When one observes the work of missionaries—the meticulous organization of their missionary efforts, the sacrifices they make, and their patience and endurance—and then compares this with the disorder and confusion prevailing among those engaged in calling people to Islam, the contrast is striking. The latter lack seriousness in their work; indeed, Islamic work is treated as a secondary, supplementary activity, undertaken in whatever time remains after official duties, which they regard as their serious work. Such a comparison reveals people devoted to falsehood working earnestly to promote it and sincerely committed to their mission, while those who possess the truth neglect it, grow idle, and fail to vie with one another in its cause. Allah is the One whose help is sought.

Despite the many Islamic centres bearing the name of calling people to Islam, the many people who affiliate themselves with this work and live under the title of callers to Islam, and the abundance of material written and broadcast in its name—despite all this, the call to Islam, whether laying foundations, correcting errors, or bringing renewal, still suffers, in the great majority of cases, from a lack of seriousness among those engaged in it. Indeed, it is often taken advantage of as a means of earning a livelihood, a way of life, or a route to prestigious religious positions accessible only in the name of calling people to Islam, gaining trust and fame at its expense. It also suffers from inadequate knowledge and methods, a lack of wisdom, and weak sincerity among many of its practitioners. Allah is the One whose help is sought.

I am certain that the Presidency of the Departments of Scholarly Research, Fatwa, Islamic Outreach and Guidance recognizes these realities. Perhaps it is seeking to lead Islamic outreach out of this predicament by unifying its centres and secretariats, recruiting Muslim experts and planners to work at its central office, and then recruiting for direct work in the field men known for their knowledge, wisdom, seriousness, and personal enthusiasm for calling people to Islam—not because it is