Dear brothers: I work at a center for inviting non-Muslims to Islam. We have two methods: The first is a group method, where we gather a large number of people and introduce them to Islam. About 50 people embrace Islam, but only 25% remain for follow-up. The second method is individual, where the داعية (caller to Islam) visits the non-Muslim in their location. About 15 people embrace Islam, and all of them continue with follow-up and study. The question is: Which of the two methods is better? Bearing in mind that the group method achieves a larger number of new Muslims, but the follow-up rate is lower, while the individual method achieves a smaller number, but the follow-up rate is higher.

All praise is due to Allah, and may prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and companions.

Both methods of دعوت (invitation to Islam) – collective and individual – are important and were used by the prophets in their call. The داعي (one who invites) must be discerning as to which method benefits whom, as some people respond to general invitation, while others respond to individual invitation. Therefore, both methods should be continued. Whoever is more capable of addressing an audience should focus on collective دعوت, and whoever is more capable of individual conversation should attend to it. There is no contradiction between the two methods; rather, both are beneficial and important, and people are in need of them.

We ask Allah for success and assistance.

And Allah knows best.