Da’wah and a Well-Balanced Life in Islâm

By Dr. Norlain Dindang Mababaya

The Need for a Well-Balanced Life

Islâm, as the perfect religion and the complete way of life offers a well-balanced life for
all mankind. To be successful, we Du’ât must excel in doing Da’wah regularly within our
abilities in order to please Allâh I and earn His Mercy. At the same time, we must see to it
that we do not neglect our personal and social responsibilities as members of our
respective families, the Muslim Ummat and the national and international societies we
belong. We are expected to do Da’wah first to ourselves, to our immediate families,
relatives, neighbors and friends, and then to other people. We should as much as possible,
try to balance our time and efforts to do Da’wah to all those who deserve the divine
invitation, especially to our spouses and children because we are accountable to them. In
an authentic hâdîth compiled by Imam Bukhari, ‘Abdullah bin Umar reported that he
heard the Prophet Muhammad r saying:
“Every one of you is a guardian, and responsible for what is in his custody. The ruler is a
guardian of his subjects and responsible for them; a husband is a guardian of his family
and is responsible for it; a lady is a guardian of her husband’s house and is responsible for
it, and a servant is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible for it. A man is a
guardian of his father’s property and is responsible for it so all of you are guardians and
responsible for your wards and things under your care).” (Bukhari 3/592)
Since we are accountable to our families, it is a must that we attend to their personal
needs without sacrificing our religious duties to Allâh which include Da’wah. For those
Du’ât who are employed as government or public servants, it is a must that they should
also respond to the needs of their people:
Abu Mariam Al-Azdi t narrated: When I entered upon Mu'awiyah, he said: How good
your visit is to us, O father of so-and-so. (This is an idiom used by the Arabs on such
occasions). I said: I tell you a tradition which I heard (from the Prophetr). I heard the
Messenger of Allâh say: “If Allâh puts anyone in the position of authority over the affairs
of the Mu slims, and he secludes himself (from them), not fulfilling their needs, wants,
and poverty, Allâh will keep Himself away from him, not fulfilling his need, want and
poverty. He said: He (Mu'awiyah) appointed a man to fulfill the needs of the people.”
(Abu Dawud 2942)
We Du’ât must strive hard to enjoy the material comfort and success in this world. At the
same time, we must develop our spiritual aspects of life in order to have eternal peace,
happiness and success in the next world. Allâh the Most Gracious says:
“It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Rabb (during pilgrimage). Then
when you pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allâh at the Sacred
Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has directed you even though before this you
went astray.” (2:198)
“But seek the wealth which Allâh has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor
forget your portion in this World. But do good, as Allâh has been good to you, and seek
not (occasions for) mischief in the land; for Allâh loves not those who do mischief.”
(28:77)
“And when the prayer is finished, then may you disperse through the land, and seek of
the Bounty of Allâh: and remember Allâh frequently that you may prosper.” (62:10)
As part of Allâh’s divine guidance, we read in the Qur’ân the following brief but
comprehensive supplication for a well-balanced life:
“Our Rabb! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter. And save us from the
torment of the Fire!” (2:201)
In line with the above prayer, Allâh’s Messenger r teaches us to supplicate to Allâh I for a
well-balanced life. The following authentic Ahâdîth quote:
‘Abdullah bin Jabir t narrated that he heard Allâh's Messengerr say: “There is an hour
during the night in which no Muslim individual will ask Allâh for good in this world and
the next without His giving it to him; and that applies to every night.” (Muslim 1654)
Anas bin Malik t narrated that Allâh's Messengerr visited one of the Muslims who had
grown as feeble as chicken, in order to inquire (about his health). Allâh's Messengerr
said, “Did you supplicate for anything or beg Him for that?” He said, “ Yes. I used to
utter (these words): Impose upon me earlier in this world the punishment that You are
going to impose upon me in the Hereafter.” Thereupon Allâh's Messengerr remarked,
“Glory be to Allâh, you have neither the power nor the forbearance to take upon yourself
(the burden of His Punishment). Why did you not say this: O Allâh, grant us good in the
world, good in the Hereafter, and save us from the torment of the Fire?” He (the Holy
Prophet) made this supplication (for him) and he was all right. (Muslim 6501)
‘Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib t narrated: “I heard the Messenger of Allâh r said “Say between
the two corners, “O Allâh, bring us a blessing in this world and a blessing in the next and
guard us from punishment of Hell.” (Abu Dawud, 1887)
Abu Hurairah t narrated that the Prophet r said, "Seventy angels have been put in charge
of it (i.e. the Yamani corner), so if anyone says, 'O Allâh, I ask You for pardon and well-
being in this world and the next; our Rabb, bring us a blessing in this world and a
blessing in the next, and guard us from the punishment of Hell', they will say Amen.”
(Tirmidhi 2590 and Ibn Majah)

