Advice for Missionaries — Page 5
5 from one’s commitments to preaching. That is, after the Fajr prayer just before sunrise, between 9 and 10 in the morning, prior to sunset, or after Isha. This is necessary for self-reformation. For the purposes of preaching , it is essential to read and study widely. At times, even something said by a simple person can be instructive. Be constant in your study of the books of the community. Read both the books of the Promised Messiah as and others with such frequency that you are immediately able to recall a reference [when it is required of you]. PURCHASE YOUR OWN BOOKS There is an unfortunate habit among maulawis not to purchase books and to consider such an outlay absurd or wasteful. At the most they will possess copies of Mishkaat and Kaafia. Just as a person gives in charity, the purchase of a book should be seen as a donation towards oneself. Therefore, a certain amount of money should always be set aside to buy books, even if that means purchasing one copy a year for a minor sum. It is not necessary to purchase books at an extravagant expense. Rather, one should buy as many as one can afford. Owning a book gives a person the freedom to study it closely and increase their knowledge and