Question:

What do the scholars of shari’ah say: What are the qualities of a successful preacher?

Answer:

A successful preacher is someone who wishes the best for everyone he comes across. He sincerely hopes and prays that people are guided to the truth as if they were all from his own family and children. He will be kind and accessible to people, always trying to cover their faults and improve them, not exposing them.

A successful preacher understands his role is to deliver the beauty of Islam and the truth to others. Whether people accept and act upon what is said is between them and Allah ﷻ. He can differentiate between matters in religion, prioritising beliefs which are the core of our religion and leaving matters which are differed and debated in scholarly circles, not bringing these issues to the masses. He will always try to unite people and strive for everyone to earn the pleasure of Allah ﷻ as opposed to isolating and excluding some. One’s tabligh should be a means of creating ease for people and most importantly, instilling great love and respect for the Prophet ﷺ in everyone’s hearts.

And Allah ﷻ knows the best.

This Fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari