s.) pointed with his fingers and raised
them up (towards the sky) and then lowered them (towards the
earth) like this (Ibn Masud (r.a.) imitated the gesture of the
58
Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Az-Zuhri gestured with his two index

fingers, which he put on each other and then stretched them to
the right and left. These gestures illustrate the way real dawn
appears. It spreads left and right horizontally. The dawn that
appears in the high sky and lowers down is not the real dawn).
(Bukhari 1/595)
23. Use visual aids for easy comprehension:
Abdullah bin Masd (r.a.) narrated that (once) Allahs

Messenger (s.a.w.s.) drew a line for us and then said, That is
the path shown by Allah. Then he drew several other lines on
his right and left sides and said, These are the paths on every
side of which there is a devil calling towards it. He then
recited this verse, And verily, this is My Straight Path, so
follow it. (Tirmidhi 166, Ahmad, Nasai and Darimi)
Jabir bin Abdullah (r.a.) narrated , We were sitting in the

company of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He drew a (straight) line and
drew two (other) lines on its right side and two lines on its left
side. He then placed his hand on the middle line and remarked,
This is Allahs Path. Then, he recited this verse: And verily,
it is My Straight Path; so follow not the (other) paths. They will
separate you away from His Path. (6:153). (Ibn Majah 1/11)
59
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) drew
a few lines and said, This is (mans) hope, and this is the
instant of his death, and while he is in this state (of hope), the
nearer line (death) comes to Him. (Bukhari 8/427)
Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) drew a

square and then drew a line in the middle of it and let it extend
outside the square. Then he drew several small lines attached to
that central line, and said, This is the human being, and this,
(the square) in his lease of life, encircles him from all sides (or
has encircled him), and this (line), which is outside (the square),
is his hope. And these small lines are the calamities and
troubles (which may befall him), and if one misses him, another
will snap (i.e. overtake) him. And if the other misses him, a
third will snap (i.e. overtake) him. (Bukhari 8/426)
24. If anyone from the audience causes annoyance or insults

you, be patient, control your anger and refrain from disputes or
quarrels:
Let not their speech grieve you: for all power and honor
belong to Allah: He Who hears and knows (all things).
(Quran 10:65)
60
And argue not with the People of the Book (the Jews and the
Christians), except in the best way, unless it be with those of
them who do wrong. But say (to them), We believe in the
Revelation which has been sent down to us and in that which
has been sent down to you; our God and your God is One; and
to Him we submit (in Islam). (Quran 29:46)
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by
his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself
while in anger. (Bukhari 8/ 135 and Muslim 4/6311-6314)
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that a man said to the Prophet

(s.a.w.s.) Advise me. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Do not be
angry and furious. The man asked (the same) again and again,
and the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said in each case, Do not be angry
and furious. (Bukhari 8/137)
aishah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, The

most hated person in the sight of Allah is the most quarrelsome
person. (Bukhari 3/637)
Sahl Bin Sad (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, Be patient till you face them (i.e., the infidels) and
invite them to Islam and inform them of what Allah has
61
enjoined upon them. By Allah! If a single person embraces

Islam at your hands (i.e., through you) that will be better for
you than the red camels. (Bukhari 4/192 and 5/51)
Ab Umamah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, No people strayed from the right path after the (divine)
guidance on which they were, but those who, indulged in
disputation. He then recited the verse: Nay, but they are a
contentious people (43:58). (Ibn Majah 1/48)
25. Distribute the written copy of the lecture to the audience:
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that when Allah gave victory to

His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) over the people of Makkah, Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.)
stood up among the people. After
glorifying Allah, he said, Allah has prohibited fighting in
Makkah and has given authority to His Messenger and the
believers over it. So, fighting was illegal for anyone before me
and was made legal for me for a part of a day, and it will not be
legal for anyone after me. Ab Shah, a Yemenite, stood up and
said, O Allahs Messenger! Get it written for me. Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, Write it down for Aba Shah. (The
sub-narrator asked Al-Auzai), What did he mean by saying,
Get it written, O Allahs Messenger? He replied, The speech
which he had heard from Allahs Messenger. (Bukhari 3/613)
62
26. Ask if they understood properly the Islamic lecture that was
conveyed to them. Also be ready to entertain questions:
Ab Bakrah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,

No doubt your blood, property; the sub-narrator
Muhammad thought that Abu Bakrah had also mentioned
and your honor (chastity) are sacred to one another as is the
sanctity of this day of yours in this month of yours. It is
incumbent on those who are present to inform those who are
absent. Muhammad, the sub-narrator, used to say, Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) told the truth. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
repeated twice: No doubt! Havent I conveyed Allahs
Message to you? (Bukhari 1/105)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.), narrated that while we were in the

mosque, a man came riding on a camel. The man said to the
Prophet (s.a.w.s.), I want to ask you something and will be
hard on questioning. So do not be angry. The Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said, Ask whatever you want. (Bukhari 1/63)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.), narrated that once the people started
asking Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) questions, and they asked
so many questions that he became angry and ascended the
pulpit and said, I will answer whatever questions you may
ask me today... (Bukhari 8/373)
63
Mughirah bin Shubah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet

(s.a.w.s.) said, Allah has forbidden you to be undutiful to
your mothers, to withhold (what you should give) or demand
(what you do not deserve), and to bury your daughters alive.
And Allah has disliked that you talk too much about others,
ask too many questions (in religion), or waste your property.
(Bukhari 8/6)
27. Invite people to Islam with kind words, wisdom and

beautiful preaching instead of evil words or bad language:
Invite (all) to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and

beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best
and most gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have
strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. (Quran
16:125)
Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity

followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and
He is most Forbearing. (Quran 2:263)
Allah does not like the utterance of evil words in public except
by one who has been wronged. Allah is He Who hears and
knows all things. (Quran 4:148)
64
Abdullah bin Amir (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

never used bad language. He used to say, The best amongst
you are those who have the best manners and character.
(Bukhari 4/759; 8/56)
Abdullah ibn Masud (r.a.)narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

said: A believer does not taunt, curse, abuse or talk
indecently. (Tirmidhi 1740)
Anas ibn Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, Coarse talk does not come into anything without
disgracing it, and modesty does not come into anything
without adorning it. (Tirmidhi 4854)
Abu Darda (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

Nothing is weightier in the scales of a believer on the Day of
Judgment than his good behavior. Allah treats with displeasure
a person who is given to loose and vulgar talk. (Tirmidhi 626)
28. After the speech or Dawah is over, invite the non-Muslims

to open their minds and hearts to Islam with selected Quranic
verses:
65
Truly the Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His

Will). Those who were given the Scripture (the Jews and the
Christians) did not differ except out of mutual jealousy, after
knowledge had come to them. But if any denies the Signs of
Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account. (Quran 3:19)
And whoever desires a religion other than Islam (submission

to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter
he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual
good). (Quran 3:85)
Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole
self to Allah...? (Quran 4:125)
...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed

