Manhaj al-Quran al-Karim fi Dawat al-Mushrikin ila al-Islam
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- Editions
- Deanship of Scientific Research at the Islamic University
Manhaj al-Quran al-Karim fi Dawat al-Mushrikin ila al-Islam (The Method of the Noble Qur'an in Calling Polytheists to Islam) is an academic treatise in Islamic theology and da'wah (proselytization) by the Saudi scholar Hammoud al-Ruhayli . The work investigates the methods, rational arguments, and rhetorical approaches employed by the Qur'an to invite polytheists to monotheism and refute idolatrous beliefs and practices .
Background and Composition
The book originated as a doctoral dissertation submitted in 1406 AH (c. 1986 CE) to the Department of Da'wah at the College of Da'wah and Usul al-Din in the Islamic University of Madinah . It served as a thematic sequel to the author's master's thesis, which had focused on the Qur'anic methodology of calling the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) to Islam . The dissertation was later published by the Deanship of Scientific Research at the Islamic University of Madinah in 1424 AH (c. 2003 CE) .
Structure and Scope
The work is organized into an introduction, a preliminary conceptual overview (tamhid), four main parts (abwab), a conclusion, and four analytical indices :
- Preliminary Overview: Defines the foundational terms of the title: manhaj (method), al-Qur'an, da'wah (calling/invitation), and al-Islam .
- Part One (Tawhid and Shirk in Human History): Comprises four chapters addressing the primordial precedence of monotheism over polytheism and refuting contrary views among certain comparative religion scholars; the definition, types, and manifestations of shirk in belief and worship; the historical emergence of polytheism and the methods of earlier prophets—including Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Isma'il, Yusuf, Shu'ayb, Musa, and 'Isa—in combating it; and the state of religious beliefs inside and outside the Arabian Peninsula prior to the advent of Islam .
- Part Two (Features of the Qur'anic Method in Calling Polytheists): Comprises three chapters covering proofs of God's existence and unity drawn from the innate human disposition (fitrah) and observable signs in the cosmos, mankind, animals, and plants; argumentative and rational proofs, such as establishing the truthfulness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, questioning polytheists, utilizing their acknowledgment of divine lordship (tawhid al-rububiyyah), dialectic reasoning, and parables; and Qur'anic directives, such as commands to abandon inherited traditions, reminders of divine favors, warnings of punishment, and exposing the irrationality of idolatry .
- Part Three (Refuting Polytheists' Doubts): Comprises two chapters dedicated to answering misconceptions regarding unseen matters (the reality of angels, the denial of the resurrection, intercession, and holy patrons) and doubts surrounding the prophetic revelation (allegations against the Qur'an, fabrications against the Prophet ﷺ, and demanding arbitrary miraculous signs) .
- Part Four (The Transformation of Polytheists and Legal Rulings): Comprises three chapters detailing the practical transformation required of converts in ritual acts of worship (prayer, zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage); the moral and behavioral reform demanded by Islam, promoting virtues like filial piety, justice, honesty, and patience while prohibiting pre-Islamic vices such as female infanticide, fornication, usury, and intoxicants; and the legal position of Islam toward polytheists, including prohibitions regarding entering the Sacred Mosque, dietary and marriage restrictions, the cessation of seeking forgiveness for them, warfare, and juristic differences concerning the acceptance of jizyah from them .
The book concludes with a summary of findings and four reference indices covering Qur'anic verses, Prophetic traditions and historical reports, cited sources, and subjects .
Method and Sources
The author's methodology relies on gathering relevant Qur'anic verses under each thematic heading, interpreting their guidance through classical works of exegesis (tafsir), and referencing Hadith narrations from canonical collections such as the Sahih and Sunan compilations . Historical reports and biographical events from the prophetic biography (sirah) are documented from classical histories and theological references, while obscure linguistic terms are analyzed using classical Arabic dictionaries .
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