When is Harshness Applied in Da'wah

Shaykh Rabee ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee


When is lenience and when is harshness applied in Da'wah when interacting with people?


The standard in Da'wah is applying lenience, gentleness and wisdom, this is the basis may Allaah bless you.

There are those who oppose and deny the truth, you establish the evidence upon them but they refuse [to accept the truth], this is when you use refutations. If you were a ruler and he was a caller, you may discipline him with the sword (authority). This may lead to his execution if he is persistent in propagating his falsehood.

There are some scholars who hold the opinion that this person is worse than brigands. So he is to be advised and the evidence is to be established upon him. If he refuses to accept [the truth], the legislated authority is to punish him by imprisoning, banishing or even by executing him.

Al Jahm ibn Safwaan, Bishr al Mareesee, Al Ja'd ibn Dirham and others were sentenced to death, may Allaah bless you. This is the ruling of the 'Ulamaa over those who oppose and persist on propagating their innovations. If Allaah benefits them [through advice] and they return [to the truth], then this is what is intended.


Translator: Nadir Ahmad, Abu Abdul-Waahid