In its real form and sense, Tabligh is an important type of worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and it is
good fortune of very high order. It means to follow in the footsteps of the Ambiya. Truly, as the work is of a
very superior character, it must be based on equally high principles, which ought to be strictly followed
throughout. Each participant must feel that it is he who needs to improve himself. rather than think of
reforming others. During the course of work and even away from it, he must try to behave as a perfect
Muslim, as a faithful slave of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), constantly obeying and following the Divine
commands of Shariah. and always seeking Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala's) mercy and pleasure. This is the
basic requirement and the soul and foundation of the work of Tabligh. Once it is deeply and firmly
established in the hearts of workers, the other principles, rules and practices, some of which are described
below, will become easy to follow:
1) As far as possible, all expenses including travelling food etc., must be borne by each individual
himself and if he can afford he may quietly assist those companions who may be in need.
2) All fellow workers and companions in this work must be given full respect, shown tolerance be cared
for and encouraged at all times by one another. This will prove a great blessing for the whole area
where the Jamat may be working.
3) Conversation, talks and discussions must be conducted in soft and convincing tones, using simple and
polite language. All types of displeasure with each other must be avoided. The Ulama must be held in
such high respect and esteem as we usually display for the Quran and Hadith, because, it is through
these learned persons that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has blessed us with the true knowledge and
understanding of Islam. Any disrespect towards them, however unimportant, may amount to
disrespect for Islam itself, which in turn may lead to the displeasure of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala)
for the whole community.
4) Holidays and free moments must be spend either in reading food religious books or in the company of
pious and learned companions. By these means one Will be able to learn many essential things about
the faith of Islam, about Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and His Rasul. Particularly care must be taken
of the time given to the Tabligh work itself, so that nothing unimportant, useless or senseless is
spoken discussed or done.
5) To try to earn an honest and pure living, to be most careful and economical in expenditure and to
constantly carry out every single duty, however big or small, towards one's family, relations and
friends.
6) No disputed matters or points of secondary importance be discussed at any time. The total time must
be given to bringing out the Oneness and supremacy of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and to restrict all
talk to the main points of Tabligh, which are in real sense, the basic principles to be followed by each
and every Muslim at all times.
7) Every action, work and speech must be filled with sincerity and honesty of purpose, for an act,
however small, but done with this quality is bound to bring high rewards and plenty of well being. On
the other hand, an insincere act, however big, will not bear any worthwhile fruit or benefit, either in
this life or in the Akhirah, Muaaz (Radiallaho Anhu)who was appointed as Governor of Yemen,
begged the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) to give him some special advice. The Nabi (Sallallaho
Alaihi Wassallam) was pleased to say Be particularly honest and sincere in matters of religion, a little
done with sincerity is enough. There is yet another Hadith in the same connection Allah (Subhanahu
wa Taala) accepts only such actions and deeds which are performed purely for His pleasure and
accord In another place it is stated Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) does not look at your face nor at your
property, but only at your hearts and deeds So the crux of the matter is that the work of Tabligh must
be performed with all sincerity and honesty. No acting or outward show is to be put on. The degree of
success and progress will depend entirely on the depth of our sincerity.
