Questioner: Huzoor, I seek your guidance regarding the ethics of preaching. You would recall, sir, that a congregation from a local church came to seeHuzoor..
Huzoor (rh): Yes, yes.
Questioner: And we paid a return visit today to them at their invitation…and uh
Huzoor (rh): What do you mean we?
Questioner: A few of us from a group of Ahmadis, of course, and they invited us to repay their… and…
Huzoor (rh): Almost the same sort of thing was repeated.
Questioner: Yes, sir. I mean, they introduced their own religion and beliefs and whatever, and showed around the buildings…
Huzoor (rh): Gave you opportunity to ask questions and so on.
Questioner: Yes, sir.
Huzoor (rh): That’s right.
Questioner: There sir, I found that I, of course, respect the enthusiasm of some of us, one or two. They were very enthusiastic in preaching and rather indulged in deep argumentation. I personally felt, sir, that that was an occasion where we should try to bring them nearer to us and make friendship so that they could turn back at it.
Huzoor (rh): Then why do you appreciate them, if this is your own view?
Questioner: Enthusiasm there, at least.
Huzoor (rh): No, it’s enthusiasm wrongly placed is not to be appreciated.
Questioner: This is where, sir, I seek your guidance. How should we go about?
Huzoor (rh): You already have decided the issue.
Questioner: Thank you, sir.
Huzoor (rh): You are just telling me, you are not seeking guidance, in fact. You are telling me what happened. You want a moral support for yourself and you are…
Questioner: That’s right, sir. Am I right or wrong? Am I right or wrong?
Huzoor (rh): Yes, you are quite right.
Questioner: Thank you.
Huzoor (rh): You are quite right. That was indecent and unwise. When you are a guest of some certain people, at least you should be courteous, for the sake of decency as well as for the sake of your own message. If you are not courteous to them, then how can you expect them to be attracted to you and your message? They may, on the other hand, have remained courteous because they were more civilized in this respect particularly. But in the heart of their hearts, they would have resented it very strongly. I hope we have not lost would-be converts.
Questioner: No, sir. I hope, Inshallah, they would come and see us again.
Huzoor (rh): Please apologize for that.
Questioner: Yes sir, Insha’Allah.
