A Pocket Book of Biblical References — Page ix
A POCKET BOOK OF BI BLICAL REFE RENCES vii O Ali! It is a greater blessing for you to bring into the fold of Islam, one single soul in search of truth than to acquire one hundred white camels. (Muslim: Kitab - al - Fazail: Bab Fazail - e - Ali & Bukhari: Kitab - al - Jehad). It should he borne in mind however, that preaching is a very blessed undertaking and hence should he conducted in a manner most pleasing to the Lord. The following guidelines could be of benefit to every daiee illallah missionary. 1. It is practically impossible for any mortal being to convince another on the strength of one’s personal knowledge or verbal articulation. To open the heart of the listener is a sole prerogative of Almighty Allah. Our personal obligation is to convey the me ssage only and hence one should always supplicate the Lord to reward one’s efforts. 2. Preaching can only bear fruits when that which is being preached is also being practiced. A dedicated preacher is required to set an example unto others and hence one should always strive to improve one’s own conduct and character. The holy Quran demands t hat the actions of the Muslims correspond to their practice when it states: O ye who believe! Why do you say what ye do not. It is hateful in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not. (61:3/4) 3. The Holy Quran lays down some very strict conditions