Wisdom of preaching

A youth once presented himself in front of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and said: 'O Prophet of Allah (S.A.W)! Please give me permission to commit adultery, for I cannot control my urges.'

The Prophet (S.A.W) did not display any anger upon hearing this remark, but rather showed great understanding. He (S.A.W) knew the youngster was suffering a medical condition. He did not deserve an ill-tempered response but a compassionate one. So the Prophet (S.A.W) called him closer, placed His blessed hands on his shoulder and said:

'You asked me a question, Can I ask you one too?'. What is the question, O' Prophet of Allah (S.A.W)? came the reply.

Tell me, if someone wanted to commit adultery with your sister, would you like this?

The youth replied: No, O' Prophet of Allah (S.A.W)!

If someone wanted to commit adultery with your daughter or mother, would you
allow this?

Again the youth responded: No, O' Prophet of Allah (S.A.W)!

The woman you intend to commit adultery with will also be someone's sister, daughter or mother. So how will you tolerate such an act with someone else's sister, daughter or mother?

On hearing this the youth replied:, 'O' Prophet of Allah (S.A.W)! I now understand the matter. I will not make such a comment ever again. I now feel ashamed and
abhorrence towards this forbidden act.'

Moral:

This story highlights the correct method of preaching and its etiquettes. Each dialogue has its method and style of delivery which, if fulfilled correctly, gives the words great effect. Otherwise, the outcome can be negative. If preaching is done with love and admiration and with the intention of creating an ethos of action, then it too can have great effect.

The Prophet (S.A.W) demonstrates great wisdom in His blessed words and created disgust for adultery in this young person's heart. We also learn from this story how despicable and gross adultery is. No humane and sensible person can adore this crime. For this reason, Islam has set a severe punishment for adultery and has ordered Muslims to abhor it at all times.