أهمية الترغيب والترهيب في الدعوة إلى الله

(IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATION AND INTIMIDATION IN THE INVOCATION OF ALLAH)

Abstract

Al-Targhib (Motivation): all that motivates the invitee to respond positively and to accept the Truth and exercise steadfastness upon it; whereas al-Tarhib (Intimidation): all that frightens the invitee and warns him of the consequences of non-acceptance or rejection of the Truth or not being steadfast on the Truth after accepting it. The importance of this method comes out clearly from the fact that it is one of the most important purposes of the revelation of the Qur’an, and that is attained by reminding people of their Sustainer as well as about the benefits (of acceptance) in this and the next world, alongside warning them of what may cause them misery and bad consequences. The Prophet also used this method as the most important mean of da‘wah ever since Allah charged him with the duty of propagation of Islam. The same method was also practiced for calling towards Islam by all the previous Prophets. Because it matches the human nature and temperament; human nature always lures into things of which he hopes benefits sooner or later. And this methodology corresponds to the basic principle of gradation in calling towards Allah. And the mixing of motivation and intimidation; i.e. the combination of fear and hope is the utmost quality of the slaves of Allah. Accordingly, Allah the Almighty has made fear of His punishment and hope for His Mercy two causes by which hearts benefit from the exhortation and accept the guidance of the Qur’an.

Key Words: Al-Targhib (Motivation),al-Tarhib (Intimidation), consequences