RELIGIOUS preaching is a very responsible profession, requiring utmost care for what one says or does. Preaching can build bridges between communities, as many of our saints did, or it can actually cause great discord within society. As there is a code of conduct for most human disciplines, it is all the more important for religious preachers to follow certain principles. The da’wa literature is replete with important guidelines for preachers, but how many actually know or follow them is uncertain.

This code of conduct may involve many points. But to be brief, we focus on two: high moral behaviour, and knowledge and wisdom of not only religion but of the world and the times we live in.

Personal and moral qualities are universal: truthfulness, honesty, good manners, respect for the audience. Prophets, imams, and inspired walis had exemplary behaviour. Preachers who follow their mission are expected to be models of excellence. Admittedly, humans are imperfect, and nobody expects preachers to be perfect. They are as liable as any other to mistakes. But what is of prime importance is to admit this fact and be humble and not arrogant.

While there may be some ‘model’ preachers, sadly, we see many lacking these qualities. Using abusive language, shouting at their audiences at the top of their voice while delivering sermons is a usual occurrence. They tend to arouse people emotionally rather than encouraging them to think.

Preachers are expected to be models of excellence.

Let us remind ourselves of selected guidelines provided by the Quran for inviting people to God’s path (sabilillah). One of the most vocal verses advises, “Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. …” (16:125).

The verse highlights at least two important qualities: wisdom, and beautiful preaching (maw’iza al-hasana). A preacher should have wisdom about how best to invite people towards the Lord. The word ‘wisdom’ is very broad, and may cover all possible aspects related to inviting people to good. This may include, as per a Prophetic advice, to speak to the people according to their intellect. It is simply common sense to do this.

Another cardinal principle of preaching the Quran outlines is that one should practise before preaching. The Quran twice (in Surah Baqara as well as in Surah Saffat) puts humans to shame by asking them why they preach to others what they themselves do not do! “Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practise it) yourselves and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?” (2:44). And then, in Surah Saffat, Allah again reminds: “O ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not [do]? Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not [do]” (61:2-3).

The second area a preacher has to be qualified in is the one he is going to talk about. The knowledge of religion and its important areas, such as its critical history, complex teachings, ethical underpinnings, and some sense of comparative study of religions are important. In case of Islam, deep knowledge of the Arabic language and Quranic perspectives — both exoteric and esoteric view of a particular issue — is important.

In addition, in today’s pluralistic world, we need to respect inter- and intra-religious diversity within and outside Islam. Similarly, respecting women (rejecting misogynistic attitudes) and youngsters and not making derogatory comments about any section of society are necessary. The role and responsibilities of preachers of faith require extraordinary sensitivity to questions that people ask. At no time sho­uld preachers shame those who dare ask frank questions.

Moreover, it needs to be kept in mind that times have radically changed; prea­chers cannot assume that the audience in front of them are barely literate. Today, at least some part of the audience is often better informed thanks to the internet and social media. Much of even religious knowledge is on their smartphones and they access it frequently. Today, knowledge and truth both are diffused; no one can claim to have the final truth. Each reality can be interpreted in multiple ways.

We should remember Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s marvellous advice: tu barai wasl kardan aamadi; ney barai fasl kardan aamadi. (You have been created [O humans!] to unite humanity, not to divide it!)

It is difficult if not impossible to impose a code of conduct on the preachers though some countries are effectively doing it. It is only in the interest of society at large that those who mount the pulpit be sane and wise. As time passes, hopefully, more educated preachers would join this important forum and reflect a more well-informed background when talking about religion(s).

The writer is an educationist with an interest in the study of religion and philosophy.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024