ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Methods of Propagation and Missionary Work The Missionary's Education "…; why should not then a company from every party of them go forth that they may acquire (proper) unders-tanding in religion, and that they may warn their people when they return unto them…" Holy Qur'an (Tawba 9: 122) This verse discusses about the obligation of acquiring religious knowledge, as well as, spreading it to others.

It establishes the connection between the imperative nature of studying Islam, being aware of its thoughts and concepts and assimilating its culture, on the one hand, and inviting to it, propagating it and presenting it to others, on the other hand. This is because acquiring knowledge `tafaqquh', which is mentioned in the verse, means understanding, ideological and intellectual awareness, as well as, grasping the Islamic rules, aims and objectives.

This is how this holy verse made it compulsory upon all Muslims to acquire knowledge, as well as, calling people to Allah.

Allah, the Most High says: "Say (O Our Apostle Muhammad): `This is my way, I invite (you all) unto Allah; with clear sight, (which) I and he who follows me (possesses); anad glory be to Allah, and I am not of the polytheists." Holy Qur'an (Yusuf 12: 108) Indeed, if this Qur'anic exposition talks on acquiring religious knowledge in its capacity as a collective responsibility which must be discharged to the level of sufficiency, and that the propagator should invite others with clear awareness, comprehension and insight, then, other verses teach the missionaries and propagators the method to be used in calling people to Islam.

For instance, His saying: "And call unto the way of you r Lord with wisdom and kindly exhortation and dispute with them in the manner which is the best." Holy Qur'an (Nahl 16: 125) "…Repel you (evil) with what is the best, when lo!

He between whom and you was enimty, shall be as though he were a warm friend." Holy Qur'an (Fussilat 41: 34) We can see that learning the methods and knowing the means by which to invite people to Islam is part of acquiring religious knowledge and grasping its content and purposes.

If the Qur'an requires those propagating Allah's word to dispute with their opponent scientifically and with the best and most effective methods, then, it means that the Qur'an requires the callers to be more acquainted with the thoughts, culture, beliefs and ideology of the opponent.