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Ways to guide new Muslims

Question

In the name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Ever Merciful
Assalaamu 'alaykum,
One of our female acquaintances has recently embraced Islam. What are the ideal methods to help her remain steadfast in Islam?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

We supplicate Allaah The Almighty to reward you for your concern to do good deeds and call others to Islam. You should be delighted because Abu Hurayrah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) , said that anyone who calls others to do good deeds would have the same reward as the guided persons without diminishing any part of their reward. [Ahmad and Muslim]

We should follow the example of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) when calling people to Islam:

First, to carefully and simply explain the principles of faith and the pillars of Islam as they were explained by the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) to the ‘Abd Al-Qays delegation when they came to him. This tradition was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Second, to adopt a gradual approach when illustrating what is lawful and what is unlawful. Having a gradual approach is a Divine method concerning the world's affairs as well as for Islamic legislation. This approach is also established in the Quran and Sunnah. It is necessary to adopt this approach for belief to remain unshaken according to the verse (what means): {And those who disbelieve say, "Why was the Quran not revealed to him all at once?" Thus, [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart. And We have spaced it distinctly.} [Quran 25:32]

Third, to practise the manners and morals advocated by Islam when dealing with this woman. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) offered a gift to a Bedouin. Having received it, the man returned to his tribe and informed them that he had left a man (the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) ) who was so generous that it was as though he did not fear poverty. This tradition was narrated on the authority of Anas  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him. [Ahmad and Muslim]

Fourth, to stress to her the importance of being loyal to the Muslims and disassociating from the disbelievers. Also, to urge the importance of choosing good, righteous friends because they can help her remain steadfast and far from deviation.

May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).

Allaah Knows best.

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