(In
the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)
Da'wah (call to Islam) Do's and Don'ts
"Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching" (Qur'an 16:125)
Don't
Compromise; Emphasize the Difference
The caller to Islam must first recognize and believe that Islam
opposes some aspects of the western-style societies. They are opposites.
He/ she must use this very difference and know that it is to his
or her advantage.
Americans
who embrace Islam are wanting a different and better life than this
society provides. Therefore we Muslims will succeed if we present
Islam (in all its differences) as the complete solution to countless
present problems. On the other hand, if we compromise and try to
make Islam more acceptable to non-Muslims, we lose in the long run.
We will not be pleasing Allah by changing His Word. Indeed, anything
less than complete Islam does not produce results. Allah has warned
us against taking some verses (ayaat) and rejecting others.
Caution
This does not mean that we push new people to do everything required
in Islam on the first or even the 100th day. The Prophet's (pbuh)
sayings warn us:
This
religion is powerful; enter into it gradually. Indeed the over-strict
are lost, the over-strict are lost.
Every
individual has a different rate of learning, changing and growing
in faith. We have to accommodate their direction and pace, and try
to ease their adjustment into the Muslim society.
Know what to Say
Before we can talk to non-Muslims about Islam, of course, we have
to know where to start. When talking to Christians we can discuss
two topics: Bible and Christianity or Qur'an and Islam. If you have
good knowledge of both, then you should probably start with the
belief of the person with whom you are speaking. It is very important
that you do not talk about Christianity if you don't have a good
knowledge about it; you may be made out a liar or stupid at best.
You can win or lose trust and respect on just this point. Once you
have made an obvious avoidable mistake, your credibility is shattered.
Why should anyone believe you after that?
Starting
Option-A
In general, I believe that for the goal of 'reverting' someone you
must first lead that person to disown his own religion (i.e., belief
that Jesus (PBUH) is Divine, etc.) before you can offer Islam as
a replacement. Otherwise, he/she will most likely conclude from
our discussion that Islam might be a good moral religion, possibly
acceptable before God but for you and not for him/her because he/she
still believes that Jesus died for his/her salvation.
Starting Option-B
The second option, talking exclusively about Islam and the Qur'an,
would be preferred in two circumstances: first, if you don't have
knowledge about Christianity and Bible; second, if the person being
spoken to doesn't believe that Jesus is God or the Son of God or
that the Bible is the answer. In the second case the person is ready
or the next step: Islam.
Again,
knowledge about Islam is very important. Start the talk with things
which are less likely to cause disagreement (Ex. Tawhid, Greatness
and Power of God, His Love and Mercy, etc; using the word 'God'
instead of 'Allah' so the person will not think Allah is an idol
or some foreign god; save explanation of God for another time; birth,
miracles and the second coming of Jesus (pbuh); that Jesus is one
of the five greatest prophets; etc). Subsequent discussions might
include an introduction to the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),
the basic beliefs and salvation in Islam. Most of all, take it easy
and don't try to 'revert' someone overnight! Besides, how anyone
receives the message of Islam rests with Allah (SWT), and not with
us.
The Best Approach
The best and most beneficial instructions we can give is our example.
By our example Islam is proven to work. If we do not live by Allah's
commands how do we expect anyone to trust our word that Islam possesses
the truth and the solution to their problems? One of the most frequent
excuses for leaving the church is the church members' hypocrisy.
How do we expect to attract them to our mosques if we are no better
at practicing what we preach?
Difficult Task
We have a difficult task in combating misinformation about Islam
and Muslims because the Muslims who tend to be 'visible' are those
who date, frequent bars or parties, and may not even know about
Islam. The practicing Muslims are in hiding. Many of them are afraid
to speak up or speak out. Many continue their lives without any
thought of their neighbors or colleagues.
Opportunities for Da'wah
Opportunities for Da'wah are limitless for the person whom Allah
blesses with a love of Islam and a desire to share His Message.
Every time someone stops me in the store and asks me a question,
I have to thank Allah (for my hijab, my visibility (We have already
talked about our example as Muslims). Places of da'wah can be in
a supermarket while shopping or standing in line to pay, at work
or at school. Even doctor's waiting rooms, airport lounges or anywhere
you are waiting for something. You can start with talking about
your country if you have immigrated. Make it obvious that you like
to be questioned and that you won't think anyone rude to ask you
anything.
Starting Conversation
How can you start a conversation with a stranger? First, if you
make yourself approachable repeatedly, the other person will start
the talking. Some of the ways to do this are to smile, say 'Hi',
or 'cute child!' or 'working hard?' You would be surprised how effective
just smiling can be! Begin a conversation about anything; the weather
or something work- or job-related. If children are present ask how
old they are, their names, etc.
Many
Americans are curious about us but are too polite to ask. Most think
that they will offend or bother us. Therefore it is up to us to
show that we are happy to speak with them. Don't be insulted if
people stare or ask stupid things. Just explain the truth politely
and maybe joke about it to put them at ease so that they can ask
more questions. Many children stare or say something to their parents
about my hijab. I smile at the child and mother and say to the child,
"You've never seen anyone dressed up funny like me before,
have you?" This stops the parent's embarrassment, puts her
at ease and allows further talk if desired. It's important for people
to see Muslims as nice and happy with themselves and their religious
duties, not bad-tempered and strict. They should look at us and
develop a curiosity to know what makes us happy and content.
