* Da’wah Is Not To Attack People But To Attract People.
* Da’wah Is Not To Convert or Convince But To Convey.
* “Basic Qualification – Highest Designation”
– Qualification – Sahih Bukhari 4: 667 “Even If you know one word, convey it to others”
– Designation – Surah Fussilat 41:33 “And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, “Indeed, I am of the Muslims.”
Contents
1. Defination of Da’wah & Islaah
2. Da’wah – An Obligation
3. Obligation of a Muslim Towards a Disbeliever
4. Methodology of The Prophets In Calling To Allah
5. Forms of Da’wah
6. Top 10 Excuses Muslims give For Not Doing Da’wah
7. Necessary Qualities of a Dayee
8. Tips for One -to- One Da’wah
1. Definition of ‘Da’wah’ : ‘Da’wah’ means an invitation. In the Islamic context it means an invitation to Islam. Thus Da’wah means conveying the message of Islam to Non-Muslims and inviting them to Islam.
Definition of ‘Islaah’ ‘Islaah’ means to improve, correct, rectify or repair. In Islamic terminology, ‘Islaah’ means correcting a Muslim or providing more knowledge of Islam to a Muslim.
Difference between Islaah and Da’wah:
Usually people use the word ‘Da’wah’ for the act of conveying the message of Islam, without differentiating whether the person being addressed is a Muslim or a Non-Muslim. Many consider Da’wah and Islaah to be one and the same activity. The appropriate word used for inviting a Non-Muslim to Islam is Da’wah and for providing correct and additional knowledge of Islam to a Muslim is Islaah.
2. Da’wah – An Obligation
An important matter for Muslims to realize is that da`wah is an obligation upon them.
Allah says in the Qur’an: “Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.” [Al-Qur’an, Nisaa’ 16:125]
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof [i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do] and forbidding al-Munkar [polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden]. And it is they who are successful.” [ Aal e `Imran 3:104]
The second ayah may seem to be restricting the general obligation given in the first verse, but a close look at the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) reveals that calling to Allah is an individual obligation, rather than a collective one i.e. it is a Fard e Aien and not Fard e Kifaaya.
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) has said: “Convey from me, even one verse.” [Sahih Bukhari 4 : 667] Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability.
The obligation is further emphasized by the following ayah which explains that not conveying the message – hiding knowledge – is disobedience to Allah that causes Allah’s curse to descend upon such people, which shows that such a sin leads to the Hellfire.
“Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers.” [Al-Qur’an, Baqara 2:159]
In the same connection, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) has stated, “Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the branding iron from the hellfire.” [Ahmad]
Calling people to Allah also means completing our own worship, the reason for which we are created. It is one of the noblest acts that entails a high reward.
“And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims.'” [Al-Qur’an, Fussilat 41:33]
With regards to the reward, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) has said: “Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it.” [Saheeh Muslim] Also, “By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you it would be better for you than the best type of camels.” [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim]
3. Obligation of a Muslim Towards a Disbeliever
The responsibility of a Muslim towards non-Muslims are many, including:
First, he must call them to the way of Allah. This is to preach to them and to make clear to them the reality of Islam, according to his ability and if he has the knowledge to do so. This is the greatest and best good deed that one could do toward his fellow citizen and for those who live together with Jews, Christians and other disbelievers. On this point, Prophet (Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “The one who guides to good gets the same reward as the one who performs it.” [Muslim] Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) also told Ali ®, when he was sending him to Khaibar to encounter the Jews, to invite the Jews to Islam. He told him, “By Allah, if Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you than the best types of camels.” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) also said, “Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to the reward of the one who follows him, without the reward of either of them being lessened at all.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Aboo Daawood, an-Nasaa’ee, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah] Calling them to Islam, preaching Islam to them and advising them concerning that is one of the most important deeds and is one of the best ways to get closer to Allah.
Second, [the Muslim] may not wrong the other person with respect to his life, wealth or honor, if the non-Muslim is a citizen of the Islamic state or has attained other protection. He must fulfill the other’s rights. He may not wrong him with respect to his wealth by stealing from him, deceiving him or cheating him. He cannot harm him in his body by beating or killing him. His protection from the state guarantees his safety from such things.
Third, there is no prohibition concerning buying, selling, renting or other such business transactions with them. It has been authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) bought things from the polytheistic disbelievers. He also purchased items from Jews. In fact, when Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam), his shield was being held as collateral with a Jewish person in exchange for food for his family.
