Page 47 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

QUR'ANIC METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING ISLAM 45

was dumbfounded. Allah does not guide wrongdoing people.
(Surat al-Baqara: 258)
In an extremely concise and profound manner, the Prophet
Ibrahim (as) exposed the unbeliever's weakness before Allah's
infinite might and, through impressive examples, made him
recognize this situation on his own. Prophet Ibrahim (as)'s pro-
posal amazed and then completely silenced the unbeliever. This
wise style sets a very good example for believers who are com-
municating Islam to others.

Calling Openly and Secretly
Allah informs us that all His messengers employed various
methods and explanations to communicate Allah's greatness
and the need for religion. The example of the Prophet Nuh (as)
in this regard can serve as a guide for all believers.
He said: "My Lord, I have called my people night and day, but
my calling has only made them more evasive. Indeed, every time
I called them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their
ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes, and were ex-
tremely arrogant. Then I called them openly. Then I addressed
them publicly and privately. I said: 'Ask forgiveness of your
Lord. Truly He is Endlessly Forgiving. He will send heaven
down on you in abundant rain reinforce you with more wealth
and sons, and grant you gardens and grant you waterways.'"
(Surah Nuh: 5-12)
This prayer reveals that, when necessary, believers can use
both direct and indirect ways of explanation.
Reminding his people of the mundane things for which they
felt a strong affection, the Prophet Nuh (as) stressed that Allah
grants them all blessings so that they will think. He told them