A Pocket Book of Biblical References — Page x
A POCKET BOOK OF BI BLICAL REFE RENCES viii upon Muslims and while advising them on the procedure of preaching, it states: Call unto the way of the Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation and argue with them in a way which is best. It is hence necessary that while preaching, one should conduct a dialogue in a kind and a civil manner. One should neither tread upon the sensitivities of others, nor should one make any offensive remark or show disrespect for either the faith of others or the founders of their faiths. Kindness and civility of language is an essential ingredient in the field of preaching. When the Almighty Allah directed Prophet Moses ( a. s ). to convey His message to Pharaoh, He commanded: Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds. But speak to him a gentle word, haply he might take heed or fear. (20: 44/45) 4. It is also essential that whenever a reference is quoted from the Scriptures of other faiths, such references are first verified for authenticity. 5. And finally one should always bear in mind that continuity is extremely important in the field of preaching. Those who have once been selected for preaching should be kept in touch with and their need for constant guidance should not be neglected.