This means, when giving an invitation to goodness, one must not say any weak statement. It should be presented with strong, unshakeable evidence.

*   ‘Allamah Nasafi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states: ‘The meaning of wisdom is to know the respective ranks of deeds.’ (Tafseer Madarik, Parah 14, Surah An-Nahl, under the Verse 125)

This means: the goodness we are calling people towards, and the sins we are attempting to stop them from, both have degrees and ranks within them. Some good deeds fall in the category of being obligatory (Fard), others are necessary (Wajib), some are emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah-e-Muakkadah) and some are un-emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah-e-Ghayr Muakkadah). In the same way, there are degrees within the matters prohibited by Shari’ah. Some of the prohibited matters are haram, others are majorly disliked (Makruh-e-Tahreemi), others are minorly disliked (Makruh-e-Tanzeehi), and certain matters are unpreferred (Khilaf-e-Aula). Continuing in this way, those sins and good deeds which are performed internally (relating to the spiritual heart) also have ranks. These are all the laws of Shari’ah, and whoever invites another, should learn all of these matters, keep them in mind, and tactfully carry out the work of inviting towards good deeds with sound wisdom.

What does مَوْعِظۂِ حَسَنَہ mean?

We have discussed the explanation of wisdom, now let us listen to what ‘مَوْعِظۂِ حَسَنَہ’ means. Imam Suyuti Shaafi’i رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states: ‘The meaning of ‘مَوْعِظۂِ حَسَنَہ’ is: polite words.’ (Tafseer Jalalayn, Parah 14, Surah An-Nahl, under the Verse 125)

This entails that the one calling towards goodness should do so with politeness. Realistically, inviting towards goodness is done with softness and gentleness, because the one who calls others towards righteousness does so in order to explain his points to them, whereas calling with harshness is used to fight, not to make the other person