Fourth, one should not give them the greetings of peace first. However, one responds to their greetings. Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not give the greetings of peace first to the Jew or Christian.” [Muslim] He also said, “If the people of the book give you the greeting of peace, then say, ‘Wa Alaikum (and upon you).”‘ [al-Bukhaaree] Therefore, a Muslim does not greet a non-Muslim first. But when a Jew, Christian or other disbeliever greets him, he replies, “And upon you also,” as Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) has ordered. This is from the rights of conduct between a Muslim and a disbeliever. He also must be neighborly toward his non-Muslim neighbor. If your neighbor is good to you, you do not harm him and you may even give him charity if he is poor or give him a gift if he is rich. You may also advise him concerning what is good for him. All of this may lead him to want to learn about Islam and become a Muslim and because neighbors have very great rights. Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Angel Gabriel kept advising me concerning the neighbor until I thought he was going to inherit [from his neighbor].” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim] Allah also says in the Quran, “Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and drove you not from your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity” [Al-Mumtahinah 60:7].
It is recorded in an authentic hadith from Asma bint Abu Bakr that her mother, who was a polytheist, visited her and asked for her assistance – this was during the time of the peace treaty between the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the disbelievers so she went to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to ask him about that and he told her to keep the ties of kinship with her and be righteous towards her.
Fifth, a Muslim should not participate with them in their greetings and festivals. However, one may give them condolences upon the death of someone if he finds some legal benefit in doing so. He may say to them, “May future bring good to you,” or something of that nature. He may not say, “May Allah forgive him,” or, “May Allah have mercy on him,” if the person who died was a disbeliever (see Quran 9:113). That is, one may not make prayers for a dead disbeliever although one may ask for guidance for those who are alive and so forth [From “Answers to Common Questions From New Muslims”].
4. Methodology of The Prophets In Calling To Allah
All praise is for Allaah, Lord of the Worlds, who ordered us to follow His Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and to call to His Way, and may Allah send praises and blessings of peace upon our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam), and upon his family, his companions, and those who truly follow them until the Day of Judgement. To proceed:
Calling to Allaah (ad-Da’wah ilallaah) is the way of the Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) and his followers, as Allaah, the Most High, says: Say, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): This is my way, I call to Allaah (i.e to the testification that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, alone, with no partner) upon certain knowledge – I, and those who follow me. I declare Allaah free and far removed from all that they associate as partners with Him, and I am free of those who worship anything else along with Him. [Surah Yusuf 12:108]
Indeed calling to Allaah was the mission of all the Messengers and their followers, in order to bring the people out of darkness and into light, from unbelief (kufr) to true Faith (eemaan), from shirk to tawheed, and from the Fire to Paradise. This call to Allaah rests upon firm pillars, and is established upon foundations which are absolutely essential. If any of these are missing the da’wah will not be correct and will not produce the desired results – no matter how much effort is expended and time wasted – and this is the reality which we witness with regard to many of the present day calls which are not supported by those pillars and built upon those foundations. These pillars which support the correct da’wah are clearly shown in the Book and the Sunnah, and can be summarised as follows:
1. Knowledge of that which one calls to:
Since the ignorant person is not suitable to be a caller (daa’ee). Allaah, the Most High, said to His prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam):
Say, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): This is my way, I call to Allaah (to the testification that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, alone, having no partner) upon certain knowledge (baseerah). I, and those who follow me. [Soorah Yoosuf 12:108]
‘Baseerah’ is knowledge. So the caller is certain to face those who are scholars of misguidance, those who will attack him with doubts and futile arguments in order to rebut the truth. Allaah, the Most High, says: And argue with them in a way that is better. [Surah an-Nahl 16:125]
Furthermore the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said to Mu’aadh (radhiAllaahu ‘anhu), “You are going to a people from the People of the Book.” So if the caller is not armed with sufficient knowledge for him to face every doubt and contend with every opponent, then he will be defeated in the first counter, and will be halted at the beginning of the way.
