One step at a time

When addressing the masses in a sermon, an orator must take a step-by-step, systematic approach. Systematic, in this instance, means that more important issues should be dealt with first. This principle is corroborated by the advice of the Messenger of Allah (bpuh) to Mu’aadh (may Allah be pleased with him), when he dispatched him to Yemen:”The first thing that you should call them to is to bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that I am the Messenger of Allah…”In our personal endeavors, many of us realize that we should seek gradual development. Why then do we hurl everything down people’s throats at once!(And those who disbelieve say: ‘Why is not the Qur’an revealed to him all at once?’ Thus [it is sent down in parts], that we may strengthen your heart thereby. And we have revealed it to you gradually, in stages [It was revealed to the Prophet in 23 years].)                  (Qur’an 25: 32)Muslims should feel a sense of comfort and ease in learning the teachings of Islam, especially since Islam came to save people from inner strife.The term Takleef which literally means “a burden (at least in one of its connotations),” was mentioned in the Qur’an only in the negative.(Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope)          (Qur’an 2: 286)When the Prophet’s Companions would come to him asking for general counsel or instruction, he would advise them in succinct and concise words which were easily memorized. After understanding the questioner’s situation, the Prophet (bpuh) always gave a practical and simple response.We err greatly when we try to present to an audience all of the advice, teachings, manners, and wisdom that we have at our disposal.(And [it is] a Qur’an which we have divided [into parts], in order that you might recite it to men at intervals.)                  (Qur’an 17: 106)