Advice for Missionaries — Page 15
15 There is no need to discuss virtues already present within people or vices that are not found among them. Instead, if they commit wrongs like not giving women their share of inheritance, then this should be one of the issues you broach. If they do not fast, then this should be the topic of a lecture. If they do not offer the obligatory prayers then this ought to be addressed. If they do not pay zakat or if they do not offer sadaqa or charity, this matter should be broached. But a mission- ary ought not to lecture people on the virtues they already practice. If they oppress the poor, disrespect those who are virtuous, steal or lie, then speak on these topics. However, if stealing is not common amongst them, then do not speak on this. In short, diagnose the sickness and then provide the appropriate remedy. Never single out a particular person [when deliver - ing an address or a sermon]. My own approach is that if I have to admonish an individual for a moral fail - ing, I wait for two to three months, so that the matter in question has been forgotten. This is the minimum amount of time that one should wait. If you have the opportunity to meet with the individual alone, counsel them discreetly and in a sympathetic manner with love and gentle words that will not upset them. On the one hand, show so much compassion that you are known