Whom should one focus on in conversations about faith?

The Holy Qur’an names wisdom first when it comes to inviting people to God. One has to judge each person individually, be a good example oneself and accompany everything with prayer.

Some people react to a conversation about faith with hostility, others listen politely and then forget it. There is no fixed rule about whom to approach. The Holy Qur’an names wisdom first when it comes to inviting people to God. So one should use one’s mind, and the answer may be different in every case. If you want to reach the first floor, you look for the staircase rather than trying to jump up.

It begins with yourself. What would make you interested in another conviction? Probably only a person in whom you clearly sense truthfulness and nearness to God. Many who newly come to Islam tell the same story. They noticed a friend or colleague who was quite different in the same school or the same office. He did not lie and was decent to everyone, without prejudice. They wanted to know where that strength came from.

Then you have to judge the other person correctly. What interests him, what kind of reasoning appeals to him, how much does he know about his own religion? Someone who hardly knows his own faith and leaves it entirely to his scholars is rarely convinced by arguments. He stays suspicious even when he has no answer. Such people often follow only once their own leaders are convinced.

And finally, prayer. Some think good arguments and great effort are enough. But without prayer no mountains are moved. Prayer is the strongest force that transforms hearts. Whoever holds on to it and proceeds with wisdom becomes like a tree that bears fruit.