except for an understanding that Allah grants to whomsoever He wills regarding His Book, and whatever is contained in this scroll.” He then clarified what the scroll held: “the rulings on blood-money, the ransoming of captives, and that no Muslim is to be put to death in retaliation for a disbeliever.” The point being cited here is his phrase: “except for an understanding that Allah grants to whom He wills in the Book of Allah.”

People differ in their capacities, and it is especially incumbent upon the seeker of knowledge to be diligent in extracting benefits and legal rulings from the texts of the Quran and the Sunnah, for these are the unfailing source. Deriving rulings from them is like a man who comes to a spring to fill his vessel—some draw a little, others draw much.

This great hadith, in which Muʿādh ibn Jabal—may Allah be pleased with him—explained the commission upon which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sent him to the people of Yemen, contains many lessons, among them:

First: The obligation of dispatching callers to Allah, a duty that lies within the prerogative of the ruler. Whenever any place is in need of daʿwah, it is incumbent upon the leader of the Muslims to send those who invite people to the religion of Allah, for this was the Prophet’s constant practice—peace and blessings be upon him—sending envoys who called people to Allah.

Second: The envoy should be informed about the condition of those to whom he is sent so that he can prepare himself and interact with them appropriately. He must not arrive unexpectedly, lest they confront him with specious arguments that leave him unable to respond, thereby causing great harm to the daʿwah. The preacher, therefore, must be alert and ready for whatever the invitees may present, so that he is not taken unawares, falters, and thus harms the call.

Third: That the first matter to which people are invited is the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad—