Avoid Preaching Too Frequently or Forcefully
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 6337
‘Ikrimah reported: Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Preach to people once a week every Friday. If you refuse, then two times. If you desire more, then three times. Do not make people averse to this Quran. Do not come to people while they are talking and begin to lecture them, cutting into their conversation and upsetting them. Rather, keep quiet and if they request it, speak to them when they are eager to hear it. Avoid using rhyming prose in supplication, for I lived in the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and his companions; they would only avoid doing so.”
Description:
Ibn Abbas advises moderation in preaching and teaching Islam. Instead of overwhelming people with excessive reminders, guidance should be delivered with balance, consideration, and respect for their state of mind. He warns against interrupting conversations, forcing religious talks, or making the Qur’an seem burdensome. He also advises avoiding artificial eloquence in supplication, as the Prophet ﷺ and his companions kept their prayers sincere and simple.
What We Learn Today:
- Moderation in Preaching: Just as too much medicine can harm the body, over-preaching can push people away. Wisdom is to give reminders in balanced doses.
- Respect for Listeners: Forcing religious talks in the wrong setting—like cutting off people’s conversations, creates aversion rather than love for the Qur’an.
- Sincerity in Worship: Supplication should come from the heart, not through showing off with poetic styles.
- Practical Da’wah Lesson: Teach when people are ready and eager to listen, not when they are distracted or disinterested. This preserves respect for the Qur’an and ensures its message is received with an open heart.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 16:125
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is rightly guided.
📖Quran 20:44
And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear Allah.
📖Quran 31:19
And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys.
(This verse teaches not to be loud and annoying in speech – aligning with Ibn Abbas’s advice not to cut into conversations and disturb people.)