so do not overwhelm people with excessive admonition, thereby making them bored and turning them away from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the statements of the scholars. Once hearts grow weary, they lose their vigor, become fatigued and frustrated, and may even come to detest the truth—even though it is the very truth. For this reason the wisest preacher ever to walk the earth, Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—used to address the people from time to time, without burdening them, lest they become bored, weary, and averse to what was being said of the truth.

The author then opens this chapter with the Almighty’s words: “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in the best manner” (16:125).

“Call to the way of your Lord” means: summon them to the religion of Allah, for His way is His religion—the path that leads to Allah the Exalted. Whoever follows this religion will be led to Allah, because it is Allah who has established and legislated it for His servants. Hence it is ascribed to Him: “the way of Allah.”

He says, “Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in the best manner,” that is, by three means. First, wisdom: placing everything in its proper place—choosing the suitable moment, setting, and wording. Some venues are not fit for admonition; certain times are not fit for admonition; and likewise, some people should not be admonished at all until they are prepared to accept it. Hence He said