The Intentions for Da’wah Ilallah (Inviting to Allah)

1. To gain nearness to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.
2. To follow and comply with the command of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam and the righteous salaf.

3. To obey the command of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala when He said, ‘Let there arise from amongst you a group who invite to goodness and enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.” [Ali-‘Imran 3:104]

4. To fulfill a communal obligation.

5. To spread your knowledge of Islam and the Sunnah of al-Mustafa Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam.

6. To endure and be patient in times of harm and difficulty which may afflict the da’i (inviter to Allah).

7. To endure harshness and rejection by people.

8. To be loved by Allah and His Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam.

9. To fulfill some of the rights of the people (by teaching them and inviting them to Allah).

10. To spread the shari’ah of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam.

11. To protect the ummah from punishment, as the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam said, “Either you enjoin good and forbid evil or Allah will certainly send His punishment upon you.”

12. To learn good manners and character, and to be gentle with the common people.

13. To rectify the community.

14. To benefit yourself and the one advised.

15. So that Allah may reveal your own faults to you (whilst calling others to Him).

16. To seek benefit and spiritual assistance from the one being invited in every way.

[Al-Habib Muhammad bin Alawi al-Aydarus, “The Book of Intentions”, translated by Mohammad Ahmad Mbaye, Guidance Media, 2010. ISBN 978-0-9550891-2-1. Pg 78-79]