Introduction

Allah says : Indeed Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger(Mohammed (s.a.s)) from amongst themselves,reciting unto them His verses(by means of these verses inviting them and advising them) and purifying them(of sins and their conduct) and teaches them the book(Quran) and Al-Hikmah(wisdom),before which they were in manifest error. (Aal-‘Imran:164)

It has been substantiated by the Qur’an and Ahadithe – sahiha (confirmed traditions) that the Ummah (followers) of the Last of the prophets (s.a.s), was Divinely deputed for the guidance of all peoples (nations) of the world.

Allah says : (O Muslims) You are the best of the peoples, you have been sent towards mankind, to enjoin good and forbid evil (Aal-‘Imran:110)

This verse clearly implies that the muslim ummah is the deputy to the prophet, in his ordained obligations of inviting towards righteousness,enjoining good and forbidding evil. Hence,the obligations entrusted to rasulullah(s.a.s) – invitation through recitation of the Quran,purifying people of undesirable qualities and teaching the book and wisdom – became the prime responsibilities of muslim ummah as well.

Therefore Rasulullah (s.a.s) taught his ummah to spend their life and wealth in inviting towards Allah, learning and teaching divine knowledge, remembering and worshipping Allah. The sahabah gave preference to the above deeds over all worldly preoccupations. They were trained to practice these A’mal (actions) under all circumstances with complete dedication, patience and forbearance withstanding all forms of difficulties and hardships. And they were taught to benefit others by sacrificing physically and materially.

In compliance with the command :
“And strive hard in Allah’s cause, as you ought to strive” (Al-Hajj: 78)

The sahabah strove in the manner of prophets with piety, austerity, discipline, self-sacrifice and giving preference to others. Thus, an environment was created in which emerged models of excellence, who became best of the ummah. The era in which the deeds of Rasulullah (s.a.s) were collectively practiced by the ummah was declared to be the Khair-ul-Qurun(the best of all the times, or the best period of ummah).

Then in successive periods, the religious elite of ummah spent their full effort and energy in fulfilling these prophetic obligations. The luminance of these self-sacrificing efforts is still illuminating in the world of Islam.

In these times, Allah placed in the heart of Sheik Muhammad Ilyas (rah) restlessness and anxiety over the erosion in Islam and burning desire to correct this state of ummah. In the view of religious elite of his times he was unique in this respect. He used to remain restless and concerned for the revival of all what was revealed to Rasulullah (s.a.s) by Allah in the whole world. He advocated, with resolute determination, that any effort for the revival of Deen can only be effective and acceptable when its done in the manner of Rasulullah (s.a.s)

Therefore, such Da’i (one who invites towards Islam) need to be developed, whose desires should be consistent in knowledge, action, thought, perception, passion, compassion and the manner of invitation to Islam - with the aspirations of prophets, particularly Muhammad (s.a.s). Not only should they posses a strong emaan and virtuous deeds, but their inner inspirations should be like those of prophets, they should cherish a fervent love of Allah and his fear.

In character and habits, they should adhere to Sunnah of prophet (s.a.s). Their love or hatred should be for the sake of Allah. The motivating factor behind their inviting to Islam should be a deep compassion and mercy for Muslims, and kindness for all the creation of Allah. The oft-repeated Devine principle for prophets. “Our reward is solely with Allah,” should be their hallmark. They should have no other objective except the pleasure of Allah.

They should have such a passionate desire for the revival of Deen in the world that it keeps driving them, away of their routines, in the path of Allah; while their lives and wealth becoming mere instruments in attaining this objective. There should be no notion of personal authority, status, wealth, property, honor and fame; not even a desire for personal rest and comfort. Whether sitting, standing, speaking, or walking; every act should be geared in this direction.

To revive the ways of Rasulullah (s.a.s) in this effort and bring all facets of life according to commandments of Allah and the sunnah of Rasulullah (s.a.s), and to equip those struggling in this path of Tabligh with the above mentioned qualities the six points were prescribed.