2. Acting in accordance with that which he calls to:
So that he will be a good example – his actions attesting to his words, and leaving no excuse for the opponents of the Truth. Allaah, the Most High, said about His Prophet Shu’ayb that he said to his people:
I do not wish to forbid you from something and then do it myself. rather I only wish to rectify you as far as I am able. [Surah Hood 11:88]
Allaah, the Most High, said to His Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam):
Say, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): Indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all the Worlds. There is no share in any of that for other than Him. That is what my Lord ordered me, and I am the first of this nation to submit to Allaah as a Muslim. [Soorah al-An’aan 6:162-163]
Allaah the Most High, said: Who is better in speech than one who calls the people to Allaah and does righteous deeds? [Surah Fussilat 41:33]
3. Purity of intention (al-Ikhlaas):
Such that the call is made purely and sincerely to seek the Face of Allaah (and seeking His Reward) – not for show, or repute, or status, or leadership, nor desiring worldly goals – since if any of these goals adulterate it, the call will not be for Allaah, rather it would then be a call for oneself or for the attainment of the worldly goal – as Allaah informs that His Prophets said to their people:
I do not ask you for any reward for conveying this Qur`aan. [Surah al-An’aam 6:90]
I do not ask you for any wealth for my admonition. [Soorah Hood 11:29]
5. Forms of Da’wah
There are two forms of Da’wah: (i) live and direct without any media and (ii) indirect through means of media.
DIFFERENT MEDIA OF DA’WAH
The media through which Da’wah can be done is broadly divided into four categories: i) Print Media ii) Audio iii) Video iv) Electronic Media
1.Print Media:
Print Media can be further classified into Non-periodical and periodical:
i) Non-periodical print media consists of literature: pamphlets, booklets, books, etc.
ii) Periodical print media consists of newspapers, magazines, newsletters, etc. which are published periodically – either daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, annually, etc.
2. Audio:
The popular audio media today are:
i) Handy music player
ii) Audio compact discs
iii) Digital Audio Tapes (DAT). The audio media can be used at different levels:
a) Individual:
i) A person can listen at fixed places like home, office, etc. with the help of desktop audio equipment.
ii) While travelling in cars, buses, trains, planes, etc. with the help of audio equipmen fixed in the vehicle.
iii) While walking, moving or any of the above situations with the help of portable audio equipment.
b)Group:Audio media can be used to convey the message to a group of family members, social and cultural gatherings, functions, meetings, etc.
c)Public level:Audio media can be utilized to reach a multitude of people through radio broadcast.
3.Video:
The popular video media today are:
i) Video Compact Discs – VCD
ii) Digital Video Discs – DVD
iii) Blue Ray
Video media too, like audio media, can be used to convey the message to an individual or to a group of people. It can also be used to convey the message to the public via Cable T.V. Networks, T.V. Stations and Satellite T.V. Channels.
4. Electronic Media:
Electronic Media or Computer Media is another media that can be used to convey the message to an individual or a group of people. It can also be used at a public level through the Internet by way of web sites, homepages, bulletin boards, e-mail messages, etc. Electronic Media can be stored on hard discs and on:
i) USD Drive
ii) Compact Discs: Read Only Memory – CD ROMs
iii) Digital Video Discs – DVD
iv) Mini or Micro Memory Card
v) Digital Video Discs – DVD
6. Top 10 excuses Muslims give for not doing Dawah
1. I do not have enough knowledge to do Dawah
This is one of the most common excuses given for not doing Dawah. Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said
“Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith 667)
In those days, times were different. The access to knowledge was difficult. They did not have the media, there were no books written at that time on Islam. Today the times have changed and access to knowledge has become very easy. There are countless number of books written by Muslims. There are so many websites available. There are so many videos available. Every Muslim at least knows one verse, but you can do the job more efficiently if you master on one topic initially to simply begin. Lets say a topic like “Is Jesus God?” or “Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam):in the Bible” or other religious scriptures or some other topic depending upon the person with whom you are doing Dawah. If you are interested, you can do it very easily its no big deal. All the material you can get for doing Dawah on this site. Or you can browse through the Islamic links section to find out more.
2. My own deeds are not too good, how can I do Dawah with others?
This is a nice statement to hear. This shows that how humble a Muslim is.
For those Muslims, who are not very good Muslims, doing Dawah will surely help you become better practicing Muslims. When you share something with others, you have the inclination to practice it yourself.
Your deeds are not really bad. The Christian missionaries who come to missionize the Muslims and people from other faith, they drink alcohol. Do you drink alcohol? No ! So who is better, Are they better or you? They gamble. Do you gamble? No! So who is better, are they better or you? They are promiscuous. Are you promiscuous? No! So who is better, are they better or you?