My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your
religion (Quran 5:3)
Whatever you worship apart from Him is nothing but names

which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah
has sent down no authority. The command is for none but
Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him.
That is the right religion, but most men do not know. (Quran
12:40)
66
Ask the non-Muslims to ponder upon the veracity of the above

Quranic verses. They should be rational and see how powerful
and strong the categorical statements of Allah. Indeed, only the
True God and Creator of all has the divine power and authority
to say the above categorical statements to us.
29. Advise them to pray to the One and Only True God for
guidance. If they ignore your invitation, then advise them to
pray to the One and Only True God -- to supplicate to Him to
guide them to the Truth. Verily, He is the One Who guides
those whom He wills to Islam:
Those to whom Allah wills to guide, He opens their breast to

Islam. Those whom He wills to leave straying, He makes their
breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the
sky; thus does Allah lay abomination on those who believe
not. (Quran 6:125)
Whom Allah does guide, he is on the right path. Whom He

rejects from His guidance, such are the persons who lose.
(Quran 7:178)
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said to his uncle (at the time of his death), Make a profession
of it that there is no god but Allah and I will bear testimony (of
67
your being a Muslim) on the Day of Judgment. He (Ab Talib)

said, Were it not the fear of the Quraish blaming me (and)
saying that it was the fear of (approaching death) that induced
me to do so, I would have certainly delighted your eyes. It
was then that Allah revealed, Verily, you (O Muhammad) can
not guide to the right path whom you love. And it is Allah Who
guides whom He will and He knows best who are the guided
(28:56). (Muslim 38)
Make it very clear to the non-Muslims that Allah, the Most

Gracious, the Most Merciful, is the Only One Who really guides
people to the Right Path. Allah (s.w.t.) gives guidance to those
who ask His guidance. He gives pardon to those who sincerely
seek His forgiveness. It is for their benefit that they must ask
Allahs guidance and forgiveness:
Race one another in asking forgiveness from your Rabb, and

towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of Heaven
and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His
messengers. That is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on
whom He pleases: and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.
(Quran 57:21)
Ab Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said

that Allah, the Most High, says, My servants. All of you are
astray except him whom I have guided, but if you ask Me for
68
guidance I will guide you. All of you are poor except him
whom I have enriched, but if you ask of Me, I will give you
provision. All of you are sinners except him whom I have
preserved (from sin), but if any of you knows that I have power
to pardon and asks my pardon, I will pardon him, and I do not
care.... My giving is speech and my punishment is speech. My
command to a thing when I want it is just to say to it Be and it
comes into being. (Tirmidhi 2344, Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
For those who embrace Islam, it is Sunnah that after their

sincere declaration of the Shahadah, we should instruct them to
supplicate to Allah for His forgiveness, mercy, guidance and
sustenance:
Abu Malik Ashjaì (r.a.) narrated that whenever a person

embraced Islam, Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) instructed him to
recite: O Allah, grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct
me to the path of righteousness and provide me sustenance.
(Muslim 6514)
30. When the lecture or program is over, it is Sunnah to

conclude it with supplication. When we finish our Dawah
session (or gathering), it is a Sunnah to conclude it with the
following supplication:
69
Subhannaka Allahumma wa bihamdik. Ashado a la_ ilaha

illa_ Ant. Astaghfiruka wa atowbo ilaik. (How perfect you
are O Allah and I praise You. None has the right to be
worshipped except You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn in
repentance to You.) (Tirmidhi 3/153)
Concluding Remarks
It is worth pointing out that public speaking is an art, and its

success depends on the individuals knowledge and mastery of
the subject. Being an art, it can be rendered in any way suitable
to the given occasion but it must be done in conformity with
the Quran and the Sunnah. All the principles of effective
public speaking cited in this paper prove that indeed Islam is
the complete and perfect religion. We need not look for any
ideal effective public speaker because Prophet Muhammad
(s.a.w.s.) is the best model for us.
It is true that some
individuals rose to fame and power because of their eloquent
speeches.
However, their speeches are not necessarily
acceptable to Allah (s.w.t.). For one thing a public speaker will
succeed only if he does it for the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.), and
not for Riya (showing off). Let us not emulate those people
who speak eloquently only to impress people as in the end they
will only receive punishment in the Hell-Fire. Let us take
warning from the following divine admonitions:
70
There is the type of man whose speech about this worlds life
may dazzle you and he calls Allah to witness about what is in
his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies. When he
turns his back his aim everywhere is to spread mischief
through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loves
not mischief. When it is said to him Fear Allah he is led by
arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell; an evil bed
indeed (to lie on)! (Quran 2: 204-206)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

On the Day of resurrection Allah will not accept repentance or
ransom from him who learns excellence of speech to captivate
thereby the hearts of men, or of people. (Abu Dawud 4988)
71
Guidelines on how to be a successful program moderator:

The Quran and the Sunnah give us absolutely practical principles on
how to become effective public speakers for the pleasure of Allah the
Almighty. The following are the Quranic Ayat and the authentic
Ahadith on effective public speaking:
1. Sincerely intend to dedicate your speech to Allah so that He will

accept it as a good deed, worthy of supreme rewards especially in the
Life Hereafter:
And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship

Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being True (in Faith); establish
regular prayer; and to give Zakat. And that is the Religion Right and
Straight. (Quran 98:5)
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (r.a.) said: I heard Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

saying, The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every
person will get the reward according to what he has intended. Thus
he whose migration was for Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.), his
migration had been for Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.), and he
whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or take some
woman in marriage, his migration had been for that for which he
migrated. (Bukhari 1/1 and Muslim 3/ 4692)
72
2. Pray and aspire for knowledge, wisdom and eloquent speech:
Allah (s.w.t.) is the One who gives knowledge (12:22, 17:107, 18:65
and 58:11), wisdom (2: 269 and 38:20) and eloquent speech (41:21 and
55:4) to whom He pleases. We should pray to Him for knowledge,
wisdom and eloquent speech so we can effectively convey Islam to
others. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) stresses the effect of eloquent speech in
influencing people when he compares it to magic:
Abdullah Ibn Umar (r.a.) narrated that two men came from the East
and addressed the people who wondered at their eloquent speeches.
On that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, Some eloquent speech is as
effective as magic. (Bukhari 7/662)
As much as possible we must aspire for effective public speaking or

eloquent speech. We should remember that by His Will, His
Messengers, especially Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), and other
Muslim Duat succeeded in conveying Islam:
Truly, Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds,
to Gardens beneath which rivers flow. They shall be adorned therein
with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of
silk. For they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speeches;
they have been guided to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all)
Praise. (Quran 22:23-24)
73
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, I have

been given the keys of eloquent speech and given victory with awe
(cast into the hearts of the enemy)... (Bukhari 9/127)
In our invocations especially in the Tahajjud (midnight) prayers and

before our public speaking we should include the following
supplications:
Rabbiy zidni ilma.

