Let's Become Effective Da'ees - International Da'wah Training Programme - Part 82 | by Dr Zakir Naik

The session opens with Dr. Zakir Naik facilitating a competitive exercise among participants to rapidly recite the names and meanings of Quranic Surahs. He explains that he demonstrated the exercise himself not out of desire for the spotlight, but to show participants that it was achievable. He notes that competition can be motivating for some but discouraging for others, and encourages each participant to strive to break their own personal records.

Several participants attempt the exercise, reciting Surah names from Chapter 1 (Al-Fatiha) through Chapter 25 (Al-Furqan) as quickly as possible. A participant of Chinese-Malaysian origin clocks in at 49.4 seconds, earning praise from Dr. Naik, who notes that this sets three benchmark targets: 26 seconds, 46 seconds, and 49 seconds. He encourages participants to practice at home, including with family members, and to time themselves regularly.

Dr. Naik transitions into a broader motivational discussion about the importance of preparation and rehearsal in da'wah. He shares that even he, despite his experience, still rehearses new lectures before delivering them and that preparation builds confidence. He uses the analogy of his sister serving as a 'guinea pig' early in his career to illustrate the value of trial runs.

He then delivers a spiritual reflection on striving in the way of Allah, citing Surah Baqarah (2:155) about Allah testing believers through fear, loss of life, and wealth. He argues that the more one strives, the more success follows, and with success comes the responsibility to remain humble and grateful. He warns that arrogance — believing oneself to be self-sufficient — leads to Allah's forsaking, after which no one can help. He emphasizes that reaching a level of excellence is difficult, but maintaining it is even harder.

The session concludes with Dr. Naik assigning the next Quranic verse homework to Brother Kaleem, reminding participants that 50 Surahs must be memorized by day after tomorrow, and encouraging everyone to practice and time themselves before the next meeting.