The life of Nuh alayhissalam is a great lesson for da’ees in the ummah of Muhammad ﷺ. Nuh alayhissalam’s life is one of the best examples of patience, perseverance and faith. He called his people to Allah consistently over an extended period of time (900+ years).
Calling people to the worship of Allah
Nuh alayhissalam said to his people – “He said, “O my people, indeed I am to you a clear warner,” Quran 71:2
Like all the other Prophets he invited the people to the worship of Allah.
“[Saying], ‘Worship Allah, fear Him and obey me.” Quran 71:3
Lesson – This was the message of all the Prophets alayhimussalam. This should be the focus of our da’wah efforts in general. Our focus should be on tawheed.
Consistency
“He said, “My Lord, indeed I invited my people [to truth] night and day.” Quran 71:5
Lesson – Nuh alayhissalam invited his people to Allah night and day. This shows that this was his missions in life. He invited to people openly and in private. The night and day in this verse could also indicate public vs private da’wah. So, we may be faced with situation and people that will require us to use different techniques of da’wah.
Perseverance/Determination
“But my invitation increased them not except in flight. And indeed, every time I invited them that You may forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments, persisted, and were arrogant with [great] arrogance.” Quran 71:6-7
Lesson – We see that the invitation of Nuh alayhissalam was not taken in a positive way by most of his people. But despite the results, he was consistent in his dawah focus and did not get side-tracked or disheartened by the results of his efforts. It is a reminder for da’ees that we should do our best to invite people to Allah but ultimately results are in the hands of Allah. He SWT is the one who guides whom He wants.
Usage of signs (creation) and blessing of Allah
“He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers. What is [the matter] with you that you do not attribute to Allah [due] grandeur While He has created you in stages? Do you not consider how Allah has created seven heavens in layers, and made the moon therein a [reflected] light and made the sun a burning lamp? And Allah has caused you to grow from the earth a [progressive] growth.” Quran 71:11-17
Lesson – This shows how Nuh alayhissalam reminded people of the blessings of Allah upon his people. He drew their attention to the majestic creation of Allah to reason with them and make them think of The One who Created all of this in perfect fashion. As da’ees, we should know our audience, understand their background (where they are coming from) and use means as appropriate to invite to Allah. This is how we need to perfect our da’wah efforts.
Bringing glad tidings and warnings
Nuh alayhissalam conveyed the blessings and favors of Allah that are awaiting the believer. At the same time, he also warned the people of the Fire that is awaiting the disbelievers among them. Our faith is based on hope and fear – hope of good things to come and fear of bad things. We need to use this balanced approach when inviting people to Islam.
The Most Exalted says, “and We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So, whoever believes and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” Quran 6:48
“O Prophet, indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp. And give good tidings to the believers that they will have from Allah great bounty.” Quran 33:45-47
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