Moderation
Corollary to the divine injunctions to live in a well-balanced life, Islâm enjoins upon us to
observe the virtue of moderation. While Islâm commands us to be consistent in doing
good deeds, it does not, however, enjoin us to be excessive. The rule is moderation in all
our affairs as Islâm is an easy religion:
Narrated Abu Hurairah t that the Prophet r said, “Religion is very easy and whoever
overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you
should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that
you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings,
afternoons and during the last hours of the nights.” (Bukhari 1/ 38)
As Du’ât , we should try to do Da’wah to the best of our abilities but not to be extreme.
During our Da’wah, we should include in our discussion, the concept of moderation in
Islâm. Both the Qur’ân and the Sunnah enjoin us to be moderate instead of being
extreme. Allâh I says in the Qur’ân:
“Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just
(balance) between those (extremes);” (25:67)
“And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without
doubt is the braying of the ass.” (31:19)
Likewise, the Messenger of Allâh r enjoins us to be moderate. The following authentic
Ahâdîth tell us:
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messengerr said, “The deeds of anyone of you will
not save you (from the Hell Fire).” They said, “Even you, (will not be saved by your
deeds), O Allâh’s Messengerr?” He said: “No, even I, unless and until Allâh bestows His
Mercy on me. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship
Allâh in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always
adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your Target
(Paradise).” (Bukhari 8/ 470)
Abu Hurairah t narrated that When this verse was revealed, "Whoever does evil will be
required for it" (4:123), and when this was conveyed to the Muslims they were greatly
perturbed. Thereupon Allâh's Messenger r said: “Be moderate and stand firm in trouble
that falls to the lot of a Muslim (as that) is an expiation for him; even stumbling on the
path or the pricking of a thorn (are an expiation for him).” (Muslim 6243)
Abdullah Bin Sarjis t narrated that the Prophet r said, “A good manner of conduct,
deliberation and moderation are a twenty-fourth part of prophecy.” (Tirmidhi 5059)

