Manhaj al-Sahaba fi Dawat al-Mushrikin min Ghayr Ahl al-Kitab
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- Dar al-Risalah al-Alamiyyah
Manhaj al-Sahaba fi Dawat al-Mushrikin min Ghayr Ahl al-Kitab (The Methodology of the Companions in Calling Non-Scriptural Polytheists) is a contemporary study in Islamic missionary methodology (dawah) by Dr. Abd al-Aziz bin Muhammad bin Saud al-Kabir. The book investigates the principles, means, and methods employed by the Prophet Muhammad's Companions (Sahaba) when inviting pagan and non-monotheistic populations to Islam.
Background and Purpose
The work originated as part of a doctoral dissertation titled Manhaj al-Sahaba radiya Allahu anhum fi Dawat al-Mushrikin min Ghayr Ahl al-Kitab ila al-Islam, submitted to the Higher Institute of Dawah and Hisbah at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University during the academic year 1434–1435 AH (2013–2014 CE). The author subsequently revised and reformulated the academic text into book form for general readers by removing lengthy definitions and extraneous discussions.
The author highlights that the majority of the Companions were themselves idolaters prior to accepting Islam—except for those who had belonged to the People of the Book or were born into Muslim families—and that their missionary engagement spanned the prophetic era through to the death of the last surviving Companion, Abu al-Tufayl Amir ibn Wathila al-Laythi (d. 100 AH). He argues that examining their methodology addresses modern missionary needs, especially in setting sound foundations in an era marked by doctrinal disagreements and given the vast global populations adhering to non-scriptural polytheistic beliefs.
Structure and Content
The book comprises an introductory chapter followed by four main chapters:
- Introductory Chapter (al-Fasl al-Tamhidi): Examines the religious status and virtue of the Companions and defines the term mushrikun (polytheists), categorizing their distinct types and characteristics.
- Chapter One: Discusses the foundational sources (usus) and regulatory guidelines (dawabit) of the Companions' methodology, emphasizing the Quran and the Sunnah as the primary bases from which their efforts derived authority and guidance.
- Chapter Two: Focuses on the dynamics of the caller (al-da'i) and the recipient of the call (al-mad'u). It articulates that calling others to God is a shared obligation incumbent upon every Muslim within their capacity, while also analyzing the social, psychological, and leadership profiles of recipients that dictate tailored approaches.
- Chapter Three: Investigates the missionary vehicles (al-wasa'il), pedagogical styles (al-asalib), and core subjects (al-mawdu'at) used by the Companions. It emphasizes that their message encompassed the whole of Islam—creed, law, and ethics—with the call to tawhid (monotheism) given absolute priority above all other matters.
- Chapter Four: Highlights the unique characteristics (khasa'is) distinguishing the Companions' missionary model—stemming from their historical context, personal traits, and direct learning during the prophetic mission—and details practical applications for contemporary Islamic workers.
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