al-Itidal fi al-Dawa
- Author died
- 1421 AH
- Editions
- Ministry of Awqaf, Saudi Arabia
al-I'tidal fi al-Da'wah (Moderation in Islamic Propagation) is a treatise on methodology and ethics in Islamic outreach by the Saudi scholar Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (d. 1421 AH / 2001 CE) . The work outlines principles of balanced engagement, addressing common pitfalls of extremism and negligence in calling people to Islam .
Background and Authorship
The author, Muhammad ibn Salih ibn Muhammad al-Uthaymin al-Wuhaybi al-Tamimi, served as a member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, a professor at the Qassim branch of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and the imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque in Unayzah . Having studied under Abd al-Rahman ibn Nasir al-Sa'di, he engaged in public teaching and guidance from 1371 AH until 1421 AH . His discourse in al-I'tidal fi al-Da'wah reflects his broader pedagogical focus on instilling moderation, clarity, and adherence to prophetic guidelines among students of knowledge and Islamic callers .
Core Themes and Methodology
The treatise focuses on the essential qualities and methodological framework required of anyone engaged in inviting others to Islam (al-da'wah ila Allah):
- Sincerity and Intention: The caller must maintain absolute sincerity (ikhlas) for the sake of God, seeking divine pleasure rather than personal status or validation .
- Knowledge of the Addressee: Effective propagation requires assessing and understanding the specific condition and background of the audience prior to advising or instructing them .
- Wisdom (al-Hikmah) and Gradualism: Ibn 'Uthaymin defines wisdom as placing every matter in its appropriate position and context . He cautions callers against impetuosity and unrealistic expectations, emphasizing that demanding an immediate, overnight transformation from people is contrary to wisdom . He supports this principle by referencing the gradual revelation (tadarruj) of the divine legislation across the Prophet's mission until the rulings became firmly rooted .
- The Tiers of Invitation: Drawing upon the Quranic directives in Surah al-Nahl and Surah al-'Ankabut— ادْعُ إِلَى سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلْهُمْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ ("Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best") and وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ ("And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them")—Ibn 'Uthaymin outlines four distinct tiers of engagement: calling through wisdom, exhorting through good admonition, debating in the best manner with non-transgressors, and responding appropriately to open wrongdoers .
- Gentleness and Temperance: The text highlights kindness, mildness, and patience as primary instruments for drawing people toward religious practice, avoiding harshness that alienates listeners .
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