Gasht is the practice of visiting Muslim brothers. It is also called Joula (other spellings: Jola/Jawla/Jawlah). Adab of Gasht means the etiquettes of how to do Gasht.
Types of Gasht
Umumi Gasht
Umumi Gasht means informally visiting the public without a specific target. You can do these visits randomly (door-to-door) or through a list. The goal is to visit every Muslim in the area, leaving no one out. People usually do Umumi Gasht on a set day and time. These visits typically happen at people’s houses. A Jamaat may also visit public places like markets, offices, and parks.
Umumi Gasht is part of the ‘5 Amaals of Masjid‘ which are simple actions that a Masjid should try to establish.
Khususi Gasht
Khususi Gasht means visiting specific people. These targeted people can be:
- Friends or known brothers
These are people we know and have met before, usually during Umumi Gasht - Local community leaders
For these visits, it is best to make an appointment and bring some gifts. - Local Imam/Scholar
During these visits, we should not give any direct Da’wah. Instead, we should ask for their Du’a (prayers) for us - Other Tablighi Jamaat members (Old Workers)
When visiting Old Workers who are no longer active in Tabligh work, we should not give direct Da’wah. Instead, we should:- Talk politely with respect
- Acknowledge their specific past contributions. The more specific details, the better, as it sounds more genuine.
- Share updates about the local Tabligh work (also known as Karguzari).
- Professionals/wealthy people
For these visits, it is best to make appointments and acknowledge their service to the community. We should avoid giving Da’wah that criticizes 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 proper behaviors to follow during Gasht. These are common rules. Please note that these rules can change based on local conditions and Mashwara (consultation).
- Correct Intention Before Going: Visit only to please Allah.
- Make Two Groups: One group will visit brothers, while others stay in the masjid. The Amir will assign tasks: one brother for Zikr, one to talk to brothers in the masjid until before Maghrib salat, and one for Istekbal to welcome visitors and ask them to join the discussion after performing salat if needed.
- Zikr Arrangements: The brother making Zikr can stop when the brothers who went for Joula return. You can find a typical Joula arrangement on page A99.
- Make Many Du’as Before Gasht: Allah accepts Du’as at this time. Show humility to Allah. Express your weakness and helplessness. Ask Allah to help change the hearts of the brothers you will visit. Seek protection from your nafs (ego) and Shaytan during Joula.
- Timing of Gasht: For Umumi Gasht, try to do Gasht before prayer time. People usually do it between one salat and the next salat, with a talk after the next salat. The timing of Joula should match when the brothers you plan to visit are available. If they are not available at a certain time, do not make Joula then.
- Flexible Gasht Timing: There is no strict rule to do Gasht after Asr and give a talk after Maghrib. Discuss with local brothers to decide the best time for Gasht. For Umumi Gasht, many recommend doing it after Asr when there is still daylight. People who don’t know us may feel more comfortable meeting us in daylight rather than in darkness. Discuss the local situation thoroughly before deciding on timing.
- Team Structure: Go as a Jamaat with one Amir (leader), one Dalil (guide), and one Mutakallim (speaker).
- Go with Zikr: Recite “Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar.”
- Respect and Conduct: Keep your eyes down, as looking around is an arrow of Shaytan. Walk on the right side of the road. Approach the person you visit with great respect, no matter 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 you visit. Sincerely wish that the brother will come to the masjid right away to gain maximum benefit.
- Dalil’s Role: The Dalil will knock (maximum 3 times) following the sunnah. If no one answers, the brothers should leave.
- Introductions: If the brother opens the door, the Dalil will introduce him to the Mutakallim.
- Mutakallim’s Approach: The Mutakallim should give salam, warmly shake hands, and give Da’wah mainly on Kalima Tayyiba. Briefly remind him about the importance of Akhirah, Iman, and obedience to Allah.
- Respecting Boundaries: The Mutakallim should not demand to hear the brother recite the Kalima. He should not force him to recite or perform salat, as this may hurt his feelings. The Mutakallim should not act like an enforcer or interrogator.
- Invitation to the Masjid: The Mutakallim should invite the brother to join the talk at the masjid, rather than directly calling him to prayer. Once he is ready to go to the masjid, he will likely pray as well.
- Understanding the Brother: If the brother doesn’t pray at all, asking him to pray immediately might make him uncooperative and disinterested. The Mutakallim’s invitation should focus on good deeds that 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 clear.
- Focused Invitation: The Mutakallim should not call to prayers, but instead invite the brother to join the talk at the masjid. Once he comes to the masjid, he will also pray.
- Non-Praying Brothers: If the brother doesn’t pray at all, asking him to pray might make him uncooperative and lose interest.
- Invitation to Good Deeds: The Mutakallim’s invitation should focus on good deeds that benefit the hereafter. When you talk about Akhirah, no one can deny it, and most brothers will listen.
- Brief and Clear: The Mutakallim should avoid long discussions or debates. He should be brief and clear.
- Keep the Talk Focused: The Mutakallim should not stop to ask for the brother’s opinion during the talk. He should simply finish his message and invite the brother to come to the masjid.
- Preferred Location for Da’wah: It is better to give Da’wah outside to avoid seeing anything inappropriate inside the brother’s place.
- Entering the Brother’s Home: If the brother strongly invites you inside, it may be acceptable to enter 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 limited and there are many places to visit. If the brother insists, accept simple refreshments like water, juice, or fruit, and continue the Da’wah discussion. Avoid turning the visit into a social occasion, which can distract from the purpose of Da’wah.
- Being Gentle: Do not be harsh with the brothers you visit. The whole process should be friendly and aim to win their hearts. This approach increases the chances they will respond positively and come to the masjid.
- Mutakallim’s Talk: When the Mutakallim speaks, everyone should keep their eyes down or look at the Mutakallim, 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. This accompanying brother should not join the Joula; his focus is different from the Joula brothers.
- Flexibility with Timing: If any brother cannot 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 brothers to return to the masjid, use the toilet if needed, 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 going their separate ways. They should not disperse from the place where the Joula ends.
Barrak Allahu fik