2010-3
16

More Than Eighty Ways To Make Daw’ah!

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Written by Dr. Bilal Philips

All praise is due to Allaah who expressed the highest praise for the “caller” to his religion saying: “And who is better in speech than one who calls to Allaah and works righteousness and says: ‘Surely I am of the Muslims.’ ” (41: 33). And may Allaah’s peace and blessings be on Prophet Muhammad, the role model, who said: “Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to that of one who follows it.”

Muslims know that Allaah is the one who honored them with the religion of Islaam and made them responsible for fulfilling the trust of spreading it. Furthermore, they know that they will be asked about this responsibility, as Allaah says: “This is a reminder to you and your people and you will be asked (questioned).” (43: 44) They also know that if they fulfill this trust and become a reason for the guidance of others to Almighty Allaah, they will receive a reward greater than they can possibly imagine, as the Almighty said: “Say: Let them rejoice in Allaah’s grace and mercy, for it is better than what they accumulate.” (10: 58) And the Prophet (pbuh) said, “For Allaah to guide someone by your hand is better for you than anything this world contains.”

It is from Allaah’s grace upon us in these times that there are many ways to give da‘wah (calling to Islaam) and sufficient opportunities for everyone to participate and benefit from its great rewards. One who calls to Islaam is obliged to choose the most suitable way for those whom he or she calls. Furthermore, the caller has to vary these methods according to the particular circumstances he finds himself in, as Prophet Noah and the prophets before him did.

The responsibility of the caller is to be aware of the various forms of invitation in order to facilitate his work. The caller should also direct his invitation to everyone, including his immediate family, relatives, servants, guests, neighbors, colleagues and his friends. He should also be aware of the various locations where the invitation can be given like mosques, prayer halls, schools, hospitals, prisons, parks, beaches and recreational areas, Hajj tents, hotels, residences, airports, bus stations, banquet halls, shopping centers, market places, barbershops, public buses, offices, lunch rooms, cafeterias, and restaurants. Places where new comers to the country frequent such as passport offices, duty free shopping areas, immigration offices, post offices, traffic police offices, police stations, tourist bureau, information counters in the various governmental departments and embassies.

Cooperation in da‘wah is also important as there are many others striving to give the invitation whose skills and experience may benefit you and yours may benefit them. Learning from their experiences will help you to be more creative and upgrade your knowledge and da‘wah skills. Consequently, the caller should eagerly encourage others to collaborate with others in da‘wah and to give their utmost in serving the religion, whether they are from his family or not. Futhermore, he or she should utilize a variety of da‘wah materials and advertisements to recruit others to this noble cause by jointly printing books, pamphlets, and brochures, as well as copying tapes, CDs, video tapes, etc. and distributing them as widely as possible within his or her circle of friends as well as outside of the circle.

Since people are often at a loss as to how they should go about giving da‘wah, and use their ignorance as an excuse not to do anything, the following list of more than eighty suggestions have been compiled from among the many possible ways to give da‘wah in  order to make the way easier:

At Home:

1. Household library. Prepare a collection of books, magazines and tapes according to what is suitable for the various age groups (with consideration of what are suitable for all the members of the family).

2. Posters. Make a bulletin board for the home on which announcements for Islaamic lectures and events can be posted in order to remind the family of important events and lectures.

3. Family lessons. Read from a book, listen to a tape or memorize a portion from the Qur’aan and hadeeth together as a group.

4. Family Competitions. Engage family members in Islaamic competitions and maybe the prize is writing the winner’s name on the honor roll in the house).

5. Family Magazine. Create a family magazine by having family members participate writing essays or in cutting articles and pictures related to Islaam from the magazines and newspapers which you bring home.

6. Participation in Islaamic Social Work. Have your brother or son accompany you to the prayers, lectures or to visit a sick person or a scholar or the offices of Da‘wah.

7. Righteous Acts in Public. Do some righteous acts in front of the family, such as prayer, reading Qur’aan and giving charity, as an example for them to learn from.

At the Mosque:

8. Participation in the Wall Magazine. In most mosques there are bulletin boards at the back with announcements and Islaamic posters. Contribute articles to the board and purchase beneficial and informative posters for it.

9. Development of the Mosque’s Facilities and Programs. Participate in developing the mosque’s Da‘wah facilities and activities such as its library, Qur’aan memorization classes and its contribution’s box.

