Dawa ila al-Sunna fi Tatbiq al-Sunna Manhajan wa Usluban
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- Without publisher (King Fahd National Library Cataloging - Riyadh)
Dawa ila al-Sunna fi Tatbiq al-Sunna Manhajan wa Usluban (A Call to the Sunnah in Applying the Sunnah in Method and Manner) is a contemporary treatise on Islamic methodology and da‘wah by the Saudi scholar Abd Allah ibn Dayf Allah al-Ruhayli . The work presents a constructive critique of the methods and attitudes prevalent among callers to the Sunnah, advocating adherence to the Prophetic guidance in manner and approach rather than merely in external practice .
Origin and Objectives
The book originated from a public lecture delivered by al-Ruhayli that initially circulated on audio cassette . In the introduction, the author explains that the objective is to emphasize following the Sunnah both inwardly and outwardly—in form, substance, method, conduct, and purpose . Rather than limiting the call to memorizing or narrating hadith, the work urges a sound, profound understanding (fiqh) of the Sunnah .
Al-Ruhayli clarifies that engaging in da‘wah does not render a preacher immune to constructive criticism; one must distinguish between the infallible revelation and the fallible human methods used to invite others to it .
Scope and Key Themes
The author categorizes common defects into four main domains:
- Shortcomings in understanding the specific practices of the Sunnah .
- Shortcomings in conceptualizing adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah .
- Shortcomings in handling secondary jurisprudential differences (ikhtilaf) .
- Shortcomings in understanding creed (aqidah) .
Al-Ruhayli notes that Dawa ila al-Sunna is devoted specifically to treating the first three areas . Among the critical issues addressed in the treatise are:
- Harshness and rigidity: Warning against rigidity (jumud) under the guise of adherence, adopting strictness as a baseline, and treating commendable acts (mustahabbat) as strict obligations (wajibat) .
- Handling secondary disagreement: Condemning extreme stances over valid differences of juristic interpretation, reviving obscure contentious issues, and forming alliances or enmities (al-wala' wa-l-bara') over peripheral matters .
- Prioritization and communal unity: Pointing out that preserving the unity and harmony of the Muslim community takes precedence over disputing minor recommended acts .
- Hasty accusations of innovation: Warning against rush declarations of heresy (tabdi'), noting that excessive accusations of innovation are themselves unwarranted departures from sound practice .
- Balance between inward and outward: Emphasizing that calling people to love and venerate the Sunnah must precede holding them accountable to its external details .
Method
In drafting the work, the author adhered to a policy of criticizing widespread errors and missteps in the abstract, intentionally avoiding naming specific individuals or factions . He maintained that the objective is sincere counsel (nasihah) rather than exposure or personal denigration (fadhiah) .
Regarding hadith citations, al-Ruhayli avoided exhaustive chains and cross-referencing, considering a narration's presence in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim sufficient for the book's purpose .
Reception and Publication
Upon its initial dissemination as a lecture and subsequent publication, the work elicited varying reactions: supporters praised its balanced approach to religious understanding, while some critics objected and voiced opposition to its critique of contemporary preaching practices .
The work has been published in multiple editions:
- First edition: Published by Dar al-Qalam and al-Dar al-Shamiyyah in Beirut (1410 AH) .
- Second edition: Published in Riyadh by Matba‘at Safir (1419 AH / 1998 CE, ~200 pages) .
- Third edition: Published in Riyadh (1429 AH / 2008 CE) .
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