propagation methods

This study aims to explore Imam Sadiq’s approach to religious propagation, emphasizing verse 125 of Surah An-Nahl, and analyzing his effective methods of conveying Islamic teachings. Based on this Quranic verse, the paper examines three significant methods in Imam Sadiq’s propagation approach—wisdom (hikmah), admonition (maw‘iza), and argument (mujadalah)—through a descriptive-analytical approach. Imam Sadiq used specific methods and styles for the success of Islamic propagation and the delivery of the divine message. These methods align with the Quranic approaches outlined in Surah An-Nahl (wisdom, admonition, and argument) and are in harmony with the techniques of divine messengers. Imam Sadiq employed reasoning and rational arguments to strengthen people’s beliefs, taking into account the competence, capacities, and conditions of his audience when using the method of wisdom. In the admonition method, which aims to engage individuals' emotional and psychological inclinations, he used encouragement and warning, advice, respect for the audience, emotional appeal, and goodwill. Additionally, in the argumentation method, Imam Sadiq engaged in respectful debates, tailoring his approach to the specific circumstances to promote the religion

Propagation is a common tool used to transmit one’s ideas، culture and messages to others. Using various methods، different schools of thought، cultures and civilizations have long attempted to transmit their desired messages to their audiences. It is obvious that the best and most complete source for propagation is the Holy Quran which introduces the best preaching and propagation practices. Of course، benefitting from the sunnah (customary practice) and sirah (the life stories of the infallibles) can also contribute to the effective accomplishment of this end. In Quranic type of propagation، such principles as commitment to ethics and values، guidance of model figures، and correspondence between words and deeds، utilization of indirect and practical techniques، consideration of the requirements and circumstances of the time which makes it possible to utilize movies، stories، novels and various media as propagation tools under certain conditions، stimulation of the intellect and preaching contemplation، making use of plain talk، knowing the talent and capacity of the audience and acting accordingly، openness and transparency، avoiding discrimination، etc. govern all forms of propagation. The present article seeks to examine these methods and the propagation privileges of the Quran.