Four Types

All we wish of mankind is that he makes it clear as to which of these four categories he belongs (with regard to our call):

Mu’min (the Believer in it)

Any person who has faith in our mission, believes in what we say, approves of our principles, and sees therein some good in which his soul may find satisfaction and his heart be content, we invite him to join us immediately, to work with us so that the number of those who strive in Allah’s way may increase and to strengthen the voice of this call by his participation. There is no meaning to faith unless it is accompanied by work, and no benefit in a doctrine which does not motivate its bearer to make it fruitful and to sacrifice himself for its sake. Such were the First Vanguards of this faith whose hearts were guided by Allah, such that they followed His Prophets, had faith in His revealed scriptures, and strove vehemently in His cause. On these people Allah will bestow a most generous reward. Even though they will have the rewards of those who followed them, this will not decrease anything from the reward of the followers.

Mutaraddid (the Hesitant)

Anyone to whom the truth remains unclear, and does not see in our speech a glimpse of sincerity or good, is hesitant and wavering, so we leave him to his hesitancy. However we advise him to form close links with us, read about us sooner or later, study our writings, visit our branches, and become personally acquainted with our Brethren. In this way he will gain our confidence, if Allah wills. The attitude of the waverers among those who followed the apostles in former times was the same.

Naf’i (the Opportunist)

As for the person who will not help unless he knows that there is some profit and gain in it for him, we say: ‘Less haste! We have no prize on offer except Allah’s reward if you are sincere, and Paradise if He sees in you any good. As for us, we are unavailing and poor: our concern is to sacrifice whatever we have and to contribute whatever we possess. Our hope is in Allah’s grace, for He is the best of protectors and the best of helpers.’ If Allah removes the veil from his mind, and dispels the greed from his heart, he will know that Allah’s reward is far better and more lasting, he will join Allah’s battalion giving generously of all that he possesses. If it is otherwise, Allah is in no need of he who is unaware that to Allah belongs the first right over his body, his wealth, his portion in this world and the next, his life and his death. This was the same attitude that the people like him adopted; when they refused to give allegiance to the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) unless they were granted the supreme authority after him. His sole response (PBUH) was to inform them that:

‘The earth is Allah’s: he gives it as a heritage to whom He will of His slaves, and the (blessed) end is for the pious ones.’

(Surat-al-An’aam (7), ayah 128)

Mutahaamil (the Prejudiced)

The individual who looks upon us with suspicion, harbouring against us all sorts of doubts and misgivings, looks at us through dark glasses and talks about us only in terms of rancour and scepticism, remains entirely fixed in his arrogance, wrapped up in his doubts, and enveloped in his fantasies. On behalf of both of us, we pray that Allah opens our eyes to that which is right, allows us to follow it; to regard falsehood as falsehood, to keep us away from it; and to inspire both of us with guidance. Thus we invite him, if he accepts the invitation, summon him, if he responds to our call; and pray to Allah for him, for He, Glory unto Him, is the Sovereign of hope.

‘Verily you (Muhammad) guide not whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.’

(Surat-al-Qasas (28), ayah 56)

We shall, however, continue to love this individual and hope that he will come over to us and be convinced by our mission, for our only slogan is only from the guiding words of the Al-Mukhtaar (the Chosen One) (PBUH) who used to say:

‘May Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know!’

We wish that people who fall into this category were united as one with us, for the time has come when the Muslim must pursue his goal and define his objective, working towards this objective until he attains it. As for misguided negligence, silly notions, heedless turns of mind, blind indecision and imitation: This is in not the way of the believer.