Da'wah presentations
Abul Walid Al-Hamawi & Ibrahim Abu Khalid

 

 

Propagating the Message of Islam through oration (such as lectures and seminars) is a very effective and common method of Da'wah. Words that are heard are more inspiring and moving than words that are read, as they contain prominent features of life and emotion. When the Da'i is assigned with a public presentation (e.g. Khutbas, lessons, etc.), there are rational and traditional (Sunnah) guidelines he should follow. Some of these are summarised below:

 

  • Choice of subject

The choice of subject must be relevant and interesting, well researched and prepared, systematically developed and integrated, and logically approached by building up the main themes and ideas leading to a final conclusion, in harmony with the Fitra of the sound intellect.

 

  • Method of delivery

The Da'i should be in connection with all levels of the community and not favour a group of people over others. He should also address his lectures with wisdom on different occasions, depending on the people's scope of intellect. However an outstanding feature of an exemplary lecture is when the speaker addresses the thoughts, feelings and souls of the audience. The expectations of the listeners' thoughts are met when logical proofs presented to them. The ill feelings and emotions are moved when they hear the truth that calls for good and rejects evil; and their souls will be delighted when they hear the desire of Allah's great reward and the despise of His punishment.

 

  • Good preparation

If the Da'i is well prepared and has trust in Allah, his confidence will be at a high esteem. Allah (subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says: "And who is better in speech than he who says: 'My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),' and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and invites (men) to Allah, and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [41:33]

 

  • Parables & similitudes

The use of parables will make the comprehension of an issue and it memorisation much easier and more interesting. Allah Himself makes use of such language: "And indeed We have put forth for men, in this Qur'an every kind of similitude in order that they may remember." [39:27]

 

  • Choice of time

'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we might not get bored." [Bukhari, 1/68]. It should be remembered that each group will have its concentration span. Young children are limited to 20 minutes, adults who come to pray Juma'a and have work will also become fidgety if the Khutbah gets too long.

 

  • Brevity & eloquence

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "The lengthening of prayer by a man and the shortness of the sermon is a sign of his understanding (of faith). So lengthen the prayer and shorten the sermon, for there is charm (in precise) expression." [Muslim, 1889]

Unfortunately however there are many who will out of good-will give a prolonged Khutbah, citing that this is the only opportunity that many will receive some knowledge. The converse is true in this situation, as the people become restless and tune-out.

 

  • Clarity & repetition

Narrated 'Aishah (radiAllahu ahna): "The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to talk so clearly that if somebody wanted to count the number of his words, he could do so." [Bukhari, 4/768]. It has also been narrated from Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu ahnu): "Whenever the Prophet spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it thrice so that the people could understand it properly from him." [Bukhari, 1/95]

 

  • Gestures

Abu Uthman (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that while we were at Adharbijan, 'Umar wrote to us: 'Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) forbade wearing silk except this much. Then the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) approximated his two (index and middle) fingers (to illustrate that) to us.' [Bukhari, 7/719]

This hadith illustartes the importance of the cleaver and intentional use of body language. The positioning of the body, stance of the feet, hand gestures and eye contact will all affect the public's reaction towards the speech.

 

  • Visual aids

Visual aids have become more widespread and accpeted as a form of communication with the onset of teachnology. Overhead projectors, chalk or white boards, and charts are very effective ways to reinforce specific points. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used visual aids to bring across important facts as 'Abdullah bin Mas'id (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: "Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) drew a line and then said: 'That is the path shown by Allah.' Then he drew several other lines on his right and left sides and said: 'These are the paths on every side of which there is a devil calling towards it.' He then recited this verse: 'And verily, this (i.e. Allah's Commandments) is my Straight Path, so follow it' [6:153]" [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Nasaa'i & Darimi]

 

  • Questions

Answering questions is one of the best forms of teaching as it satisfies the needs of the questioner. There are many verses in the Qur'an which were revealed to answer a posed question [eg. 8:1]; to explain a law that was called for by an event [eg. 66:1], to respond to a raised objection [eg. 25:20], or to comment on a past incident [eg. the verses revealed regarding battles]

Posing questions will stimulate thought and the sharing of ideas. Answers which are rewarded will often encourage eager participation.

 

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