(O My Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)!
Increase me in Knowledge. ) (Quran 20:114)
...Rabbi ishrahliy ssadriy wa yasirliy amriy, wahlol uqdattammin

llisaaniy, yafqahu qawliy. (...O my Rabb! Expand me my breast.
Ease My task for me; and remove the impediment from my speech, so
they may understand what I say.) (Quran 20:25-28)
Rabbi habli hukmaw walhiqniy bissaalihiyn, waj-aliy lisana ssidqin

fiyl akhirin, waj-alniy miw warathati jannatin naim. (O my Rabb
(Cherisher and Sustainer)! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with
the righteous; grant me honorable mention on the tongue of truth
among the latest (generations); and make me one of the inheritors of
the Garden of Bliss.) (Quran, Ash-Shuaraa 26:83-85)
74
Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to say after
the dawn prayer, Allahuma iniy nas-aluka ilman nafian, amalan
mutakabalan wa rizkan tayyiban. (O Allah, I ask You for beneficial
knowledge, acceptable action, and good provision.) (Tirmidhi 2487,
Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
Note that when we supplicate during our prayers, we should do it

Arabic. This is the Sunnah, which we need to follow for our prayers
(and hence, invocations) to be accepted.
We need to see to it that Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
will accept our invocations for effective public speaking. When Allah
blesses us by His Grace with a developed personality, gifted with
knowledge, wisdom and eloquence of speech we can easily convey
Islam to the non-Muslims, who will, Insha Allah, accept our
invitation.
3. Plan and prepare what to say and how to say it.
Effective public speaking requires effective planning and preparation.

We should never deliver public speech hastily. We have to plan it
with great deliberation and care:
75
Abdullah Bin Sarjis (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, A
good manner of conduct, deliberation and moderation are a twentyfourth part of prophecy. (Tirmidhi 5059)
Al Wazi bin Zari (r.a.) narrated that The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said to
him (al-Mundhir al-Ashajj): You have two characteristics which
Allah likes: gentleness and deliberation. He asked, Have I acquired
them or has Allah created (them in) my nature? He replied, No, Allah
has created (them) in your nature. He then said: Praise be to Allah
Who has created in my nature two characteristics which Allah and
His Messenger like. (Abu Dawud 5206)
As speakers, we need more time to plan out what to say and how to
deliver our speech/lecture. We must see to it that we organize our
speech in scholarly manner by quoting relevant sources especially
from the Quran and the Sunnah. We have to let the words of Allah
(s.w.t) and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) strike the hearts and minds of the
audience. We must organize our speech in such a way that the
audience will find it interesting as it gives guidance, glad
tidings/inspirations and/or admonitions to them. This is in
accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.):
... and We sent you (O Muhammad) but to give Glad Tidings (to the
Believers) and to warn (sinners). (Quran 17:105)
76
... Yet you (O Muhammad) were sent as a Mercy from your Rabb to
give warning to a people to whom no Warner had come before you in
order that they may receive admonition. (Quran 28:46)
After the organization, see to it that you will have a good mastery of
the subject matter. Read, study or remember what to say so that you
will speak with confidence before the audience. Indeed, it is
imperative for us to plan but we have to acknowledge that Allah is
the best of planners (3:54 and 8:30). Thus, we have to pray for His
help to bless our plan because when He has decreed a plan He but
only say Be and it is! (3:47) and that, He does command according
to His Will and plan (Quran 5:1).
4. Have a good pleasing personality by being neat and wearing

modest cloth that is appropriate for the occasion:
O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and

place of prayer: eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loves
not the wasters. (7:31)
Abdullah ibn Abbas (r.a.) narrated that when the Haruriyyah made a
revolt, I came to Ali (r.a.). He (r.a.) said: Go to these people. I then
put on the best suit of the Yemen. Abu Zumayl (a transmitter) said:
Ibn Abbas was handsome and of imposing countenance. Ibn Abbas
(r.a.) said: I then came to them and they said: Welcome to you, Ibn
77
Abbas! What is this suit of clothes? I said: Why are you objecting to
me? I saw over the Messenger of Allah the best suit of clothes. (Abu
Dawud, 4026)
Jabir ibn Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

paid visit to us, and saw a disheveled man whose hair was
disordered. He said: Could this man not find something to make his
hair lie down? He saw another man wearing dirty clothes and said:
Could this man not find something to wash his garments with?
(Abu Dawud, 4051, Tirmidhi 4351, Ahmad and Nasai)
Sahl Ibn al-Hanzaliyyah (r.a.)....narrated that Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.)
said: You are coming to your brethren; so tidy your
mounts and tidy your dress, until you are like a mole among the
people. Allah does not like obscene words or deeds, or do intentional
committing of obscenity. (Abu Dawud, 4078)
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) said, Eat, drink, give sadaqah and wear clothes so long as
neither prodigality nor pride is mixed up with it. (Tirmidhi 4381,
Ahmad, Nasai and Ibn Majah)
5. Start your speech with the mention of Allahs Name and Glory.
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We should remember Allah (s.w.t.) by praising Him before, during

and after our Dawah/public speech. This will make us more closer
to Him and thus, be successful in our public speech. It is Sunnah to
start our lecture/speech with praises to Allah (s.w.t.) as narrated in
the following Hadith:
Abdullah Bin Masùd (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

taught us the address in case of some need: Innal hamdalillahi
taalaa nahmaduho, wa nastayno bihi, wa nastaghfiruh, wa naudo
billahi taala min shoroori anfosinaa, wa sayhaati amalinaa may
yahdihillahi taala falaa modhillah, wa may yudhlil falaa hadii yalah,
wa ashadu al laillaha ila Allah wahdahu laa shariikalah. Wa ashadu
ana Muhammad abduhu wa rasuluh... (Praise be to Allah from
Whom we ask help and pardon, and in Whom we take refuge from
the evils within ourselves. He whom Allah guides has no one who
can lead him astray, and he whom He leads astray has no one to
guide him. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that
Muhammad is His servant and Messenger...) (Ab Dawd 2113)
Or you may start your talk with the following brief praise and
invocation for peace to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.):
Al-Hamdulillahi Rabbul Aalameen, wa Salaatu was Salaamu ala