Doing Da’wah Regularly Within Our Abilities and not

to be Extreme
We, Du’ât , have to be consistent in our duty to do Da’wah for the Cause of Allâh I. This
is a must, because Allâh I has enjoined the noble duty to His Messenger r; and hence, to
do likewise is a Sunnah. Allâh I also stresses that among those who do not loss their lives,
as time passes by, are those who are patient and consistent in enjoining the Truth. Allâh
the Almighty says:
“O you (Muhammad) wrapped up (in a mantle)! Arise and deliver your warning! And
your Rabb do you magnify! And your garments keep free from stain and all abomination
shun! Nor expect, in giving any increase (for yourself)! But for your Rabb’s (Cause). Be
patient and constant!” (74:1-7)
“By the time, verily man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds,
and join (together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth, and of patience and constancy.”
(103:1-3)
We have to be consistent in inviting people to Islâm. We should try to be regular in doing
Da’wah within our abilities, because Allâh I loves those deeds that are done constantly
even though they may be few:
‘Aishah narrated that the Prophetr came while a woman was sitting with me. He said,
“Who is she? I replied, “She is so and so,” and told him about her (excessive) praying. He
said disapprovingly, “Do (good) deeds which is within your capacity (without being
overtaxed) as Allâh does not get tired (of giving rewards) but (surely) you will get tired
and the best (act of worship) in the sight of Allâh is what which is done regularly.”
(Bukhari 1/41)
Abu Hurairah t narrated that he heard Allâh’s Messenger saying, "The good deeds of any
person will not make him enter Paradise. (i.e., None can enter Paradise through his good
deeds.)” They (the Prophet’s companions) said, "Not even you, O Allâh’s Messenger?”
He said, "Not even myself, unless Allâh bestows His favor and mercy on me.” So be
moderate in your religious deeds and do the deeds that are within your ability: and none
of you should wish for death, for if he is a good doer, he may increase his good deeds,
and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to Allâh.” (Bukhari 7/577)
‘Aisha narrated that the Prophetr was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allâh?” Her
said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” Her added, “Don’t
take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.” (Bukhari 8 /472)
Furthermore, while Islâm commands us to be constant in doing good deeds, it does not,
however, enjoin us to be excessive. To reiterate, the rule is moderation in all our affairs as
Islâm is an easy religion. As Du’ât , we should, therefore, try to be regular in doing
Da’wah to the best of our abilities but not to be extreme. Both the Qur’ân and the Sunnah
enjoin us to be moderate instead of being extreme:
"O you who believe! Make not unlawful the good things that God has made lawful for
you, but commit no excess: for God loves not those given to excess.” (5:87)
Abdullah bin Amr t narrated that Allâh's Messengerr was informed that I have said: "By
Allâh, I will fast all the days and pray all the nights as long as I live.” On that, Allâh's
Messenger asked me. "Are you the one who says: 'I will fast all the days and pray all the
nights as long as I live?’” I said, "Yes, I have said it.” He said, "You cannot do that. So
fast (sometimes) and do not fast (sometimes). Pray and sleep. Fast for three days a month,
for the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten time, and so the fasting of three days a
month equals the fasting of a year.” I said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! I can do (fast) more
than this” He said, "Fast on every third day.” I said: "I can do (fast) more than that” He
said: "Fast on alternate days and this was the fasting of David which is the most moderate
sort of fasting.” I said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! I can do (fast) more than that.” He said,
"There is nothing better than that.” (Bukhari, 4/629)
It is very clear that Islâm enjoins us well-balanced life. It teaches us to be moderate and
not to be extreme in doing good deeds. If possible, we should spend our time, efforts,
resources, and the like in meeting both our worldly and spiritual lives. However, should
there be conflict between the two, we should always give preference to our spiritual lives
in order to please Allâh I and attain ultimate success in the life Hereafter. We should
always remember that the very purpose of our lives is to worship Allâh I throughout our
lives. Our Rabb tells us:
“I have created not the jinn and men except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek
not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allâh is the
All-Provider, Owner of Power, Most Strong.” (51:56-58)
“So glorify the praises of your Rabb and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).
And worship your Rabb until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e., death).”
(15:98-99)
Between giving Da’wah and social activities, purely to satisfy our social lives, we should
give preference to the former, if it is impossible for us to perform both. We should not be
too engrossed with this materialistic world and forget our spiritual and religious aspects
of life. Instead, we must choose the eternal life in the Hereafter. This is imperative
because our Creator tells us:
“Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement, but best is the Home in the
Hereafter, for those who are righteous, will you not then understand?” (6:32)
For our complete success, we have to excel in our Da’wah within our capacity and be
regular in doing the said very noble task. We should make some sacrifices doing Da’wah
without being extreme to please Allâh I and gain His Mercy. Every one of us must try to
live in a well-balanced life and at the same time sincerely dedicate everything to Allâh:
“Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allâh,
the Rabb (Only God, Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds.” (6:162)