Enduring harm during Da’wah
Fatwa No: 18692

Question

I am a young woman who gives religious advice to young men and reminds them of Allaah the Almighty through Internet chatting. Thanks to Allaah many people who used to be neglectful responded to me positively. However there is a young man who insulted me, and I met this with patience, lenience, and advice. Allaah Knows that I never harmed this man, not even with a single word. However, he started to say words of disbelief and to insult the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. I tried to deter him, but in vain. Finally, I reminded him of the punishment of Allaah for the last time and ended the conversation with him. Am I sinful for his disbelief?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, is His slave and messenger.

 

First of all we ask Allaah to reward you for your keenness on Da‘wah and guiding people. This is one of the best deeds that a Muslim can do in his life. Allaah Says (what means): {And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allaah and does righteousness and says, "Indeed, I am of the Muslims."}[Quran 41:33]

However, you have to beware of the dangers of chatting on the Internet, especially with men. You have to abide by the conditions of conversation and dialog explained in Fatwa 81757. It will be better for you to practice such Da‘wah with women only, because it is more fitting and suitable for a Muslim woman to keep away from talking with men.

With regards to the disbelief and insults made by this man, it is he who will bear the sin and you will bear no sin as long as you did not cause this, according to your statement.

You have to realize that a person who undertakes Da‘wah is likely to come across such people whose wits have been blindfolded by Satan so that they see no guidance and do not distinguish between right and wrong. This is why you have to be patient and seek reward only from Allaah, for this is a tax you pay for practicing Da‘wah. Allaah Says (what means): {enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.}[Quran 31:17]

Allaah Knows best.

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