Nabeeyyina Muhammad, wa alaa aalihi wa Sahbihi, wa man tabaa
Sunnatihi ilaa Yawmiddeen.
(All Praise be to Allah, the Rabb
(Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds, and Blessings and Peace
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upon our Prophet, Muhammad, and upon his family and his
Companions, and whoever follows his Sunnah, till the Day of
Judgement.
The following Ahadith are admonitions to those who do not

remember Allah (s.w.t.) before starting their public speech:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: People
who get up from an assembly in which they did not remember Allah
will be just as if they had got up from an asss corpse, and it will be a
cause of grief to them. (Abu Dawud 4837)
6. Speak with confidence.
We Muslims should have self-confidence in ourselves. As long as we

know the subject matter in Islam that we are going to discuss with a
certain degree of knowledge (in other words, we have the mastery of
subject matter); and then turn to Allah (s.w.t.), pray for His help, we
can successfully convey the message of Islam to others. We should
have trust in Allah that by His Grace, we can speak with confidence
in public no matter how large the audience is. The following Quranic
verses should inspire us to have self-confidence in ourselves:
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You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin what
is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah... (Quran 3:110)
Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works
righteousness, and says, I am of those who bow in Islam (i.e.
Muslims)? (Quran 41:33)
7. Speak with certain knowledge. Be scholarly in your talk by giving

proofs from the Quran and authentic Ahadith:
Tariq (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, The best talk is
Allahs Book (Quran), and the best guidance is the guidance of
Muhammad. (Bukhari 8/120)
Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, The

best talk (speech) is Allahs Book (Quran) and the best way is the
way of Muhammad. And the worst matters are the heresies (those
new things which are introduced into the religion). And whatever
you have been promised will surely come to pass, and you cannot
escape (it). (Bukhari 9/382)
Abdullah bin Masud (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, Do not wish to be like anybody except in two cases: The case of
a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right
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way; and that of a man whom Allah has given religious wisdom (i.e.,
Quran and Sunnah) and he gives his verdicts according to it and
teaches it. (to others i.e., religious knowledge of Quran and the
Sunnah). (Bukhari 1/73, 9/419 and 9/255)
Abdullah ibn Amr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, Knowledge consists of three things: the decisive Verses
(Quran), authentic Ahadith and prescriptions rightly deduced from
the two. What is beside them is superfluous. (Ibn Majah 1/54)
Abdullah ibn Amir ibn Al-As (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said, Knowledge has three categories; anything else is
extra; a precise Verse, or an established Sunnah (practice), or a firm
obligatory duty. (Abu Dawud 2879)
8. Always speak the Truth and refrain from falsehood or lies:
And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports)
itsuch are the men who do right. They shall have all that they wish
for, with their Rabb. Such is the reward of those who do good: so that
Allah will remit from them (even) the worst in their deeds and give
them their reward according to the best of what they have done.
(Quran 39:33-35)
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That Allah may reward the people of Truth for their Truth, and
punish the Hypocrites if He wills, or turn to them in Mercy; for Allah
is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Quran 33:24)
Shall I inform you (o people) on whom it is that the evil ones

descend? They descend on every lying wicked person (into whose
ears) they pour hearsay vanities and most of them are liars. (Quran
26:221-223)
O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and
speak (always) the Truth, He will direct you to do righteous good
deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah
and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great success. (Quran
33:70-71)
Kuraym ibn Fatik (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

offered the Fajr (early morning) prayer. When he finished it, he stood
up and said three times: False witness has been made equivalent to
attributing a partner to Allah. He then recited: So avoid the
abomination of idols and avoid speaking falsehood as people pure of
faith to Allah, not associating anything with Him.
(Ab Daud
3592)
Ab Umamah Sad ibn Abi Waqqas (r.a.) narrated that Allahs

Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, A believer is stamped with all the
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characteristics except treachery and falsehood. (Tirmidhi 4860 and

Ahmad)
Abdullah ibn Amr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, If you have four characteristics, whatever worldly advantage
passes you by does not matter to you: keeping a trust, speaking the
truth, a good character, and abstemiousness in food. (Tirmidhi
5222, Ahmad and Bayhaqi)
Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Qurad (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) performed ablution one day and his Companions began to
wipe themselves with the water he had used. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
asked them what induced them to do that. And when they replied
that it was love for Allah and His Messenger, he r said, If anyone is
pleased to love Allah and His Messenger, or rather to have Allah and
His Messenger love him, he should speak the truth when he tells
anything; fulfill his trust when he is put in a position of trust; and be a
good neighbor. (Tirmidhi 4990 and Bayhaqi)
Ab Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, He

has been successful whose heart Allah has made sincere towards
faith, whose heart He has made free from unbelief, his tongue
truthful, his soul calm, his nature straight, whose ear He has made
attentive and his eye observant. The ear is a funnel and the eye is a
repository for what the heart learns. He is successful whose heart is
made retentive. (Tirmidhi 5200, Ahmad and Bayhaqi)
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Ubadah ibn as-Samit (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you
Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you
make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid
sexual immorality, lower your eyes, and restrain your hands from
injustice. (Tirmidhi 4870, Ahmad and Bayhaqi)
9. Be friendly in your approach:
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, A

believer is friendly, and there is no good in one who is neither
friendly nor is treated in a friendly way. (Tirmidhi 4995 and
Ahmad)
aishah narrated that a man asked permission to see the Prophet

(s.a.w.s.), and the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, He is a bad member of the
tribe. When he entered, Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) treated in a
frank and friendly way and spoke to him. When he departed, I said,
Allahs Messenger! When he asked permission, you said, He is a
bad member of the tribe; but when he entered, you treated him in a
frank and friendly way. Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) replied,
aishah! Allah does not like the one who is unseemly and lewd in his
language. (Ab Dawd 4774)
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Yazid bin Namah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, When a man makes another his brother, he should ask him his
name, his fathers name and the stock from which he comes, for it
binds friendship more closely. (Tirmidhi 5020)
10. In the course of your talk, always remember Allah (s.w.t.) the
Almighty. Mention His Name and praise Him:
Then do you remember Me, I will remember you. Be grateful to Me

and reject not faith. (2:152)
Abu Musa (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, The
example of the one who celebrates the Praises of his Rabb (Allah) in
comparison to the one who does not celebrate the Praises of his Rabb,
is that of a living creature compared to a dead one. (Bukhari 8/416)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Allah
will give shade to seven (types of people) under His Shade (on the
Day of Resurrection). One of them will be a person who remembers
Allah and his eyes are then flooded with tears. (Bukhari 8/486)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as

saying that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, says: Ì am near to the
thought of My servant as he thinks about Me, and I am with him as
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he remembers Me. And if he remembers Me in his heart, I also

remember him in My Heart. And if he remembers Me in assembly I
remember him in assembly, better than his (remembrance). And if he
draws near Me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by the cubit,
and if he draws near Me by the cubit I draw near him by the space
(covered by) two hands. And if he walks towards Me, I rush towards
him. (Muslim 4/ 6471)
Samurah Bin Jundab (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, The most beloved words to Allah are the following four
phrases, SubhanAllah, Alhamdu lillah, La_ ila ha illa Allah, Allahu
Akbar. (Glory be to Allah, All Praises be to Allah. There is no deity
but Allah, Allahs the greatest.)... it does not matter which of them
you start with. (Muslim 5329)
Abdullah ibn Umar (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, Do not speak much without mentioning Allah, for much talk
without mention of Allah produces hardness of heart, and the one
who is farthest from Allah is he who has a hard heart. (Tirmidhi
2274)
11. Every time you mention the Prophets name, invoke salam to
him.
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It is a must that every time we hear the Prophets name, we should

say: (s.a.w.s.) Salallahu alayhi wasalam (May the peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him.). Allah, the Exalted, commands:
Verily, Allah sends blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels ask
Allah to bless him. O you who have believed, ask Allah to send
blessings upon him, and (you) greet him with peace. (Quran 33:56)
The following Ahadith should inspire us to supplicate to Allah to

send peace and blessings to His Messenger (s.a.w.s.):
Abdullah Bin Amr Bin Al As (r.a.) narrated: Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) said, When you hear the Muadhdhin, repeat what he
says. Then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a
blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah. Then beg from
Allah al-Wasilah for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only
one of Allahs Servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone
who asks that I be given the Wasilah, he will be assured of my
intercession. (Muslim 747)
Abu Humaid As -Saidi (r.a.) narrated that the people asked, O

Allahs Messenger! How shall we (ask Allah to) send blessings on
you?" Allahs Messenger replied, Say: Allahumma salli àla
Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyatihi kama sallaita àla Ali
Ibrahima wa barik àla Muhammadin wa azwajihi wa dhurriyatihi
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kama barakta àla Ali-Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid (O Allah!

Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on his wives and on his
offspring, as You sent Your Mercy on Abrahams family; and send
Your Blessings on Muhammad and on his offspring, as You sent Your
Blessings on Abrahams family, for You are the Most Praiseworthy,
the Most Glorious) (Bukhari 4/588)
Anas Bin Malik (r.a.) narrated: Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, He

who invokes one blessings upon me, Allah will shower ten blessings
upon him and obliterate ten (of his) sins and elevate him by ten
ranks. (Tirmidhi 922 and Nasai)
Abdullah Bin Amr (r.a.) narrated: He who invokes blessings upon

Allahs Messenger once, Allah and His Angels shower seventy
blessings upon him. (Tirmidhi 935 and Ahmad)
12. Be humble in your speech and avoid boasting:
For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for
devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and
women who are patient and constant, for men and women who
humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men
and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women
who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much
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in Allahs praise for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great
reward. (Quran 33:35)
Haritha bin Wahb (r.a.) narrated that according to Al-Khuzai the

Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Shall I inform you about the people of
Paradise? They comprise every obscure unimportant humble person,
and if he takes Allahs oath that he will do that thing, Allah will fulfill
his oath (by doing that). Shall I inform you about the people of the
Fire? They comprise every cruel, violent, proud and conceited
person. (Bukhari 8/97 and 8/651)
Iyad ibn Himar (al-Mujashii) (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet

(s.a.w.s.) said: Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so
that no one oppresses another and boasts over another. (Ab
Dawd 4877)
Jabir ibn Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: On
the Day of Judgment the dearest and closest to me, as regards my
company, will be those persons who will bear the best moral
character. Those among you, who talk with affectation and are given
to boasting, will be the most repugnant to me and farthest from me
on the Day of Judgment. The Companions submitted: O Messenger
of Allah! What is meant by the word Mutafayhiqun"? The Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said: Those given to boasting. (Tirmidhi 631)
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13. Speak good words and do not insult:
O you who believe! Be not like those who hurt Moses but Allah
cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered; and he was
honorable in Allahs sight. O you who believe! Fear Allah and
(always) say a word directed to the Right. That He may make your
conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins. And whoever
obeys Allah and His Messenger has already attained a great
achievement (Paradise). (Quran 33:69-71)
Abdullah bin Amr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil
intentionally. He used to say, The most beloved to me amongst you
is the one who has the best character and manners. (Bukhari 5/104)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,

Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm
his neighbor. Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day
should entertain his guest generously. And anybody who believes in
Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e.
abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk). (Bukhari 8/47 and
8/482)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Beware
of suspicion (about others), as suspicion is the falsest talk. Do not spy
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upon each other, and do not listen to the evil talk of the people about
others affairs. And do not have enmity with one another, but be
brothers... (Bukhari 7/74)
Bilal bin Al-Harith (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.)

said, A man speaks a good word, not realizing its worth, for which
Allah records for him His good pleasure till the day he meets Him. A
man also speaks an evil word not realizing its importance for which
Allah records for him His displeasure till the day he meets Him.
(Tirmidhi 4833 and Ibn Majah)
Abdul Malik Al-Ashari (r.a.) and Ali ibn AbuTalib (r.a.) narrated that
Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: There is in the Paradise an
apartment, the exterior of which can be seen from its interior, and the
interior of which can be seen from its exterior. Such apartments have
been prepared for those who are polite in talk, provide food (to the
needy), fast frequently and observe the Tahajjud prayer when the
people are asleep. (Tirmidhi 1232, Ahmad, Bayhaqi transmitted it
in Shuab al-Iman. Tirmidhi transmitted something similar from Ali.
In his version the words are: He who is sweet in talk.)
Abdullah bin Masd (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
A believer does not taunt, curse, abuse or talk indecently.
(Tirmidhi 1740)
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The following Hadith shows how the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

Hikmah by not insulting anyone or hurting others feeling:
used
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) reported that a person said, O Allahs

Messenger (s.a.w.s.)! Where is my father? He (s.a.w.s.) said, (He) is
in the Fire. When he turned away, he (s.a.w.s.) called him and said,
Verily, my father and your father are in the Fire. (Muslim 1/398)
14. Avoid useless talk, discussion, argumentation and debate:
The Believers must (eventually) win through those who humble

themselves in their prayers; who avoid vain talk... (Quran 23:1-3)
And do not argue with the People of the Book (the Jews and the
Christians) unless it be in a way that is better, save with such of them
as do wrong. But say (to them), We believe in the Revelation which
has been sent down to us and in that which has been sent down to
you. Our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in
Islam). (Quran 29:46)
And (ask) of the Sinners: What led you into Hell-Fire? They will
say: We were not of those who prayed, nor were we of those who fed
the indigent; but we used to talk vanities with vain talkers; And we
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used to deny the Day of Judgment until there came to us (the Hour)
that is certain." (Quran 74:41-47)
Ab Umamah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,

No one who has once found the right way, ever goes astray except
through dispute. Then Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) recited this
verse, They set it forth to you only by way of disputation. Nay! But,
they are contentious people (43:58). (Tirmidhi 180 and Ibn Majah)
Mughirah bin Shubah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
...Allah has hated for you (1) vain, useless talk, or that you talk too
much about others, (2) to ask too many questions, (in disputed
religious matters) and (3) to waste the wealth (by extravagance).
(Bukhari 3/591)
Abdullah bin Umar (r.a.) narrated, I went to Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) in the morning and he heard the voice of two persons who
had an argument with each other about a verse. Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) came to us (and) the (signs of) anger could be seen on his
face. He said, Verily, the (people) before you were ruined because of
their disputation in the Book. (Muslim 6443)
Ab Namlah Al-Ansari (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) said, Whatever the People of the Book tell you, do not
verify them, nor falsify them, but say: We believe in Allah and His
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Messenger. If it is false, do not confirm it, and if it is right, do not

falsify it. (Ab Dawd 3637)
We should go for lectures and seminars where Muslims and nonMuslims are invited in a friendly atmosphere. We should convey to
the audience especially the non-Muslims the Oneness of Allah. They
must know that Allah is the Only True God of all mankind. He is our
Creator and the Only One Who guides people to Islam. The best way
to know Him is to read His Book, the glorious Quran.
The Quran is the Only Book of Truth from Allah (32:2-3; 22:54) that
has been preserved in a Tablet or in a Book well guarded (85:21-22).
No one can ever change it (6:115). Allah (s.w.t.) has promised to
protect it from any form of human manipulation (15:9). The most
varied and complete subjects of the Quran, beyond mans ability to
produce, makes it miraculously unique and inimitable. It is the only
Book wherein Allah instructs mankind to follow it for guidance
(6:155; 39:18). Part of Allahs guidance is His commandment to all
mankind to obey His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) (Quran 47:33).
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is the best example for mankind to follow

