Ways to guide new Muslims
Question
In the name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Ever Merciful
Assalaamu 'alaykum,
One of our female acquaintances has recently embraced Islam. What are the ideal methods to help her remain steadfast in Islam?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif is His slave and Messenger.
We supplicate Allaah The Almighty to reward you for your concern to do good deeds and call others to Islam. You should be delighted because Abu Hurayrah http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--3.gif narrated that the Prophet http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif , said that anyone who calls others to do good deeds would have the same reward as the guided persons without diminishing any part of their reward. [Ahmad and Muslim]
We should follow the example of the Prophet http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif when calling people to Islam:
First, to carefully and simply explain the principles of faith and the pillars of Islam as they were explained by the Prophet http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif to the ‘Abd Al-Qaysdelegation when they came to him. This tradition was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--3.gif. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Second, to adopt a gradual approach when illustrating what is lawful and what is unlawful. Having a gradual approach is a Divine method concerning the world's affairs as well as for Islamic legislation. This approach is also established in the Quran and Sunnah. It is necessary to adopt this approach for belief to remain unshaken according to the verse (what means): {And those who disbelieve say, "Why was the Quran not revealed to him all at once?" Thus, [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.} [Quran 25:32]
Third, to practise the manners and morals advocated by Islam when dealing with this woman. The Prophet http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif offered a gift to a Bedouin. Having received it, the man returned to his tribe and informed them that he had left a man (the Prophet http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif ) who was so generous that it was as though he did not fear poverty. This tradition was narrated on the authority of Anas http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--3.gif. [Ahmad and Muslim]
Fourth, to stress to her the importance of being loyal to the Muslims and disassociating from the disbelievers. Also, to urge the importance of choosing good, righteous friends because they can help her remain steadfast and far from deviation.
May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet http://www.islamweb.net/ver2/Archive/images/icon--1.gif.
Allaah Knows best.
