Do your duty in a noble manner

Advice by Shaykhul Islam Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (Damat Baraktuhu)

Courtesy Maulana Sufyan Buland – Karachi, Pakistan. 8 January 2026, 18 Rajab 1447. Translated into English by Maulana Muhammad Ameer, darul Ihsan, South Africa. Edited by Albalagh editorial team.

Last night, at a dinner hosted in the Jamiah Darul Uloom Karachi in honour of the graduating scholars (1447 AH), Shaykh al-Islam Hadhrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (دامت برکاتہم) delivered a deeply thought-provoking and insightful address. Hadhrat (دامت برکاتہم) stated:

“I wish to mention one final point. Alḥamdulillāh, Darul Uloom Karachi, through the spiritual legacy of our honourable father (K), a particular mindset has been nurtured: that the propagation and dissemination of Deen, and conveying the message of Islam, must be carried out with the same etiquette that characterized the dawah of the noble Messengers (Q). Their method does not include slogan-chanting, emotional outbursts, attacking others, ridiculing them, calling people derogatory names, defaming people, or using harsh and offensive language. This was not the method of our elders of Deoband, nor is it their way today.

Maintain the same temperament

Wherever you go, and whenever you convey any aspect of Islam, even when refuting falsehood, you should maintain the same temperament and ethos that you observed in Darul Uloom – where there is no place for sarcasm, taunting, slogans, name-calling, and “labeling” of others. Scholarly arguments are answered in a scholarly manner. Even when refutation is necessary, it is done with appropriate and dignified language, without mockery or insult. This was the consistent approach of our honourable father (r), which he inherited from his elders. He learned it from them and adhered to it throughout his life.

Preserve this path of moderation

It is deeply regrettable that these etiquettes are often neglected in our present environment. I hope that you will safeguard this path of moderation, the path of our elders, which is in fact the Sunnah of the Messengers (Q) and the practice of the Companions (M). Certainly, you should call the truth “truth” and falsehood “falsehood,” and establish this through clear evidence. But for the sake of Allah, abstain from emotional sloganeering and methods that target others with ridicule and abuse. Fulfil the duty of distinguishing truth from falsehood in accordance with the Sunnah of the prophets (Q).

Speak Gently

Act upon the verse: So speak to him in soft words. May be, he accepts the advice or fears (Allah)”.[1]

If you do this, then, Allah willing, the help of Allah will be with you, His divine assistance will accompany you, and wherever you go, you will stand honoured. May Allah, out of His grace and mercy, grant acceptance to these words of mine, and may it become a reality that wherever you go, you fulfil the duty of conveying the message of Islam correctly and in accordance with the Sunnah.”

[1] Al Quran 20:44 (Editor)