Dawat al-Rusul

Da'wat al-Rusul (The Call of the Messengers) is an Islamic study by the Egyptian scholar Ahmad Ahmad Ghallush that analyzes the history, methods, and principles of the prophetic mission (da'wah) as presented in the Quran al-Istinbat inda al-Khati…+1.

Background and Purpose

Ghallush completed the book in Nasr City, Cairo, on 1 Muharram 1422 AH (15 March 2002 CE) Dawat al-Rusul. In the author's preface, he explains that he sought to highlight the specific da'wah dimension (al-janib al-da'awi) within the stories of the prophets, based on his premise that the entire Quran—its narratives, rulings, and legislation—was revealed as guidance for callers to God, beginning with the Islamic prophet Muhammad and extending to all sincere advocates throughout history Dawat al-Rusul.

The stated aim of the work is to provide modern da'wah practitioners with practical models by linking past events to contemporary realities, presenting the prophets as enduring exemplars, and outlining the fundamental methods, audience dynamics, and arguments encountered in religious advocacy Dawat al-Rusul+1.

Structure and Scope

The work begins with an introductory overview of the history of da'wah, followed by a chronological and thematic examination of individual prophetic missions across Islamic history Dawat al-Rusul. Each chapter typically introduces a prophet, describes the society to which he was sent, traces the practical course of his advocacy (harakat al-da'wah), and deduces foundational principles (raka'iz al-da'wah) specific to that prophet's experience Dawat al-Rusul+1.

The prophets and figures covered include:

• Adam, Idris, Nuh, and Hud Dawat al-Rusul.
• Salih, Ibrahim, and Lut Dawat al-Rusul.
• Shu'ayb and Isma'il Dawat al-Rusul.
• The prophets of the Children of Israel, including Ishaq, Ya'qub, Yusuf, Ayyub, Dhu al-Kifl, and Yunus Dawat al-Rusul+1.
• Musa, detailing his interactions with Pharaoh, the magicians, the believers within Pharaoh's household, the Israelites, al-Khidr, and Korah (Qarun) Dawat al-Rusul+1.
• Harun, Ilyas, al-Yasa', Dawud, and Sulayman Dawat al-Rusul.
• Zakariyya, Yahya, and Isa Dawat al-Rusul.

Methodology and Themes

Ghallush deduces several recurrent features defining the methodology of the prophets:

1. Prioritizing monotheism (tawhid): Centering the call on establishing God's oneness and demonstrating the invalidity of false deities Dawat al-Rusul.
2. Gradual presentation: Breaking complex theological issues into distinct points to facilitate comprehension, reasoned dialogue, and persuasion Dawat al-Rusul.
3. Closeness to the audience: Leveraging shared ties, affection, sincere counsel, and an understanding of the audience's living reality and aspirations Dawat al-Rusul.
4. Exemplary ethics: Maintaining moral integrity and patience in the face of rejection and opposition, without hastily demanding immediate results Dawat al-Rusul.

The book also emphasizes the diverse rhetorical and communicative styles recorded in the Quranic depictions of the prophets, which were revealed in Arabic to serve as accessible guides for the Muslim community Dawat al-Rusul.

Publication

The book was published in a single volume by Mu’assasat al-Risalah in Beirut, with a first edition appearing in 1423 AH (2002 CE) al-Istinbat inda al-Khati….