Gasht is the practice of going out to visit Muslim brothers. It is also called Joula (Jola/Jawla/Jawlah). Adab of Gasht is the etiquettes on how to do Gasht. A reminder of the Adab of Gasht is Umumi Gasht
Types of Gasht
Umumi Gasht
Umumi Gasht is to informally visit the public without a specific target, randomly or through a list. The target is so that every Muslim in the locality is visited and no one is left out. Umumi Gasht is typically done on a set day and time. Visits are typically done by going door to door. A Jamaat may also visit public places such as markets, offices, parks, etc.
Umumi Gasht is part of the ‘5 Amaals of Masjid’ which is a simple recommendation of what a Masjid should try to establish.
Khususi Gasht
Khususi Gasht is to visit targeted people. The targeted people can be:
- Friends or known brothers
These are people who we know and have met before typically during Umumi Gasht - Local community leaders
In these visits, it is best make an appointment and bring some gifts. - Local Imam/Scholar
In these visits, we should not give any direct Da’wah, but ask for their Du’a (supplications) for us instead - Other Tablighi Jamaat members (Old Workers)
When visiting Old workers who are no longer active in the effort of Tabligh, we should not give direct Da’wah to him. Instead, we should:- Talk to politely with resptect
- Acknowlegde their specific contributions in the past. The more specific, the better as it is more genuine.
- Share with them what is going on with the local Tabligh work (also known as Karguzari).
- Professionals/wealthy people
In these visits, it is best to make appointments and acknowledge whatever service they have done to the community. We should avoid giving Da’wah putting down their wealth or status. Remember, Da’wah is for my own self.
Adab of Gasht (Etiquettes of Joula)
The Adab of Gasht (Joula/Jawla/Jawlah) are the etiquettes one should follow while doing Gasht. The following are common rules. Please note that these rules can change subject to local Mashwaras.
- Correct Intention Before Going: Visit only for the pleasure of Allah.
- Make Two Groups: One group will visit brothers, while the rest stay in the masjid. The Amir will assign tasks: one brother for Zikr, one to talk to the brothers in the masjid until before Maghrib salat, and one brother for Istekbal to receive anyone who comes to the masjid and request him to join the discussion after his salat if not performed already.
- Zikr Arrangements: The brother making Zikr can stop when the brothers who went for Joula return. A typical Joula arrangement is shown on page A99.
- Make a Lot of Du’a Before Gasht: Du’as are definitely accepted at this time. Show your humbleness to Allah, express your weakness and helplessness, and ask Allah to help and change the hearts of the brothers visited. Seek protection from the nafs (ego) and Shaytan during Joula.
- Timing of Gasht: For Umumi Gasht, try to do Gasht before prayer time. Generally, it is done after one salat until the next salat, with a bayan made after the next salat. The timing of Joula should depend on the availability of the brothers who will be visited. If they are not available at a certain time, no Joula should be made at that time.
- Flexible Gasht Timing: There is no strict rule to do Gasht after Asr and bayan after Maghrib. Discuss with local brothers to decide the time of Gasht. For Umumi Gasht, it is often recommended to do it after Asr when there is still sunlight, as people who do not know us (strangers) may feel more comfortable meeting us in daylight rather than in the dark. To be effective, thoroughly discuss the local situation before deciding.
- Team Structure: Go as a Jamaat with one Amir (responsible), one Dalil (guide), and one Mutakallim (spokesperson).
- Go with Zikr: Recite “Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar.”
- Respect and Conduct: Keep your eyes down, as it is an arrow of Shaytan. Walk along the right side of the road. Approach the person being visited with great respect, regardless of what you see or know about them.
- Approach with Humility: Allah advised Musa (alaihis salam) to invite Pharaoh (who was not a believer) towards Allah with a calm mind (Ta-Ha:44).
- Impactful Attitude: Your attitude will affect the hearts of the brothers being visited. Have a sincere wish that the brother will come to the masjid immediately to gain maximum benefit.
- Dalil’s Role: The Dalil will knock (maximum 3 times) as per the sunnah. If there is no response, the brothers should leave.
- Introductions: If the brother opens the door, the Dalil will introduce the brother to the Mutakallim.
- Mutakallim’s Approach: The Mutakallim should give salam, warmly shake hands, and give Da’wah primarily on Kalima Tayyiba. Briefly remind him about the importance of Akhirah, Iman, and obedience to Allah.
- Respecting Boundaries: The Mutakallim should not insist on hearing the brother’s recitation of Kalima, nor compel him to recite or perform salat, as this may hurt his feelings. The Mutakallim should not act as an enforcer or interrogator.
- Invitation to the Masjid: The Mutakallim should request the brother to join the talk at the masjid, rather than calling him directly to prayer. Once he is ready to go to the masjid, he will likely pray as well.
- Understanding the Brother: If the brother is not praying at all, asking him to pray immediately might lead to non-cooperation and disinterest. The Mutakallim’s invitation should focus on the effort for good deeds to benefit the hereafter. When talking about Akhirah, most people will listen.
- Avoiding Debates: The Mutakallim should not engage in long discussions or debates. He should be brief and to the point.
- Focused Invitation: The Mutakallim should not call to prayers, but rather request the brother to join the talk at the masjid. Once he is ready to go to the masjid, he will also pray.
- Non-Praying Brothers: If the brother is not praying at all, asking him to pray might result in non-cooperation and disinterest.
- Invitation to Good Deeds: The Mutakallim’s invitation should focus on efforts for good deeds to benefit the hereafter. When you talk about Akhirah, no one can deny it, and in most cases, the brother will listen.
- Brief and To the Point: The Mutakallim should not get into long discussions or debates. He should be brief and to the point.
- Keep the Talk Focused: The Mutakallim should not pause or ask for the brother’s opinion during the talk. He should simply finish his message and request the brother to come to the masjid.
- Preferred Location for Da’wah: It is preferred to give Da’wah outside to avoid seeing any undesirable things inside the brother’s place.
- Entering the Brother’s Home: If the brother insists on inviting you inside, it may be acceptable to go in and talk. The Amir should decide based on the situation.
- Handling Offers of Food: If the brother offers food or drinks, the Amir should politely decline by explaining that time is short and there are many places to visit. If the brother insists, agree on simple refreshments like water, juice, or fruit, and continue the Da’wah discussion. Avoid turning the visit into a social occasion, which can detract from the purpose of Da’wah.
- Being Gentle: Do not be hard on the brothers being visited. The whole process should be friendly and aim to win their hearts. This approach increases the chances that they will respond positively and come to the masjid.
- Mutakallim’s Talk: When the Mutakallim speaks, everyone should keep their eyes down, stop Zikr, and listen. Make Du’a for the brother so he can go to the masjid immediately.
- Accompanying to the Masjid: If the brother is ready, the Amir should send him to the masjid with one brother from the Jamaat. The accompanying brother should not join the Joula; his concern and focus are different from those of the Joula brothers.
- Flexibility with Timing: If any brother has an excuse to not go to the masjid immediately, the Mutakallim should encourage him to come later.
- Continuing the Joula: The Joula can continue wherever the guide leads the group.
- Concluding the Joula: Finish the Joula with enough time for the brothers to return to the masjid, use the toilet if necessary, make wudu, and join salat with the Jamaat. Seek Istighfar and return to the masjid.
- Dispersing After Joula: Brothers should return to the masjid first before dispersing. They should not disperse from the place where the Joula ends.