When they can do the job, what is wrong with you? They have the falsehood with them. You have the Truth of Islam with you. So why can’t you do the job? The non-Muslims today want to know about Islam especially after September 11, 2001. The situation has turned in favor of Islam. So do not miss the wonderful opportunity that you have.
Note: When I say about missionaries, I do not mean all of them but many of them do indulge in such things. Generally, Muslims are more moral than the missionaries especially those who come from the West.
3. First we should make our own Muslims better Muslims, then we should do Dawah
This is one of the most common excuse given by Muslims who live in Muslim countries. Making Muslim, a better Muslim is called “Islah”. It is important to make a Muslim a better Muslim, if he is not of the right track. Converting people is not in your hand. I know of “Muslims” who will not practice Islam even after you bring countless evidence and proofs to them. So you mean are you going to stick to them only and not move forward? Your job is to deliver the message to others. The Quran says
“Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou art one to admonish. Thou art not one to manage (men’s) affairs. But if any turn away and reject Allah,- Allah will punish him with a mighty Punishment, “ (Quran 88:21-24)
Dawah and Islah both are important at the same time. In Medina, at the time of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam):there were Muslims who did not use to come to the compulsory Prayers and the Prophet said “I feel like setting their houses on fire”
Even in Medina, there were such Muslims who were not good practicing Muslims. Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): did not say that I’ll just make them good Muslims and stick to them only. Yet he wrote letters to other non-Muslim kings, asking them to embrace Islam.
If you say that, first I will make Muslims better Muslims and then invite non-Muslims. That time will never come. That time will not come in your entire life, nor will it come even in your next ten generations.
I am not saying that you should only do Dawah. Dawah and Islah both are important. But if you have less time than Dawah is MORE important because the non-Muslims are involved in the sin of shirk i.e associating partners with Allah. This is the most henious of sins. The Quran says
“Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgiveth anything else, to whom He pleaseth; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin Most heinous indeed.”(Quran Surah Nisa 4:48)
So if you see a person who is involved in such a sin. He is going to hell for sure. If you are not going to stop that sin, then he’ll surely go to hell. So doing Dawah is a compulsory duty upon every Muslim and is very important task.
4. My Dawah will not be affective.
As I mentioned, our job is not to convert people. Our job is to deliver the message of Allah. It is he who gives guidance. The Quran says : “Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou art one to admonish. Thou art not one to manage (men’s) affairs.” (Quran 88:21-22)
Allah will not question you on the day of judgment whether they became Muslims or not. But he will question whether you delivered the message or not.
5. Doesn’t the Quran say “There is no compulsion in religion”
The Quran does say so. But it’s not right to quote the verse in bits and pieces. The ayah which reads “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error:” (Quran 2:256)
Your job is to deliver the message with wisdom and beautiful preaching. (Quran 16:125). Your job is not to convert people. A Muslim CANNOT force anyone to embrace Islam. You are supposed to deliver the Truth of Islam. The rest is up to them whether they accept or not.
6. Doesn’t the Quran say “To you is your religion, to me is mine”
Again, it’s the quotation out of context. Let’s read this verse in context.
1. Say : O ye that reject Faith!
2. I worship not that which ye worship,
3. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
4. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship,
5. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
6. To you be your Way, and to me mine. (Quran 109:1-6)
The Question of rejecting faith only arises when you present the faith in Islam to them. Your job is to deliver the message to them. If they don’t want to accept. As a last, resort its “To you be your Way, and to me mine.” Suppose if I see a Hindu doing idol worship. I’ll try to convince him that it is wrong even according to the Hindu Scriptures such asBhagvad Geeta 7:19-23 etc. But yet he wants to do. “To you be your Way, and to me mine”
So this is as a last resort NOT the first.
7. When we do Dawah, the non-Muslim says “mind your own business”
This is another common excuse given by the Muslims. The reply is, it is the business of every Muslim to mind other people’s business where faith is concerned. Dawah is a compulsory duty of every Muslim. Therefore, when the person says, “mind your own business” He is right, that is what you are doing. You are minding your own business only.
8. The person gets hurt if I do Dawah, it affects the friendship, and I do not want to hurt anybody.
The Question arises, does it hurt you when you see your friend or anyone doing blasphemy? Don’t you realize that these people are going to hell?
Doesn’t it hurt you when they say that God has a son? The Quran says:
88. They say: “((Allah)) Most Gracious has begotten a son!”
89. Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous!
