THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaumul Jumuat, 20th day of Rabi-ul Aakhir. (Friday, 26th of November 2021). THE GUIDANCE OF QUR'AN, SUNNAH AND OTHERS. BismilLah.

From Saheeh Muslim and other authentic sources of hadith, we've studied how the Prophet instructed his companions to handle affairs of this blessed ummah. In one of these instructions is a very important narration which all scholars agree upon to be authentic as follows;
The Prophet sent Mu’adh ibn Jabal may ALLAH be pleased with him to Yemen in order to call the people to Islam and teach them the practices of the religion. There are a number of lessons we can learn from the instructions the Prophet gave to him.

Ibn Abbas reported: When the Messenger of ALLAH, peace and blessings be upon him, sent Mu’adh to Yemen, he said to him:
"Verily, you are coming to a people among the people of the Book, so call them to testify there is none worthy of worship but ALLAH and I am the Messenger of ALLAH. If they accept that, then teach them that ALLAH has obligated five prayers in each day and night. If they accept that, then teach them that ALLAH has obligated charity to be taken from the rich and given to the poor. If they accept that, beware not to take from the best of their wealth. Be on guard from the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and ALLAH. Sahih Muslim 19, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi(Agreed upon by scholars).

In this tradition, the Prophet instructed Mu’adh to introduce Islam to the people in gradual steps, starting with the most important beliefs, the testimony of faith and monotheism (tawheed), and moving onto the next pillars of prayer and charity.

As such, when calling people to Islam or advising a Muslim to practice, we should call people to Islam in steps, starting with the most important beliefs and subsequently introducing the most important practices. Many people find it difficult to apply everything in Islam at once, so counselling them to begin applying Islam gradually will make it easier for them to enter into Islam fully. Making the transition to Islam easier for people was an important part of the Prophet’s instructions. 

May ALLAH accept our little efforts to please HIM. Aameen.