The Etiquette of Giving Notice and the Subtlety of Propagation

In the early years of my seminary studies and the beginning of my time as a preacher, I once attended a funeral ceremony for a local dignitary at a mosque. According to the common custom, every newcomer would send blessings (Salawat) in a loud voice upon entering and ask the congregation to recite Surah Al-Fatiha. Although this act showed respect and goodwill, it became problematic for me, as I was seated on the pulpit giving lecture; the thread of the speech would be broken, and the audience’s minds would be drawn away from the atmosphere of the sermon.

I waited for a while, but finally, I lost patience. When one individual-who happened to be a respectable man-entered and did the same thing, I immediately said in protest, “What kind of custom is this that you don’t even observe it during the sermon?”

The essence of what I said was perhaps correct, but my tone and timing were so inappropriate that it caused distress to that honourable man and displeasure among a group of those present. After that, I clearly understood that giving notice also has its etiquette; and if it is not expressed in the right place and in the correct manner, it not only lacks a positive effect but can also produce the opposite result. From that experience, I learned that propagation is not just about stating the truth; rather, it is the art of how to speak the truth. Reforming social traditions and habits does not happen overnight and requires patience, tact, and observance of courtesy in speech.

Lessons from this experience:

1. Changing social habits requires patience and gradualism, not hasty confrontations.
2. The method and timing of a reminder are as important as its content in making it effective.
3. Successful propagation is achieved when it is accompanied by respect for the dignity and character of the audience.