90. At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,
91. That they should invoke a son for ((Allah)) Most Gracious.
92. For it is not consonant with the majesty of ((Allah)) Most Gracious that He should beget a son. (Quran 19:88-92)
Doesn’t it hurt you when they give the worst swearing to Allah (SWT)? The Quran says that if the mountains had feelings and emotions like you and I have, they would fall in utter ruin, the earth will split asunder, the skies will burst. But what is happening to you? All you need to do is open your mouth.
Furthermore, it is a misconception that doing Dawah will break your friendship. The point is how your approach is. How good you are in your speech. How logical you are in your approach. If you start insulting his religion, that can make a difference but if you do it with wisdom and beautiful preaching inshallah you will not hurt anyone and your friendship to Allah should be much more important than the friendship to your non-Muslim friend. It is Our duty to remove the misconceptions about Islam and present the correct picture of Islam.
To conclude, it all depends upon how strong your Eeman (faith) is.
9. It will create provocation among the Non-Muslims
Provocation is likely to be created if a person is a hater of Islam. Is this the reason that should stop you from spreading the message of Almighty Allah?
Provocation is not the test. If this was the test, then our Beloved Prophet (pbuh) was a failure (Naoozobillah). The pagan leaders, who loved him before, became his worst enemies. Did it make him stop from what Allah had commanded him?
So provocation will be created among those non-Muslims who are haters of Islam, that should in no means bother, instead you should remain steadfast and practice what Allah (SWT) has commanded.
10. If Every Muslim becomes a Dayee, then who will take other professions like Doctors, lawyers, engineers etc?
Doing Dawah is a compulsory duty of every Muslim. In the Glorious Quran, Allah (SWT) speaks about full time Dayees. The Quran says :
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” (Quran 3:104)
Today it is a dire need of the Muslim Ummah. We have very few people who are full time Daees.
I am not saying that every Muslim should become full time Daee, but every Muslim can do part time Dawah e.g with your colleagues who you meet every day in the office, with your friends who you meet in the school and university. While traveling, if you meet a non-Muslim or you can do Islah with those Muslims you meet, who are not good practicing ones. You can do it using media such as computer, internet etc. You can do it in many ways.
The Glorious Quran says
“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious:” (Quran 16:125)
7) Necessary Qualities of a Dayee
1. The intention of the Dayee should be to please Allah and not for any other reason e.g. Riya (showing off).
2. The Dayee should have as broad a base of knowledge as possible. (S)he should read the Qur’an and the Hadeeth with commentary, also the Tafseer Ibn e Katheer. (S)he should understand not only why we should believe in Allah but also why Allah has sent prophets down. Comparative religion books are also of great benefit. These are just some pointers.
3. When the Dayee begins Da’wah, he should be constant in it. Results often take place only after some time, and so one should be aware of the stamina and efforts that are required.
4. The Dayee should be aware that Da’wah will test them with many situations that will demand patience, politeness and kindness.
5. When the Dayee contacts the Mad’u, (One who is invited), (S)he should keep up the contact. The power of supplication (du’a) should also never be underestimated. The Dayee should persist in du’a, that Allah keeps the Mad’u upon the Sirat al-Mustaqeem and gives the Mad’u strength to face all challenges during this period. The Muslims in general should always pray to Allah that non-believers will embrace Islam. The Dayee should also be able to recognise the abilities and qualities of the Mad’u. Praise of their abilities and qualities will soften the Mad’u’s heart and make them readier to listen.
6. The Dayee needs to use wisdom and tact, for example, when informing someone not to continue in a prohibited act. This is not as easy as it seems, particularly today, when many people have come to regard some of the disliked or prohibited actions as simply ordinary so cannot understand any objection to them. Hikma (wisdom) is required to make people see the error of their ways. It also takes hikma to recognise who will want to or be able to stop immediately and who will need a more gradual approach.
7. When the Dayee approaches the Mad’u, (S)he should find out what their interests are and make conversation with them around that point. The conversation can be supported by the provision of appropriate pamphlets, books and videos.
Many people are very interested in sport – Islam can easily be introduced into the conversation since many sports personalities have embraced Islam, (such as Muhammad ‘Ali, Mike Tyson), although few actually know that their sports heroes are Muslims! If the Dayee recognises that the person who they are talking to have a scientific mind, the Dayee could refer to the writings of Maurice Bucaille and Harun Yahya who have done much service to Islam in this area.
