One Inviting others to Allâh Should be Gentle with a Smiling Face

Question :

Some people whom we consider to be very religious Muslims deal harshly with others, and it seems that some of them are constantly frowning. What is your advice to them? How should a Muslim act with his brother who has shortcomings in his adherence to the religion?

Answer:

That which is supported in the pure Sunnah the Sunnah of the Prophet is that it is obligatory to invite others to Allâh Almighty with wisdom, gentleness, and ease in manner. Allah Almighty said to His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
"Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better."

He also said:
"And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah's forgiveness for them."

When Allâh Almighty sent Musa and Harun to Fir'awn, he told them:
"And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah."

The Prophet ﷺ declared:
"Indeed, Allah gives because of gentleness that which He does not give because of harshness."

When he used to send people on expeditions, the Prophet used to say:
"Make matters easy, not difficult; give glad tidings, don't repel (people); for verily, you were sent as people who make matters easy, not as people who make matters difficult."

This is exactly how a Da'iyah (one who invites) should be gentle, smiling, composed if he is striving to affect people.

Furthermore, his Da'wah should be to Allâh Almighty, not to himself. When he is calling to Allâh Almighty, Allah Almighty makes his affairs easy and will guide people through him according to His will. But if he is calling to himself, it is as if he is seeking attention or that he wishes to overcome his opponent.

In this case his Da'wah Will be deficient and void of blessing.

Thus one should invite people out of compassion for them and to exalt and aid in Allah's religion.