The Messengers of Peace Academy

A Guide to Responding with Patience, Knowledge, and Wisdom

In today’s world, Da’wah conversations can quickly move from friendly to uncomfortable. Someone might challenge Islam with a difficult question - about women’s rights, violence, or freedom - and it’s easy to feel cornered. In those moments, how we respond says just as much as what we say.

This guide will help you handle tough questions without becoming defensive, while still staying true to the message of Islam - using the ‘GORAP’ method as your framework.

Step 1: Stay Calm – You Represent the Message

Da’wah isn’t just about facts - it’s about character. Before you respond, pause and remember that your tone, facial expression, and body language are part of the call.

“And had you been harsh or hard-hearted, they would have certainly turned away from you.” [Surah Aal ‘Imran -3:159]

When you stay calm and polite - even when challenged - you’re embodying the prophetic way.

Step 2: Use GORAP - Don’t Just React

When the pressure is on, don’t jump straight into answering the question. Use the ‘GORAP’ method to guide the conversation instead of reacting to it.

Here’s how GORAP helps:

G – God: Re-centre the discussion on belief in one Creator.

Start by redirecting the conversation to belief in a Creator.

“That’s a good question. But before we get into those rules, can I ask, do you believe there’s a Creator behind all of this?”

Let them respond. If they say yes:

“Okay, so if there is a Creator - then He would know what’s best for us, right?”

(You’ve now made obedience logical before even mentioning the rules.)

O – Oneness: Establish that God is One, with no partners.

Clarify that the Creator is One, unique, and has no partners.

“Islam teaches that this Creator is One, not part of His creation. He’s not a man, or a statue, or nature. He’s completely unlike us - All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and perfectly just.”

“So it makes sense that we would worship only Him - not through saints, idols, or rituals passed down from culture - but through what He revealed Himself.”

R – Revelation: Show that God sent guidance through books.

Introduce the idea that the Creator has sent guidance.

“If there is a wise Creator, it would only make sense that He guides us, not leave us guessing about life, purpose, right and wrong.”

“That’s why Islam believes He sent books and messengers, and that the final revelation is the Qur’an, unchanged since it was revealed.”

(Optional: You could offer a Qur’an or a verse here, depending on their interest.)

A – Afterlife: Remind them of the accountability that follows this life.

Explain accountability and why actions matter.

“We believe this life is a test. How we live, whether we worship God or ignore Him, will determine our eternity.”

“That’s why Muslims follow certain rules. Not because it’s culture or habit, but because we believe we’ll stand before God and be judged fairly.”

Now the rules (like prayer, fasting, avoiding alcohol) make more sense - they’re not just random restrictions, but acts of devotion based on belief.

P – Prophethood: Introduce Muhammad ﷺ as the final messenger.

Finally, introduce the Prophet ﷺ as the seal of all messengers.

“God didn’t just send a book - He sent a living example: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He lived the Qur’an, showed us how to worship, how to treat others, how to live with purpose.”

“He was known as the most honest and trustworthy man, even before Islam, and millions follow his example to this day.”

So if someone asks, “Why can’t Muslims drink alcohol?” - instead of debating the law directly, guide them:

“That’s a great question. But before we get to that, can I ask: Do you believe there’s a Creator who knows what’s best for us?”

Use questions to redirect the focus from individual rulings to the foundation of belief. That’s where real transformation starts and it avoids wasting precious time moving mindlessly from one question to the other, without ever getting to the roots.

Step 3: Assume Curiosity, Not Hostility

Not everyone is attacking Islam - even if it feels that way. Many people simply don’t know better.

Treat every question as an opportunity, not a threat.

“Repel evil with what is better; then the one you were enemies with will become like a close friend.” [Surah Fussilat 41:34]

A gentle approach often disarms even the harshest question.

Step 4: Be Honest - And Don’t Fear Saying “I Don’t Know”

You don’t need to have all the answers. It would be much better to be honest and say you’re not sure than try to give an answer that doesn’t sound right or worse, isn’t the truth.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever lies about me deliberately, let him take his seat in Hellfire.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari, 1291; Sahih Muslim, 3

It’s far better to say:

“That’s a deep question - I’d love to get back to you after checking with someone more knowledgeable.”

This builds trust and shows sincerity - which often matters more than giving the perfect answer on the spot.

Step 5: Use Simple, Sincere Language

Avoid long, complicated speeches. Focus on clarity and connection. For example:

❌ “In classical fiqh literature, under the Usul…”

✅ “Islam teaches that every soul is responsible for its actions, and we’ll all be judged fairly by the One who created us.”

People remember how you made them feel, not how clever your answer was.

Step 6: Plant Seeds - Don’t Force a Conclusion

Your job is to deliver the message, not to convert someone on the spot. Sometimes, the person asking you a harsh question today is the same one who’ll embrace Islam a year from now.

“You do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.” [Surah Al-Qasas 28:56]

So plant the seed. Water it with good character. Then leave the rest to Allah.

Final Thoughts

Tough questions will come. But they are not something to fear - they’re openings. Invitations to share the truth with patience and compassion. Use the GORAP method to keep your foundation strong. Stay calm. Be sincere. Speak with wisdom.

And remember the Prophet ﷺ’s example:

“Make things easy and do not make them difficult. Give glad tidings and do not drive people away.” - Sahih al-Bukhari, 69; Sahih Muslim, 1732