(33:21). To be successful, we should confine our topics and
discussions on Islamic teachings by making use of the Quran and the
Sunnah as the Sources of Divine Truth. We should invite the nonMuslims to Islam with beautiful preaching instead of argumentation
and debate. In this kind of presentation of Islam or Dawah, we allow
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the Angels, instead of Satan (and his followers) to be surrounding us.

They will be happy with us and help us pray to Allah (S.W.T.) that
we succeed in our Dawah.
15. Explain the meaning and excellence of Islam: its rationality,

completeness, practicality, and other excellent qualities in the most
logical and simple way. Always stress that indeed, Islam is easy.
...Allah (s.w.t.) ntends every facility for you; He does not want to
put you to difficulties... (Quran 2:185)
But whoever believes and works righteousness he shall have a

goodly reward and easy will be his task as We order it by Our
command. (Quran 18:88)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Make
things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and
make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them).
(Bukhari 8/146)

Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his
religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be
extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good
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tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping

in the mornings, the nights. (Bukhari 1/38)
16. If the non-Muslims try to counter-argue by claiming that their

religion also teaches the same or even better, ask for concrete proof or
evidence:
And they say: None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a

Christian. Those are their (vain) desires. Say: Produce your proof if
you are truthful. (Quran 2:111)
...Say: Produce the Torah and recite it, if you are truthful. If any,
after this invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust
wrong-doers. (Quran 3:93-94)
Or have they taken for worship (other) gods besides Him? Say:
Bring your convincing proof, this is the Reminder for those with me
and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not
the Truth, so they turn away. (Quran 21:24)
17. Make use of parables and similitude that may give admonition:
See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly Word like a
goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the
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sky. It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Rabb and
Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive
admonition. And the parable of an evil Word is that of an evil tree. It
is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth. It has no stability.
Allah will establish in strength those who believe, with the Word that
stands firm, in this world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave to
stray those who do wrong. Allah does what He wills. (Quran 14:2427)
We have put forth for men, in the Quran every kind of parable, in
order that they may receive admonition. (39:27)
18. Refrain from making people bored:
Abdullah bin Masd (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used
to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we
might not get bored. (Bukhari 1/68)
Ab Wail Shaqiq bin Salamah (r.a.) narrated that Abdullah bin

Masd (r.a.) used to give a religious talk to the people on every
Thursday. Once a man said, O Aba Abdar-Rahman! (By Allah) I
wish if you could preach us daily. He replied, The only thing which
prevents me from doing so, is that I have to bore you, and I take care
of you in preaching by selecting a suitable time just as the Prophet
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(s.a.w.s.) used to do with us, for fear of making us bored. (Bukhari

1/70 and Muslim)
Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl (r.a.) narrated that Abdullah bin Abbast said,
Preach to the people once a week, and if you wont, then preach
them twice; but if you want to preach more, then let it be three times
(a week only) and do not make the people fed-up with this Quran. If
you come to some people who are engaged in a talk, dont start
interrupting their talk by preaching, lest you should cause them to be
bored. You should rather keep quiet, and if they ask you, then preach
to them at the time when they are eager to hear what you say. And
avoid the use of rhymed prose in invocation for I noticed that Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and his Companions (r.a.) always avoided it.
(Bukhari 8/349)
19. Deliver the lecture briefly but precisely with eloquence in order to
arouse the listeners interest:
Abdullah bin Umar (r.a.) narrated that two men came from the East
and addressed the people who wondered at their eloquent speeches.
On that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, Some eloquent speech is
as effective as magic. (Bukhari 7/622)
Ab Wail Shaqiq bin Salamah (r.a.) narrated that Ammar delivered

to us (the audience) the sermon. It was short and eloquent. When he
99
(Ammar) descended (from the pulpit) we said to him, O Abul

Yaqzan, you have delivered a short and eloquent sermon. Would that
you had lengthened (the sermon). He said, I have heard Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as saying: The lengthening of prayer by a man
and the shortness of the sermon is the sign of his understanding (of
faith). So lengthen the prayer and shorten the sermon, for there is
charm (in precise) expression. (Muslim 1889)
Amr bin al-As (r.a.) narrated that one day when a man got up and
spoke at length he (Amr bin al-As) said, If he had been moderate in
what he said: It would have been better for him. I heard the
Messenger of Allah said: I think (or, I have been commanded) that I
should be brief in what I say, for brevity is better. (Ab Dawd
4990)
20. Talk with a sense of feeling or emotion:
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, What
is wrong with those people who look towards the sky during the
prayer? His talk grew stern while delivering this speech and he said,
They should stop (looking towards the sky during the prayer);
otherwise their eye-sight would be taken away. (Bukhari 1/717)
Abdullah bin Masd (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
I know the person who will be the last to come out of the (Hell) Fire,
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and the last to enter Paradise. He will be a man who will come out of
the (Hell) Fire crawling, and Allah will say to him, Go and enter
Paradise. He will go to it, but he will imagine that it had been filled,
and then he will return and say, O my Rabb, I have found it full.
Allah will say, Go and enter Paradise, and you will have what equals
the world and ten times as much (or you will have as much as ten
times the like of the world). On that, the man will say, Do you mock
at me (or laugh at me) though You are the King? I saw Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) (while saying that) smiling that his premolar
teeth became visible. It is said that he will be the lowest in degree
amongst the people of Paradise. (Bukhari 8/575)
Jabir bin Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that whenever Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) delivered a sermon, his eyes would turn red. His voice
would become loud. And his wrath would enhance as if he was
warning (the people) against an enemy troop, saying, It will surely
attack you in the morning; it will surely attack you in the evening...
(Ibn Majah 1/45)
21. Explain things very clearly.

