Is Preaching Obligatory on Every Muslim? Qur’an and Hadith Explained
Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 294
❖ Question
Is it obligatory upon every Muslim to engage in preaching (tablīgh)? What conditions has Islam placed for it?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
Every member of the Ummah of Muḥammad ﷺ is not only permitted to preach but is also responsible for it. The Qur’an provides clear guidance on this matter.
Evidence from the Qur’an
① Method of Preaching
﴿قُل هـذِهِ سَبيلى أَدعوا إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلى بَصيرَةٍ أَنا۠ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنى…﴾ (Yūsuf: 108)
This verse clarifies that every follower of the Prophet ﷺ, if knowledgeable about a matter, has the authority to call others to Allah with insight and understanding.
② Duty of the Best Nation
﴿كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ…﴾ (Āl ʿImrān: 110)
“You are the best nation raised for mankind: you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.”
There is no restriction placed here; enjoining good and forbidding evil is a duty on all.
③ Curse Upon Banī Isrā’īl
﴿لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا…﴾ (al-Mā’idah: 78–79)
They were cursed for disobedience and failing to stop one another from wrongdoing.
④ Witnessing Role of the Ummah
﴿وَكَذلِكَ جَعَلْناكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطاً…﴾ (al-Baqarah: 143)
Muslims are appointed as a just nation to bear witness over mankind.
⑤ Standing for Justice
﴿يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ…﴾ (al-Nisāʾ: 135; al-Mā’idah: 8)
Believers are commanded to uphold justice and bear witness for Allah.
⑥ Mutual Advice in Sūrah al-ʿAṣr
﴿وَالعَصرِ…﴾ (al-ʿAṣr: 1–3)
Like faith and good deeds, giving advice in truth and patience is an essential duty, without exceptions.
Evidence from the Sunnah
① Stopping Evil
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا…»
“Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand; if unable, then with his tongue; if unable, then with his heart—and that is the weakest level of faith.”
[Mishkāt, p. 436]
② Conveying Allah’s Message
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«بَلِّغُوا عَنِّي وَلَوْ آيَةً»
“Convey from me, even if it be a single verse.”
[Ṭabarānī; Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, 2/142]
③ Farewell Sermon Command
«لِيُبَلِّغِ الشَّاهِدُ الغَائِبَ»
“Let those present convey it to those who are absent.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 1/16]
❖ Summary
- Every Muslim is permitted to engage in preaching.
- This responsibility applies to each person according to his ability and knowledge.
- There is no restriction or condition except genuine inability or compulsion.
- Preaching is a fundamental duty, essential for the welfare of the Ummah.
Hādhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam biṣ-ṣawāb.
