In the previous part, Dr. Wael Hamza shed light on the importance of Dawah and the necessity of patience to da`iyahs give the challenges they are bound to face. He further classified these challenges into three types. Personal challenges make the first type which is discussed in the first part. The two other types are clarified below.

Resistance to Dawah

The second category of challenges da`iyahs face are those imposed by the ones they call to Allah. Resistance to the dawah is normal and should be understood by the da`iyah.

This resistance shows itself in many forms. These forms, despite their diversity, are just signs of this resistance. People in general resist change, especially when it comes with duties and responsibilities even when they know it is good for them. Think of young students who know how essential education is yet resist going to school. This resistance must be faced with leniency and softness, and should be deliberately and slowly handled. However, the one essential ingredient required to cope with such resistance is patience. Below is a brief description of some of the signs of this resistance.

Turning Away

The first form of resistance da`iyahs face is that people will turn away from them. Some people will show this resistance no matter how subtle and smart the da`iyah is. The da`iyah will experience avoidance and will, sometimes, be told to quit. It is not surprising that the Quran often reminded the Messenger that, {But if they turn away – then We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], over them as a guardian; upon you is only [the duty of] notification…} (Ash-Shura 42:48)

Dispute

“We will not believe in you until …” were a set of arguments that came back to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) while calling his people to Allah. These arguments were always silly, lacked logic, and were just an exemplification of resistance to dawah.

Da`iyahs will often experience silly disputes, and must demonstrate great deal of patience and respond with utmost wisdom. Sometimes arguments are due to real lack of knowledge and desire to learn. Sometimes it is merely a defense mechanism against dawah. In both cases, it is daunting to the da`iyah and requires great deal of patience.

The verses of the Quran that set the guidance on how to handle arguments, either benign or hostile, are numerous. However, knowing the right way to respond is only half of the recipe. The other half is the strength to stand the pressure of continuous dispute; that is patience.

Ridicule

“If you are a liar, then you are not worth talking to. If you are really a messenger, then you are so sacred to talk to.” This was the response of one of the leaders of Ta’if when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) shared his message with them. As obvious, it was a silly argument whose intent is to ridicule the Messenger and put pressure on him.

Da`iyahs will get responses like this. They will face people who will make fun of them, how they dress, and how they speak. Didn’t Pharaoh say, as Allah mentioned in the Quran,

{Or am I [not] better than this one who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear?} (Az-Zukhruf 43:52)

This is one of the challenges that requires serious effort in patience. No one likes to be ridiculed especially from those whom he wants good for.