In the first place, we would like to emphasize that Muslims should beware of all routes and channels that may lead to differences and conflicts among them. Muslims should abide by the teachings of Qur’an and Sunnah, keeping in mind that they are the assured means of salvation both in this world and in the Hereafter. Referring to this, Allah, the Most High, says: “And hold fast, all of you together, by the
covenant of Allah and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, you became brethren; and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided.” (Al `Imran: 103).
As far as the issue of Jama’atuTabligh is concerned, let us follow a fatwa issued by Sheikh `Abdul-Majeed Subh, a prominent Al-Azhar scholar,
“The Tabligh group is one of the current Islamic groups that call to Islam. Members of this group are of good intentions and morals. The group plays an important role in some places where its members educate and invite people to Prayer and Islamic teachings. They travel throughout different countries with the intention of calling people to Islam.
However, members of this group have some shortcomings. They, for example, believe in the obligation of traveling abroad for the sake of da`wah (calling people to Islam), heedless of leaving their jobs and families. Also, they lay a great emphasis on a certain form of dress, which may seem improper in some countries or cultures, while neglecting fundamental issues in order to be safe from confrontation with the different authorities and powers.”
Moreover, Dr. Sano Koutoub Moustapha, professor of Fiqh and Its Principles, adds:
“May Allah Almighty bless everyone who works for the sake of Islam regardless of the titles and organizations. Surely, the Tabligh group has been contributing a lot to the propagation of Islam around the world. Yet, they do have weaknesses and strengths, and nobody can claim any group is perfect.
Having said that, I shall point out that they need to improve and re-evaluate their methods of da`wah. In other words, they have to develop their mechanism and methods to be at the level of challenges to Islam nowadays, especially in terms of spreading and propagating Islam in the Western world.
I am confident that with moderation and realistic approach they can gain much ground in many places in the world.
Furthermore, it is evident that da`wah nowadays seriously needs new approaches and methods. Therefore, our beloved brothers in the Tabligh group should try to be realistic in this context. For instance, many of their opinions about women’s participation in da`wah activities should be reviewed and corrected in the light of the Divine sources, which call upon all Muslims, men as well as women, to be involved in da`wah.”
May Allah guide all to what pleases Him