Scholars have made this point clear
that to call the people to the way of Allaah is a collective responsibility (Fard
Kifaayah) wherever such persons who are capable to call the people to the way of Allaah
are present, because there is need in every corner of the world, in all the areas of
different countries, for this movement. When anyone performs this obligatory function
others are relieved of this burden of this responsibility but even then it remains
essential (Waajib) for the remaining persons to perform it. Its status is like the regular
performance of the Sunnah of the Prophet of Allaah () called (Sunnah Mu’akkidah), and this function equals a valuable
virtuous action. When the people of the world in general, and inhabitants of those
countries where the call has reached in particular, do not stand to help this cause of
Allaah, it becomes a general sin. It becomes a collective obligation to fulfil. If remains
unfulfilled, it becomes essential (waajlb) for all. So it is necessary that everyone
should strive hard to propagate, the message of Allaah according to his status and power.
Generally, for a country there is need of a permanent organisation who may carry on the
duty, to call the people towards the way of Allaah, and carry His Message throughout the
world, and convey the commandments of Allaah with all possible modes. The practice of the
Prophet of Allaah () tells us that he sent groups of preachers, sent letters to the
persons and invited the kings and the chiefs to the way of Allaah.
Today, this missionary work, to call
people to the way of Allaah, has been made easy by Him, so much so, that the persons in
the past did not have such facilities. Judged from every angle, the work has become much
easier than in the past. To establish the testimony of conveying the truth to the people,
there are many means available'. for example, the instruments for propagation like radio,
television, news and media etc. Therefore it is incumbent upon the successors of the
Messenger of Allaah () the learned, and those who firmly believe in Islaam, to
perform this essential command of Allaah. They should strive to the utmost in
this regard, carry the commandments of Allaah to the people and not to care for
the insuets and degradations of the persons. They should not discriminate
between the rich and the poor, big and small. They should carry the 'Divine
Message’, to the people as it has been revealed by Almighty Allaah. It
becomes extremely obligatory to convey the message where there is none else to
do. For example to enjoin good and forbid the evil is extremely obligatory (Fard
'Ayn) and collective responsibility (Fard Kifaayah) as well. If you are at a
place where other persons are carrying on this mission who are more resourceful
than you it is incumbent upon you to stand by them.
If other persons are participating in this mission to
enjoin the good and forbid the evil, it becomes a sunnah. If you strive more and
compete to go already it will be an effort in surpassing others in the service
of Allaah, the Great.
The basis of this call, to be a collective obligation
(Fard Kifaayah) is the following verse of the Qur’aan:
“And there
may spring from you a nation who invite to goodness.” (3 : 104)