The methodology of discourse in Da'wah (Islamic propagation) constitutes the following principles:
A. Establishing the principle of submission
The principle of submitting to Allah The Almighty should be established and stressed. Muslims should realize that they must submit to the ordinances of Allah The Almighty, whether they understand the wisdom behind them or not. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):
{It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair.} [Quran33:36]
{But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.} [Quran 4:65]
When we are keen on attaining faith and submitting to Allah The Almighty, we save ourselves from many setbacks and our Da‘wah will be fruitful, Allah willing.
We should be wary of the misleading mass media that holds dialogues about issues related to the Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) and reduces the status of the Sharee‘ah rulings to that of an opinion and a viewpoint that are open to dispute. This is the first step that the advocates of Westernization and secularism want to achieve.
B. Relying on the fact-based methodology
When we discuss women’s issues, we need to talk in a factual manner that respects people’s minds and thinking. People, nowadays, do not accept dictates, personal opinions and convictions of anyone, regardless of who he is.
Hence, when we say that the woman going to work affects her ability to look after her home and bring up her children, we need to cite scientific studies that prove the authenticity of what we are saying. Moreover, when we talk about the connection between the intermixing of the two sexes and the woman going out and crimes against women, and when we talk about the effect of chastity on preserving the stability and success of marital relations, we need to support what we say by scientific evidence and the results of specialized studies.
Nowadays, there are many studies backed by scientific research that are not being utilized, which we can benefit from. Moreover, we should conduct scientific research on many vital issues that we are in need of. We should also make use of research centers and university staff members in this regard. These serious studies may be more important than the books and booklets that are merely quotations from old books.
C. Differentiating between traditions and Sharee‘ah rulings:
Traditions are closely connected to women’s issues, as every society has certain traditions that are related to women. Given the fact that most of the tribal habits in Islamic societies are characterized as 'conservative' behavior, some ill-informed men may confuse the traditions that the society has agreed upon and that have become part of its culture with the rulings of the Sharee‘ah. Thus, they insist on upholding these traditions and defending them even though they may have no basis in the Sharee‘ah. This matter requires moderation; habits that have no origin in the Sharee‘ah should not be followed and defended, let alone linked to Sharee‘ah. On the other hand, they should not be totally rejected on the pretext that they are not mentioned in the Sharee‘ah; rather, good customs should be kept and bad ones should be rejected.
D. Observing Sharee‘ah restrictions without transgressing them:
Given the fact that woman is the most dangerous and most harmful temptation, there are rulings and restrictions stipulated in the Sharee‘ah to lessen the effect of this temptation.
Hence, we have to observe these restrictions and adhere to them. The keenness of some callers to spread Da‘wah and widen its scope may lead them to overlook these restrictions and transgress them.
This may be a reaction to common misperceptions about Muslim thinkers, scholars and callers. Some callers over-emphasize the aspect of 'liberating' themselves from the restrictions of the Sharee‘ah and may even start attacking those who adhere to them.
It is not acceptable for callers to exaggerate when criticizing the separation between men and women attendees in conferences and Da‘wah-related forums. Similarly, it is unacceptable for a caller to be presented to the audience by a woman, and to make her read the questions addressed to him, or to keep the issue of separating women’s place for prayers from that of men on top of the list of issues that he faces, in a bid to take quick steps towards Westernization and the liberation of women.
Attitude towards the advocates of Westernization and 'liberation':
This includes the following:
i. Differentiating between the different categories of people who discuss women’s issues:
The call for women’s 'liberation' and for the Westernization of Islamic society was initiated by a group of people who are advocates of secularism and who cunningly endeavor to find ways that would help them achieve their dubious aims. These people use twisted methods to present their ideas and pretend to defend women’s issues and restore their stolen rights. Unfortunately, a number of writers, journalists and cultured men of letters, who are not secularists themselves, followed their footsteps as they were influenced by the ideology that these people presented. These people who are influenced by the ideas of secularists usually present issues that agree with the aims of the secularists.
Thus, during discussions we should not include all these people in one group; rather, we have to differentiate between those who agree with the ideas of secularists and those who are inclined to secularism.
The righteous predecessors differentiated between the different categories of the people of Bid‘ah (innovation). People of Ahwaa’ (desires) and heretics are not the same as those who want and seek goodness, but agree with some of the people of Bid‘ah about their Bid‘ah. Also, the one who calls to a certain Bid‘ah and defends it is not like others. People who practice religious innovations that lead to disbelief are not like those who practice religious innovations that lead to committing major sins.
ii. Avoiding any talk about intentions
The truth should be clearly stated and falsehood should be confronted and clarified. However, there is a difference between pointing out what is right and refuting what is wrong on one hand, and judging the falsifier himself on the other hand. We usually direct bitter criticism against anyone who presents something different regarding women’s issues and other issues. Not only this, but we may also accuse the writer and the speaker of having bad intentions and so on.
Hence, discussion should focus on the idea and the topic. As for the figures of secularism and those who have impermissible ideas, they should be exposed in the right way; not through one book or one article, but through refuting all their tendencies and ideas in a manner that appears convincing to people.
E. Objective scientific criticism:
When such people discuss women’s issues or any other issue, they support their speech with proofs and evidence that make it seem objective and scientifically neutral and they usually exploit the results of scientific research in a misleading way.
It has been noticed that many of the callers’ replies to these people are characterized by being emotional and they tend to judge people. They may even include references to conspiracy theories hatched against women, and disregard the objective scientific discussion of the proofs that their opponents present.
The approach adopted by the callers may be convincing to certain categories of people who are already under their influence; however, it is not convincing to other people that they may be keen on convincing. Rather, this kind of approach may play a role in making this last category convinced of the opponent's point of view.
Callers are urgently in need of perfecting the language of dialogue and objective scientific discourse. They have to realize that being zealous advisors alone will not make people listen to them and accept what they say willingly.