10. Providing Books and Tapes. Collect good books, booklets, pamphlets and tapes from Islaamic charitable organizations and put them in various locations in the mosque. For example, it is possible to place the literature in the Qur’aan shelves and in particular the Qur’aanic commentaries and their translations in different languages.

11. Advertisement for Mosque’s Programs. Announce the topics and timings for new lectures and classes in the mosque and post advertisements for them on the bulletin boards and on the doors of the mosque.

12. Lectures. Invite a good lecturers know to you to give lectures at the mosque or contact organizations like the Awqaaf or other Da‘wah organizations to provide lecturers for your local mosque on a regular basis.

13. Translation of Friday Khutbah. Arrange with the Awqaaf for the translation of the Friday sermon into the languages of the majority of those who attend Jumu‘ah in your local mosque.

14. Mosque Committee. Participation in the mosque’s committee which organizes the mosque’s Da‘wah programs and its and social activities.

At School:

15. Morning Assembly. Help to prepare da‘wah oriented material for the morning assembly and the school’s morning broadcast.

16. Bulletin Boards. Prepare attractive posters advertising internal extracurricular activities as well as external Islaamic lectures and classes for the various bulletin boards around the school.

17. Drama Activities. Participate in the drama activity in the school by developing Islaamic plays and themes.

18. Lectures. Arrange for the visits of various speakers and callers to the school. Focus on open forums in which students are able to ask the questions which are most important to them, thereby making Islaam seem more relevant.

19. Competitions. Organize Islaamic and academic educational competitions between the students and schools and distribute Islaamic prizes. Use such occasions as a means to talk about the importance and responsibility of da‘wah.

20. Facilitating Student Input. Collect students’ suggestions and complaints and present them to the school authorities. Give full support to student opinions on important issues, especially those related to Islaam.

21. Islaamic Library. Help the Islamic studies department to develop a strong and varied section for Islaam in the school’s general library. Focus on Islaamic novels and stories of the Companions and others.

22. Exhibitions and Expositions. Participate in book and tape exhibitions or anti-drug expositions, etc. which are officially organized by the school.

23. Islaamic Week. Request that the school dedicate a week annually to Islaamic exhibitions, displays, posters, artifacts, videos, books and tapes.

24. Summer Holidays. Introduce Islaamic content in the summer vacation activities of the school.

At the Work Place:

25. Da‘wah Posters. Put up Da‘wah posters and announcements for Islaamic events on the office’s bulletin boards.

26. Your Desk. Keep Da‘wah material on your desk at all times, among your books, in a rack as well as on your own bulletin board.

27. Tape Distribution. Distribute tapes of recent lectures relevant to co-workers. Especially those with catchy titles that address materialism.

28. Invitations. Invite interested co-workers to lectures and other Islamic events, as well as to visit Islaamic da‘wah offices.

29. Congregational Prayer. Establish congregational prayer in the office or invite co-workers to accompany you to the nearby mosque.

30. Islaamic Socialization. Organize social gatherings and invite Islamic propagators to join you as informal guests.

31. Open Discussions. Encourage Islamic discussions during lunch and tea breaks.

32. Islaamic Projects. Gather other active Muslims in the office to initiate Islamic charitable projects on your job.

33. The Islaamic Example. Do your job to the best of your ability at all times as a good Islamic example to your co-workers.

General Means of Da‘wah:

34. Da‘wah Posters. Create or purchase a variety of beautiful eye-catching posters whose scenes match thought-provoking Islaamic texts or suitable Da‘wah situations and put them in appropriate locations around the city.

35. Muslim Greeting Cards. Print and distribute congratulatory cards and Eid cards, as well as cards commemorating other occasions of Islaamic significance which contain beneficial da‘wah messages and slogans.

36. Da‘wah Album. Collect awe-inspiring pictures and powerful Da‘wah slogans in da‘wah albums which may be kept for visitors and guests or given as a gift.

37. Marriage Invitation Cards. Turn the cover of a useful pamphlet into a marriage invitation card as a means of reaching all who attend. For example, where people are accustomed to a number of un-Islaamic practices during marriage, a well-known booklet on the etiquette of marriage could become the marriage invitation card.

38. Revision or Typing. Request the person you wish to invite to Islaam to revise or type out a da‘wah article as a means of indirectly exposing them to the Islaamic information you wish to get across to them.

39. Da‘wah Mobile. Send da‘wah messages by mobile to the general public or by email to mass mailing lists as reminders for religious occasions or lectures, etc.
40. The Internet. Utilize the Internet for da‘wah conversations or participate in any of the many the chat rooms in which Islaam is being maligned on the net.