Repeat important points (if
necessary), and speak in a clear voice loud enough for the last person
at the back to hear. And never talk so quickly and vaguely:
And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the
harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass. (Quran
31:19)
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Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): if you do
turn back, know you that it is Our Messengers duty to convey (the
Message) in the clearest manner. (Quran 5:92)
(We sent the Messengers) with Clear Signs and Scriptures and We
have also sent down unto you (O, Muhammad) the Message; that you
may explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may
give thought. (Quran 16:44)
How should they have the reminder. Seeing that a Messenger

explaining things clearly has (already) come to them. (Quran 44:13)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that whenever the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it thrice so that the
people could understand it properly from him and whenever he
asked permission to enter, (he knocked the door) thrice with
greeting. (Bukhari 1/95)
aishah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to talk so

clearly that if somebody wanted to count the number of his words, he
could do so. (Bukhari 4/768 and Muslim)
102
Abdullah bin Amr (r.a.) narrated that once Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) remained behind us in a journey. He joined us while we
were performing ablution for the Asr (afternoon) prayer which was
over-due. We were just passing wet hands over our feet (not washing
them properly) so the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) addressed us in a loud voice
and said twice or thrice, Save your heels from the Fire. (Bukhari
1/96)
aishah narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to talk so clearly

that if somebody wanted to count the number of his words, he could
do so. Narrated Urwa bin Az-Zubair: aishah (r.a.) said (to me),
Dont you wonder at Abu so-and-so who came and sat by my
dwelling and started relating the traditions of Allahs Messenger
intending to let me hear that, while I was performing an optional
prayer. He left before I finished my optional prayer. Had I found him
still there. I would have said to him, Allahs Messenger never talked
so quickly and vaguely as you do. (Bukhari 4/768)
22. Make appropriate gestures to facilitate better understanding:
Abu Uthman (r.a.) narrated that while we were at Adharbijan, Umar

(r.a.) wrote to us: Allah s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) forbade wearing silk
except this much. Then the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) approximated his two
fingers (index and middle fingers) (to illustrate that) to us. Zuhair
(the sub-narrator) raised up his middle and index fingers. (Bukhari
7/719)
103
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Abu-l-Qasim (the Prophet r) said,

On Friday there is a particular time. If a Muslim happens to be
praying and invoking Allah for something good during that time,
Allah will surely fulfill his request. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) pointed
out with his hand. We thought that he wanted to illustrate how short
that time was. (Bukhari 8/409)
Abdullah bin Masud (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
The Adhan pronounced by Bilal (r.a.) should not stop you from
taking Suhur, for he pronounces the Adhan at night, so that the one
offering the late night prayer (Tahajjud) from among you might hurry
up and the sleeping from among you might wake up. It does not
mean that dawn or morning has started. Then he (s.a.w.s.) pointed
with his fingers and raised them up (towards the sky) and then
lowered them (towards the earth) like this (Ibn Masud (r.a.) imitated
the gesture of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Az-Zuhri gestured with his two
index fingers, which he put on each other and then stretched them to
the right and left. These gestures illustrate the way real dawn
appears. It spreads left and right horizontally. The dawn that appears
in the high sky and lowers down is not the real dawn). (Bukhari
1/595)
23. Use visual aids for easy comprehension:
104
Abdullah bin Masd (r.a.) narrated that (once) Allahs Messenger

(s.a.w.s.) drew a line for us and then said, That is the path shown by
Allah. Then he drew several other lines on his right and left sides
and said, These are the paths on every side of which there is a devil
calling towards it. He then recited this verse, And verily, this is My
Straight Path, so follow it. (Tirmidhi 166, Ahmad, Nasai and
Darimi)
Jabir bin Abdullah (r.a.) narrated , We were sitting in the company

of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He drew a (straight) line and drew two
(other) lines on its right side and two lines on its left side. He then
placed his hand on the middle line and remarked, This is Allahs
Path. Then, he recited this verse: And verily, it is My Straight Path;
so follow not the (other) paths. They will separate you away from His
Path. (6:153). (Ibn Majah 1/11)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) drew a few
lines and said, This is (mans) hope, and this is the instant of his
death, and while he is in this state (of hope), the nearer line (death)
comes to Him. (Bukhari 8/427)
Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) drew a square

and then drew a line in the middle of it and let it extend outside the
square. Then he drew several small lines attached to that central line,
and said, This is the human being, and this, (the square) in his lease
of life, encircles him from all sides (or has encircled him), and this
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(line), which is outside (the square), is his hope. And these small lines
are the calamities and troubles (which may befall him), and if one
misses him, another will snap (i.e. overtake) him. And if the other
misses him, a third will snap (i.e. overtake) him. (Bukhari 8/426)
24. If anyone from the audience causes annoyance or insults you, be

patient, control your anger and refrain from disputes or quarrels:
Let not their speech grieve you: for all power and honor belong to
Allah: He Who hears and knows (all things). (Quran 10:65)
And argue not with the People of the Book (the Jews and the
Christians), except in the best way, unless it be with those of them
who do wrong. But say (to them), We believe in the Revelation which
has been sent down to us and in that which has been sent down to
you; our God and your God is One; and to Him we submit (in
Islam). (Quran 29:46)
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,

The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength,
but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.
(Bukhari 8/ 135 and Muslim 4/6311-6314)
106
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that a man said to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)

Advise me. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Do not be angry and
furious. The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet
(s.a.w.s.) said in each case, Do not be angry and furious. (Bukhari
8/137)
aishah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, The most
hated person in the sight of Allah is the most quarrelsome person.
(Bukhari 3/637)
Sahl Bin Sad (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,
Be patient till you face them (i.e., the infidels) and invite them to
Islam and inform them of what Allah has enjoined upon them. By
Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e., through
you) that will be better for you than the red camels. (Bukhari 4/192
and 5/51)
Ab Umamah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,

No people strayed from the right path after the (divine) guidance on
which they were, but those who, indulged in disputation. He then
recited the verse: Nay, but they are a contentious people (43:58).
(Ibn Majah 1/48)
25. Distribute the written copy of the lecture to the audience:
107
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that when Allah gave victory to His

Messenger (s.a.w.s.) over the people of Makkah, Allahs Messenger
(s.a.w.s.) stood up among the people. After glorifying Allah, he said,
Allah has prohibited fighting in Makkah and has given authority to
His Messenger and the believers over it. So, fighting was illegal for
anyone before me and was made legal for me for a part of a day, and
it will not be legal for anyone after me. Ab Shah, a Yemenite, stood
up and said, O Allahs Messenger! Get it written for me. Allahs
Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, Write it down for Aba Shah. (The subnarrator asked Al-Auzai), What did he mean by saying, Get it
written, O Allahs Messenger? He replied, The speech which he had
heard from Allahs Messenger. (Bukhari 3/613)
26. Ask if they understood properly the Islamic lecture that was
conveyed to them. Also be ready to entertain questions:
Ab Bakrah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, No

