Scholars should primarily use authentic sources—the Quran and Sunnah—to guide people to Islam

 

Imam Hambal kantonga

Scholars should primarily use authentic sources—the Quran and Sunnah—to guide people to Islam. These are the foundations of Islamic knowledge and guidance. However, scholars have also used parables, wisdom stories, and historical examples to make complex ideas easier to understand.

Using Myths and Stories in Dawah

1. If the story is authentic (from the Quran, Hadith, or verified historical events), then using it is beneficial.

2. If it is a fabricated or mythical story that has no basis in Islam, then using it is misleading and can lead people away from the truth.

3. Scholars may use parables (مثل) or moral stories as long as they are clear that these are just examples, not actual Islamic teachings.

The Prophet (ﷺ) himself used examples, parables, and real stories to teach people. For instance, he once said:

   "The example of a believer who recites the Quran is like a citrus fruit, its fragrance is pleasant and its taste is sweet..." (Bukhari & Muslim)

This shows that storytelling can be useful if it clarifies Islamic teachings. However, inventing myths to make Islam appealing is dangerous because Islam is already the truth—it doesn’t need falsehood to support it.

I plage to reveal to the whole world some of the lies told by some people in the name of guiding to the right path. That is what I have chosen to do now.

Written by: Imam Hambal kantonga