If the Dayee is speaking to people belonging to the Afro-Caribbean community, he can link his conversation to Islam by talking about Malcolm X.
If the Mad’u is a woman, then Daiyah should provide them with the booklet ‘Why British women are turning to Islam?’.
If one reflects, there are many ways to begin a conversation before easing Islam into the discussion. The above are just a few examples for consideration not a fully comprehensive list.
8. The Dayee should provide literature to the Mad’u according to their interests:
– A doctor could be given Maurice Bucaille’s ‘The Bible, the Qur’an and Science;
– A lawyer could be given books on Islamic Law;
– An interest in comparative religion could be met with the videos of Islamic Scholars
– A spiritually minded ma’du could be given “Kitaab Ut Tauheed” by Shaikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab.
A number of organisations provide free literature on a wide variety of subjects, including those mentioned above. For example:
– AIP – AskIslamPedia.com, India.
– ALIF – Al Lisaan Islamic Foundation
A more complete list of books appears at the end of this booklet, after the glossary.
9. A Dayee approaching a Mad’u should have the intention to convey the message of Islam not the intention to debate/embarrass/insult the Mad’u. It is not a matter of winning or losing since if it were, the Mad’u would spend more time concentrating upon defending himself rather than listening to the message that is being conveyed. Sometimes a Dayee can win the debate but lose the Mad’u.
10. When the Dayee approaches the Mad’u, he should correct his/her misconceptions. For example: when talking to a Christian, he could mention how the Qur’an makes numerous references to Mary and Jesus. Indeed there is a whole chapter on Mary in the Qur’an, the only woman who is mentioned with such a high status. This would make them curious and want to read the Qur’an to see for themselves what Allah has revealed concerning it. If necessary, he could talk about the points where there are disagreements between Islam and Christianity – such as the Bible being the word of God, the trinity, the crucifixion of Jesus, atonement etc. He should then provide literature that contains answers to these areas, such as the Izhar al-Haq of Maulana Rahmatullah Kairanvi (may Allah be pleased with him) or the videos or pamphlets of Sheikh Ahmad Deedat.
11. The Dayee should be generous and hospitable, not miserly and reclusive. Hospitality is a very effective way of performing Da’wah. If you have been very hospitable but the Mad’u has not yet accepted Islam, the Dayee should not become angry or disheartened because it is only Allah who has the power to change the hearts of people. It was the custom of Prophet Ibrahim (a) to eat with a guest. One day, while sitting with a guest, he began talking about the oneness of Allah to which the guest remarked that he did not believe in this. This made Ibrahim (a) so upset, he asked him to leave – before they had eaten the meal. Soon after, the angel Jibreel (a) came to him with a message from Allah: “Ibrahim, why did you become upset, and prevent your guest from eating the food? I have been providing his food for 60 years and he has not listened to me but I am not upset.” At this Ibrahim went out to find the guest and reinvited him for a meal. The guest questioned his motives and Ibrahim (a) recounted the visit of Jibreel (a). The guest returned for the meal and was so impressed that he embraced Islam.
(Qasas al-Anbiya’, chapter on Prophet Ibrahim)
12. The Dayee should talk to the Mad’u according to his intellect and understanding, without overloading the Ma’du with information but at the same time making steady progress.
13. The Dayee should be friendly and easily approachable so that the Mad’u feels at ease around him/her and not afraid to ask questions. The Mad’u should never feel under personal attack.
14. The Dayee should not be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know, but I will find out for you.’ No-one is expected to know everything.
15. If the Mad’u becomes a Muslim, it is the responsibility of the Dayee to teach him/her the basic teachings of Islam and to bring them into contact with other Muslims. In this way Allah ensures they are protected, in good company and guided on Islamic matters. If the Dayee approaches a Mad’u who accepts the invitation of Islam, there is a great reward from Allah Ta’ala. Muhammad (Sallal Lahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) told ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, that if a non-believer becomes Muslim as a result of one person’s Da’wah, the reward for that Dayee is so great that it is better than the world and all it contains. (Sirat al-Nabi, chapter on Khaybar, by Hafidh Ibn Kathir)
16. When Muslims are giving internal Da’wah, they should start by providing an example to others. They should be role models who embody the teachings of Islam, internally as well as externally. They should be soft and kind-hearted to their brothers and sisters and help in any way that they can.