doubt your blood, property; the sub-narrator Muhammad thought
that Abu Bakrah had also mentioned and your honor (chastity) are
sacred to one another as is the sanctity of this day of yours in this
month of yours. It is incumbent on those who are present to inform
those who are absent. Muhammad, the sub-narrator, used to say,
Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) told the truth. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
repeated twice: No doubt! Havent I conveyed Allahs Message to
you? (Bukhari 1/105)
108
Anas bin Malik (r.a.), narrated that while we were in the mosque, a
man came riding on a camel. The man said to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), I
want to ask you something and will be hard on questioning. So do
not be angry. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, Ask whatever you
want. (Bukhari 1/63)
Anas bin Malik (r.a.), narrated that once the people started asking
Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) questions, and they asked so many
questions that he became angry and ascended the pulpit and said, I
will answer whatever questions you may ask me today... (Bukhari
8/373)
Mughirah bin Shubah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said,
Allah has forbidden you to be undutiful to your mothers, to
withhold (what you should give) or demand (what you do not
deserve), and to bury your daughters alive. And Allah has disliked
that you talk too much about others, ask too many questions (in
religion), or waste your property. (Bukhari 8/6)
27. Invite people to Islam with kind words, wisdom and beautiful
preaching instead of evil words or bad language:
Invite (all) to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and beautiful
preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most
109
gracious: for your Rabb knows best, who have strayed from His Path,
and who receive guidance. (Quran 16:125)
Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed
by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is most
Forbearing. (Quran 2:263)
Allah does not like the utterance of evil words in public except by
one who has been wronged. Allah is He Who hears and knows all
things. (Quran 4:148)
Abdullah bin Amir (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) never
used bad language. He used to say, The best amongst you are those
who have the best manners and character. (Bukhari 4/759; 8/56)
Abdullah ibn Masud (r.a.)narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

A believer does not taunt, curse, abuse or talk indecently. (Tirmidhi
1740)
Anas ibn Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said,
Coarse talk does not come into anything without disgracing it, and
modesty does not come into anything without adorning it.
(Tirmidhi 4854)
110
Abu Darda (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: Nothing
is weightier in the scales of a believer on the Day of Judgment than
his good behavior. Allah treats with displeasure a person who is
given to loose and vulgar talk. (Tirmidhi 626)
28. After the speech or Dawah is over, invite the non-Muslims to

open their minds and hearts to Islam with selected Quranic verses:
Truly the Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will).

Those who were given the Scripture (the Jews and the Christians) did
not differ except out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to
them. But if any denies the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to
account. (Quran 3:19)
And whoever desires a religion other than Islam (submission to

Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will
be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good). (Quran
3:85)
Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to
Allah...? (Quran 4:125)
111
...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My

favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion
(Quran 5:3)
Whatever you worship apart from Him is nothing but names which
you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent
down no authority. The command is for none but Allah. He has
commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the right
religion, but most men do not know. (Quran 12:40)
Ask the non-Muslims to ponder upon the veracity of the above

Quranic verses. They should be rational and see how powerful and
strong the categorical statements of Allah. Indeed, only the True God
and Creator of all has the divine power and authority to say the
above categorical statements to us.
29. Advise them to pray to the One and Only True God for guidance.
If they ignore your invitation, then advise them to pray to the One
and Only True God -- to supplicate to Him to guide them to the
Truth. Verily, He is the One Who guides those whom He wills to
Islam:
Those to whom Allah wills to guide, He opens their breast to Islam.

Those whom He wills to leave straying, He makes their breast close
112
and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the sky; thus does Allah
lay abomination on those who believe not. (Quran 6:125)
Whom Allah does guide, he is on the right path. Whom He rejects

from His guidance, such are the persons who lose. (Quran 7:178)
Ab Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said to

his uncle (at the time of his death), Make a profession of it that there
is no god but Allah and I will bear testimony (of your being a
Muslim) on the Day of Judgment. He (Ab Talib) said, Were it not
the fear of the Quraish blaming me (and) saying that it was the fear of
(approaching death) that induced me to do so, I would have certainly
delighted your eyes. It was then that Allah revealed, Verily, you (O
Muhammad) can not guide to the right path whom you love. And it
is Allah Who guides whom He will and He knows best who are the
guided (28:56). (Muslim 38)
Make it very clear to the non-Muslims that Allah, the Most Gracious,
the Most Merciful, is the Only One Who really guides people to the
Right Path. Allah (s.w.t.) gives guidance to those who ask His
guidance. He gives pardon to those who sincerely seek His
forgiveness. It is for their benefit that they must ask Allahs guidance
and forgiveness:
113
Race one another in asking forgiveness from your Rabb, and

towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of Heaven and
earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers.
That is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom He pleases:
and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty. (Quran 57:21)
Ab Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said that

Allah, the Most High, says, My servants. All of you are astray except
him whom I have guided, but if you ask Me for guidance I will guide
you. All of you are poor except him whom I have enriched, but if you
ask of Me, I will give you provision. All of you are sinners except him
whom I have preserved (from sin), but if any of you knows that I
have power to pardon and asks my pardon, I will pardon him, and I
do not care.... My giving is speech and my punishment is speech. My
command to a thing when I want it is just to say to it Be and it comes
into being. (Tirmidhi 2344, Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
For those who embrace Islam, it is Sunnah that after their sincere
declaration of the Shahadah, we should instruct them to supplicate to
Allah for His forgiveness, mercy, guidance and sustenance:
Abu Malik Ashjaì (r.a.) narrated that whenever a person embraced

Islam, Allahs Messenger (s.a.w.s.) instructed him to recite: O Allah,
grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to the path of
righteousness and provide me sustenance. (Muslim 6514)
114
30. When the lecture or program is over, it is Sunnah to conclude it

with supplication. When we finish our Dawah session (or gathering),
it is a Sunnah to conclude it with the following supplication:
Subhannaka Allahumma wa bihamdik. Ashado a la_ ilaha illa_ Ant.

Astaghfiruka wa atowbo ilaik. (How perfect you are O Allah and I
praise You. None has the right to be worshipped except You. I seek
Your forgiveness and turn in repentance to You.) (Tirmidhi 3/153)
Concluding Remarks
It is worth pointing out that public speaking is an art, and its success
depends on the individuals knowledge and mastery of the subject.
Being an art, it can be rendered in any way suitable to the given
occasion but it must be done in conformity with the Quran and the
Sunnah. All the principles of effective public speaking cited in this
paper prove that indeed Islam is the complete and perfect religion.
We need not look for any ideal effective public speaker because
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is the best model for us. It is true
that some individuals rose to fame and power because of their
eloquent speeches. However, their speeches are not necessarily
acceptable to Allah (s.w.t.). For one thing a public speaker will
succeed only if he does it for the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.), and not for
Riya (showing off). Let us not emulate those people who speak
eloquently only to impress people as in the end they will only receive
115
punishment in the Hell-Fire. Let us take warning from the following

divine admonitions:
There is the type of man whose speech about this worlds life may
dazzle you and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart;
yet is he the most contentious of enemies. When he turns his back his
aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy
crops and cattle. But Allah loves not mischief. When it is said to him
Fear Allah he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is
Hell; an evil bed indeed (to lie on)! (Quran 2: 204-206)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: On the
Day of resurrection Allah will not accept repentance or ransom from
him who learns excellence of speech to captivate thereby the hearts of
men, or of people. (Abu Dawud 4988)
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Essentials of Effective

Australian Islamic Library www.australianislamiclibrary.org

from Islamic Perspective

Muhammad Nabeel Musharraf