Scholars of Islam are engaged in a soul searching discussion as to how they can be more effective in their Godly work of preaching. Many voices are being heard but the most distinct one is that of Shaheed Murtaza Mutahari. He may not be the first Islamic scholar to notice the futility of traditional, hackneyed, trite and insipid way of preaching, he certainly is the most vocal reformist, as displayed in his lectures and writings, to call for a change in Islamic contemporary preaching. 

In early 70s, while addressing a gathering of intellectuals and scholars of Islam in Iran, he emphasised upon the need of using modern means and methods to preach Islam.

In Islamic Contemporary Preaching Ways/Means are Dispensable

Mutahari pointed out that ways and means are dispensable and changeable and he stated that they must be employed diligently according to the objectives of the preacher as well as the capacity of the subjects concerned. He believed that the Islamic scholars and preachers must consider this fact so that they remained effective and relevant to their time and its needs.

Quranic Principles of Preaching

The Quran says, "Invite (all) to the way of they Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious for they Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from his path, and who receive guidance." (16:125)

Shaheed Murtaza Mutahari believed that the principles of religious preaching are laid down in this passage. He argued that it is each individual's responsibility to invite others to the ways of Allah. Mutahari said that Islamic scholars must do it with wisdom and discretion meeting people on their own grounds and convincing them with illustrations from their own knowledge and experience. Preaching must not be dogmatic, self-regarding and offensive. It should be gentle and considerate so that people feel attracted towards it.

Mutahari also believed that preachers’ manners and arguments should not be acrimonious but courteous and gracious so that people should believe that these scholars are not dealing merely with dialectics but sincerely expounding the faith that is in them and their motive is the love of man and the love of Allah.

Sincerity of Purpose not Enough to do the Job Well

For Mutahari, sincerity of purpose is the first prerequisite of a great preacher. This, however, is not enough to do the job correctly.

According to Mutahari, the scholars of Islam must veer away from their hackneyed style of preaching and inject fresh thinking into their divine work. The classical mindset that makes Islamic preaching the responsibility of men from Madrassas, religious schools, must change. According to the Quran, it is the responsibility of every one who claims to be a Muslim.

Four Important Features Islamic Preachers Should Take Care of

In this respect, Mutahari says, there are four features to be taken care of if one has to be an effective preacher. These entail personal as well as social benefits.

1.       Complete understanding of the Quran;

2.       Presenting personal character as model to other;

3.       Understanding of the philosophical, intellectual economic political, cultural, national and international problems of the world and their solution; and

4.       Preaching through social service.

Islamic scholars are convinced that presently to be more effective in preaching they will have to preach Islam through personal conduct and social service. As the modern man has undergone a revolution as regards his needs and psychology, preachers will have to take everything, minor or major, into account.

Islamic scholars need first rediscover Islam in the modern perspective, employing all modern and sophisticated means, so that they are able to do their job well.

Sources:

1- Shaheed Murtaza Mutahari, Sukhan, Jamia Talemat e Islami, Karachi, Pakistan, 1992

2- Saiyid Amir Ali, The Spirit of Islam, Methuen, UK, 1953

3- Dr. Mohammad Mahdy Allam, Al Montakhab- Interpretation of The Holy Quran, Al-Azhar, Egypt, 1993