What do I say to a friend who asks why I keep telling him about Islam?

Best of all with a friendly question in return. Why don't you tell me about your beliefs, if you think I am wrong? In this way a reproach becomes an open conversation.

Sometimes a friend says, why are you preaching to me, I know the principles of Islam myself. At such a moment there is no need to get caught up in a long justification. A short, friendly question in return is often enough.

One might say that something else bothers you. You object to my telling you about my faith. What bothers me is that you do not tell me about your convictions. If you think I am wrong, then surely it is up to you to convince me. So let us talk with each other.

Two attitudes now stand side by side. One rejects every conversation about faith. The other seeks exchange and is ready to listen as well. The second verse above shows which attitude is right. Inviting people to God was the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Whoever knows his way knows that inviting others is nothing offensive. It was mostly those who did not want to listen who objected to it.

The tone matters. The first verse asks for wisdom, good counsel and conversation in the best manner. Such a question in return is therefore not an attack. It invites the friend to be open himself, and it shows him that he is taken seriously as a partner in conversation.