41. The Media. Participate in spreading the Da‘wah by developing and presenting radio and TV programs or writing Islaamic articles in local newspapers. These programs should be widely advertised through the many means of communication mentioned.

42. Stickers. Arrange for the posting of stickers containing beneficial Islaamic reminders in appropriate locations like the prayer for traveling and riding vehicles in buses, airplanes. Distribute stickers containing the supplications for various occasions like leaving and entering the home, the toilet, etc., for people to put around the home. Negotiate with hotels and other such institutions to post stickers with beneficial advice like the sticker showing the direction of the Qiblah in hotel rooms, etc, to remind residents of prayer and help them to do so properly.

43. Schedules. Post schedules of the prayer timings and Ramadaan fasting timings, on bulletin boards in suitable locations around the city as prayer reminders and guides for those fasting.

44. Diaries and Agendas. Publish or print diaries, agendas and educational schedules containing Da‘wah reminders as well as significant Islaamic dates and occasions.

45. Calling Cards. Print attractive calling cards with Da‘wah information and arrange to have shops include them with their products when giving them to their customers.

46. Post Cards. Design post cards with attractive local scenes or landmarks with brief Islaamic messages on the back. For example, a post card with a picture of a date farm could have on the back a Qur’aanic reference to the water cycle.

47. The Da‘wah Briefcase. Purchase and distribute Da‘wah briefcases manufactured with many pockets designed to hold leaflets, booklets and tapes in various languages for easy circulation.

48. Magazine Subscriptions. Give a subscription to an Islaamic magazine to someone as a gift or donate the amount of the subscription to a Da‘wah office so it can choose someone to send it to.

49. Collect Used Magazines and Books. Start a project to collect used magazines and Islamic books, etc. from homes and institutions in order to ship them or distribute them where they are needed.

50. Leaflets and Flyers. Select Da‘wah articles from books or lectures from tapes and reprint them as leaflets and flyers for various occasions like people going on Hajj or on vacation, or for expatriate workers, or for the sick, doctors and nurses, or for prisoners, for women and children, or for weddings, Ramadaan or Eed.

51. Bill Advertisements. Include brief Islaamic announcements and reminders on common utility bills like telephone or water and electricity bills as well as on supermarket bills.

52. Islaamic Slogans. Catchy Islaamic sayings or slogans can be printed on calendars, agendas, car sunscreens, plastic shopping bags and other similar items that are commonly circulated among the masses of people, with the agreement of their manufacturers and by providing those responsible with suitable sayings.

53. Open Letters. Prepare letters for specific categories of people. For example, letters may be directed to the neighbor of a mosque, to the mosque’s imaam, to the public speaker, to the doctor, to the teacher, to the student, to a publisher, to a father, to a mother, to a husband, to a wife, to an employer, a trader, a consumer, a security guard, a prisoner or a traveler.

54. Public Competitions. Purchase and give away Islaamic books, tapes, CDs, DVDs, videos, etc. as prizes in general knowledge quiz competitions or programs specially designed for certain categories of knowledge like science or particular categories of people like high school students, etc.

55. General Publications. Arrange for the production of books, tapes and CDs about the stories and confessions of those who were astray and then were guided, as well as publications containing poems, plays and literary pieces and linguistic works, and the biographies of famous people, and modern business related work on topics like administration and communication, international politics and science and medical topics like the functions of the body etc, in order to reach groups that do not normally read purely religious books.

56. Distribution of Da‘wah Materials. The various Da‘wah offices should organize the weekly delivery of their flyers, books and tapes to houses and schools at certain times.

57. Production Companies. Approach companies and institutions that specialize in co-coordinating and holding major events and programs for big occasions such as marriages, and prepare special da‘wah material for distribution at the events.

58. The Da‘wah Car. Purchase van type vehicles and write on them suitable phrases of Da‘wah and park them in public places in order to distribute a variety of audio and visual Da‘wah materials.

59. Large Bill Boards. Make neon signs or bill boards with Da‘wah messages and erect them in suitable places in the country to promote the Da‘wah and advertise activities and events.

60. Sporting Events. The Da‘wah Offices should participate in organizing sports events for adults and youths and include in the program Da‘wah related material for distribution among participants and onlookers as well as for winning teams and individuals.

