Page 42 - Communication and Argument in the Qur'an

40 COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR’AN

tion they have gone through or the influence of the people
around them may lead them to show negative reactions, to
the extent of refusing to listen. For this reason, those who
want to spread Allah’s message should primarily select
conscientious people who are inherently inclined to Islam.
There is no urgency to talk with those who are arrogant or
hostile toward religion. Allah relates in the Qur’an thus:
You will not make dead people hear and you will not
make deaf people hear the call when they turn their
backs in flight. You will not guide blind people out of
their error. You will not make anyone hear except for
those who have faith in Our Signs and so are Muslims.
(Surat an-Naml: 80-81)
In another verse, Allah reveals the difference between
those who will come to faith and those who will not:
The Word has been justly carried out against most of
them, so they have no faith. We have put iron collars
around their necks reaching up to the chin so that their
heads are forced back. We have placed a barrier in
front of them and a barrier behind them, blindfolding
them so that they cannot see. It makes no difference
to them whether you warn them or do not warn them;
they will not believe. You can only warn those who act
on the Reminder and fear [and respect] the All-
Merciful in the Unseen. Give them the good news of
forgiveness and a generous reward. (Surah Ya Sin: 7-
11)
When believers decide to talk about Islam with others,
they should consider these criteria. If they see no sign of a