8. 30 Tips for One-to One Da’wah
1. A Dayee*/Daiyah* should Pray to Allah seeking his help, 2 Rakah Salah is highly recommended.
2. Permission from Mosque Committee / Area Police Station / Local Authorities is necessary.
3. A Dayee/Daiyah should memorize some selected Ayahs from the Qu’ran in Arabic with its English Translation like 3:19, 3:85, 3:104, 3:110, 4:171, 5:72, 7:157, 9:24, 16:125, 41:33, 67:9, 61:9 and some quotations from other religious scriptures.
4. Start Da’wah Activity with some good etiquette like helping elderly Non-Muslim by providing them shade, umbrella, glass of water etc.
5. A Dayee/Daiyah should memorize Kitaab ud Tauheed by Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhaab / A brief Illustrator to Islam.
6. A Dayee/Daiyah should have appealing outfit like beard, formals / Hijaab
7. A Dayee/Daiyah should always carry a bag containing English Translation of The Qur’an & Other Religious Scriptures like Bible, Vedas, Bhavishya Purana, small leaflets & booklets on Islam to gift at the end of the conversation.
8. Maximally avoid one to one Da’wah with opposite gender, unless in a group discussion.
9. Always start conversation with a pleasing smile.
10. Start conversation/discussion with the psychology and mentality of the Mad’u*.
11. Do not indulge in proving simple concepts; anyhow bring Mad’u to main topic of Tauheed, Risaalat & Akhirat. Example : a) Eating Non Veg is permitted in Islam, but before discussing on Veg & Non Veg first discuss about the creator who created Veg & Non Veg. b) Status of Mosque is very high in Islam but before discussing on it first discuss about that creator worshipped in the mosque.
12. If a Dayee/Daiyah is unaware of any answer, he/she should regret honestly and should get back to him/her with answers posed my Mad’u.
13. Keep small gifts like stationery, toy car etc (not eatables) to gift kids accompanied by Mad’u.
14. Crack some sensible jokes in between to keep Mad’u involved in your activity.
15. A Dayee’s/Daiyah’s job is only to convey the message of Islam and not to Impose, so only convey the message and try not to convince Mad’u.
16. While explaining Islam to Mad’u avoid giving human logics & philosophies, maximally try to explain Islam to him/her from The Qur’an, Sahih Ahadees & Comparative Religion Studies.
17. If a Dayee/Daiyah is experienced, request Mad’u to ask questions rather than continuously giving a lecture, sometimes Mad’u may not be interested to give a hearing.
18. If a Dayee/Daiyah finds Mad’u friendly invite him/her (accordingly) for a cup of tea or for a dinner. This may help in building up good relations between Muslims and Non – Muslims. A popular saying goes like, “There could be no better way to reach a person’s heart but through his stomach.
19. Do not indulge in any political discussions, against or in favour of any country, law of the land, any Islamic or Political organizations, group or individual personalities.
20. Become a free guide to Non – Muslims in the mosque/Islamic places /Historical monuments and find ways to explain Islam to them in between.
21. Always remember Da’wah is not to attack Non Muslims but rather to attract Non Muslims, so try to speak in a pleasing manner by using words which may attract Mad’u
22. Arrange a Da’wah Table, standy or tent to attract people towards your Da’wah activity.
23. Do Not make statements like “as a Non Muslim you will go to hell” or “You are a loser if you don’t accept Islam”
24. Take contact no, email Id, address (if Mad’u is willing to) for future follow up.
25. Always end conversation in a smooth manner and in a friendly way and never forget to recite Sura al e Imran 3:19 & 3:85 with its translation which Mad’u understands.
26. If incase Mad’u accepts Islam provide him/her websites, authentic Islamic books & other important Islamic material to improve his/her knowledge on Islam and train him/her with basic Islamic knowledge like Salah, Qur’aanic Recitation, Tahara, Ghusl etc.
27. A Dayee/Daiyah should be in contact with philanthropists, some group or organization who helps revertees in legal certification, religion change certification, accommodation etc
28. Gift Translation of The Qu’ran / Islamic Material at the end of the discussion/conversation.
29. Record (written/video) Mad’u’s views on Allah, Qu’ran, Muhammad (Sallal Lahu Alaihi wa Sallam) & Islam.
30. Pray to Allah in Tahajjud to give Mad’u hidayah
* Dayee : The One who invites to Islam
* Mad’u : The One who is invited to Islam