Reflection No. 88 on Q 41:33 – To call towards Allah

وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِمَّنْ دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

And who is better in speech than he who calls towards Allah, and does righteous deeds, and says: I am surely of those who submit?
Sura Fussilat, verse 33

Submission, righteous deeds, and inviting towards Allah have been described in this verse as the best of all speech. Speech can be of many kinds. The power of speech to communicate and convey is incredible. People are affected by what you say, even influenced by the words you speak. Use this power positively to call towards God.

Calling others towards Allah is not restricted to Prophets and Divine leaders. Nor is it the exclusive duty of scholars and preachers. We can all invite towards the path of Allah. It does not have to be an extensive speech, or a lecture. It can be a few words, a small point made during a conversation, a reminder when the gathering you are in is heedless. The people of God look for opportunities to remember God among people, and bring Him up in daily conversations, social gatherings, group discussions, chats . . . etc. Do not be shy to mention God. Turn the conversation towards Him, even for a few minutes, and add Divine luster to your talks.

To call towards Allah is to remind others of the love He has for them. To make them love God, and pull their hearts towards Him. Allah once told Nabi Musa (a) to love Him, and make people love Him. Nabi Musa (a) wondered how he could control the hearts of people, he only had control over his own heart. Allah explained that when he talked positively about God to people, and showed them His love and mercy, people would be attracted towards God and would love Him.

Recite this verse and remember it when you are with others to motivate yourself to call towards Allah. Take on this honorable task in your everyday life. The more you practise it, the easier it becomes. You can do it in your small circles of family and friends, without even having to venture beyond that if you don’t want to. You would still be a caller towards Allah, and receive the award of having the best speech.