Steering the Conversation
After a conversation has been started, you can steer it to some
aspect of religious practice. It is easy for me because I usually
have my children with me wearing hijab (which stirs curiosity) and
I am American. When I am asked where I am from I say, "Oklahoma".
I continue to explain that "I am American but I dress the way
because of my religion. Have you heard about Islam or Muslims?"
There! Conversation started. It's a good idea to always carry a
few good pamphlets with you for situations when there is no time
for a long talk (like in the store). Many subjects/news about Muslim
countries can also lead to the subject of Islam; especially the
politics right now.
Another
helpful, educative way to introduce Islam to your non-Muslim guests
is to, while serving refreshments, explain that generosity to guests,
is from our Islamic manners, from Prophet Mohammad's (pbuh) sayings.
In all cases while talking to those who have not approached you
for religious convention you must use your judgment on those most
likely to respond. Anyone not interested is a waste of time.
The Way to Talk and Listen
Smile and speak simply. Be friendly and understanding of their viewpoint
as well as respectful. Don't argue. Remember Allah says, "Invite
(all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching
and discuss things with people in the best manner." (16:125)
Try to always speak one on one. People are more likely to listen
and accept if they don't have an audience (peer pressure).
When time permits (not waiting in a checkout line), ask questions
to him/her to find out what he/she believes about the nature of
God and Jesus. Listen to the answers and respond accordingly so
you don't waste time disproving something they already don't believe
in. Some people don't believe in the trinity. It would be futile
discussing trinity from and Islamic perspective with such a person.
But, if a person believes Jesus to be the Son of God, then this
question should be answered before talking about Islamic prayer,
fasting, etc. Keep control of the conversation without the person
being aware of it. This doesn't mean that they shouldn't talk. It
means steering the convention in the direction desired. Politely
bring the topic to an end if the person begins trying to convert
you, or when they are no longer receptive of the Islamic view.
Don't try to say or conclude everything at one meeting. There may
be several years of teaching for the belief to change. Give them
time to think about your words and the proofs you have brought.
Which Pamphlets, Booklets to give?
The type of literature you give depends on the individuals needs.
If the person still believes or has doubts about the divinity of
Jesus, give pamphlets or short books on that subject. If he/she
is past that point, give pamphlets or simple books on the basics
of Islam and the life of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Of course, the
depth of materials given should be commensurate with the age and
background. The book you give to a college professor would obviously
be different than for others less educated. In general, I do not
like to pass out the Qur'ans to new prospects. I don't believe they
are ready, and I think giving small books that discuss the Qur'an
is better. Allah has told us that unless a person's heart is open
to His message he/she will not be benefited from it. American Christians
have been taught to interpret the scriptures for themselves. Just
look at how these evangelists distort the Qur'an's message in debates.
It takes more to see the wisdom of Allah's warnings. Small books
or brochures such as "The Qur'an's Basic Teachings" or
"Glimpses from the Holy Qur'an" would be adequate to guide
the reader to a more effective study and understanding.
It's
also very important how the information is presented in print as
well as orally. Remember Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) admonition not
to insult other's religion. Others would not say anything to insult
Allah and Islam if we keep from insulting their religion. How would
you react to someone sarcastically criticizing the Qur'an or Prophet
or Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)? Would you keep quite and try to understand
his viewpoint? Of course not! You would get very upset and your
emotions would rule instead of your reason. The same thing is true
for Christians. This brings us to the subject of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat.
Masha Allah, he is a very good, active, and knowledgeable scholar.
But in order to use his knowledge, you must change his language.
For a person new to Islam, do not use debate videos or booklets
by Deedat. Use his valuable information but put it in nice words.
Sarcasm and insulting words put people on the defensive instead
of making them think, understand, and accept. After you have spoken
with the prospect a few times and have gotten to know him then you
can give our Deedat's materials with an apology for the sarcasm.
The Real Task
Finally, we come to the most critical stage in Da'wah. When a person
accepts Islam and recites the shahada, the easy part is over! After
that, the struggle between Belief and Action has begun. Again, remember
the hadith we began with:
He
who makes this religion difficult will be broken by it.
and,
This
religion is powerful; enter into it gradually.
Go
slowly. Don't' rush. Correct attitude as needed but don't criticize.
Praise small things and provide encouragement at every step. Allah
told the prophet Muhammad (pbuh): "It is part of the Mercy
of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted,
they would have broken aeay from about you; So pass over (their
faults), and ask for Allah's forgiveness for them" [Qur'an
3:159]. We have to follow the Prophet's example.
As
faith and knowledge grow, practice grows too. Be patient and available
to help. Try to understand any difficulties that may arise. For
up to one whole year I myself could not say the word 'Lord' without
thinking it to mean Jesus. In addition, I used to have 'panic' attacks
asking myself, "What if I am wrong?". Years of memory
and training cannot be erased overnight. Everything must be reprogrammed,
and that takes time. Reassure the new Muslim that these doubts and
problems are a normal part of shedding years of wrong training,
and it will pass, inshaAllah. Try to find ways to ease problems
by giving and using examples of proven solutions from other reverts
or community practice. By all means, don't leave them alone. If
you don't have time to spend with them ask another Muslim to help.
Last Tip
Don't encourage frequent non-Muslim family visits until his faith
and knowledge strengthens. New Muslims need time away from the influence
of western societies to gain strength. They need time for their
new faith to take firm root in their heart.