61. The Charity Clinic. Doctors concerned about da‘wah should provide free medical checks up from a supportive private clinic for the general masses or for particular groups like those new Muslims and non-Muslims who study in the Da‘wah offices.

62. Women’s Courses. Write Da‘wah articles or slogans on the sidelines of course materials geared towards women’s needs and interests like cooking, home economics, child rearing, married life, home financing, managing house maids and housework, preparation for married life, breastfeeding or children’s illnesses, safety in the house and first aid.

63. Charity Bazaars. Hold charity bazaars, charity luncheons, etc. to raise donations for any one of the many worthy Islaamic causes. Include in the function Islaamic lectures addressing women’s issues as well as other general da‘wah issues.

64. Award Functions. Organize public functions in which tokens of appreciation are presented to scholars, callers, Da‘wah offices, religious magazines, Islamic tape stores and good websites, etc. to educate the masses about the importance of their da‘wah activities and to enlighten them to some relevant Islaamic issues through the speeches made at the events.

65. Da‘wah Directory. Prepare a the tourist’s da‘wah guide which shows the locations of the Da‘wah offices and associations, Islaamic libraries and Islamic studios, prominent mosques and Islaamic schools and universities, and locations and timings of ongoing religious circles, as well as the whereabouts of local scholars.

66. Islaamic Exhibitions. Arrange for book exhibitions by the major bookstores, cultural exhibitions by the Culture and Tourism Board or a cultural tent to visit schools and companies and participate in some of major science and technology expositions with the goal of da‘wah in mind.

67. Da‘wah Website. Establish a comprehensive da‘wah website catering to as many da‘wah needs as possible which would function as a think tank for Islaamic ideas and would entertain discussions and post rulings on specific questions related to da‘wah.

68. Breaking Fast. Introduce or participate in da‘wah project related to breaking fast in Ramadan or on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the year. Include brief talks to those present enlightening them about the unique aspects of fasting and its spiritual significance.

69. Hajj and ‘Umrah. Offer trips for Hajj and ‘Umrah to particular groups, especially new Muslims, for the purpose of da‘wah and implement programs designed to increase peoples’ awareness before, during and after Hajj.

70. Transportation. Provide your personal vehicle and time as alternative means of transportation for those needing help in getting to the various Da‘wah offices for classes, lectures or conferences.

71. Da‘wah Warehouse. Set up charitable da‘wah warehouses that collect and accept materials for da‘wah and make them accessible to schools and mosques and others at nominal prices.

72. Da‘wah Offices. Join the local offices of Da‘wah, introduce others to them, and visit them regularly in order to participate in their programs and to support and encourage those working in them.

73. Supplications. Make supplications on various occasions as a way of calling others to Allaah, like saying to someone involved in haraam, “May Allah save you from the fire,” or to someone doing a praiseworthy act, “I ask Allah to bring us together in Paradise with the Prophet,” or for you to pray for a student saying, “I ask Allaah to give you success in the tests of this world and the next.”

74. Personal Visits. Visit those who are neglectful of their prayers close to the time of the call to prayer so that he may accompany you to the mosque.

75. Declaration of Islaam. Bring new Muslims to the local Friday mosque and have him openly declare his Islaam after the Friday prayer following a brief story about his way to Islaam. And follow the ceremony by pointing out ways that those present can help others find Islaam. In the case of female converts, she may declare her Islaam at a girl’s school or women’s association, etc.

76. Public Transportation. Provide public and private transportation companies, cab companies with attractive and appropriate posters, stickers, and tapes, and later give awards to their management for their cooperation with the Da‘wah offices.

77. Da‘wah Booths. Set up in the major shopping malls, supermarkets and other locations in which large numbers of the public gather da‘wah booths, stalls and tables equipped with large screen televisions and distribute pamphlets, booklets, audio tapes, videos, CDs, VCDs, etc.

78. Telephone Da‘wah. Record various brief da‘wah subjects to be played telephone systems when callers are put on hold. The telephone can also be used to answer Islaamic questions and to provide consultation.

79. Arabic Language Courses. Run programs for learning conversational and grammatical Arabic language either as courses or through books or tapes at the local da‘wah center or at people’s work place, if it is more convenient.

80. Islaamic Courses. Offer general Islaamic courses at local da‘wah offices, mosques, or public lecture halls covering topics from the major Islaamic disciplines as well as intensive courses for those specializing in da‘wah.

81. Da‘wah Day. Hold an open day of da‘wah with a variety of programs or special educational ones which are presented during the whole day catering to men and women, locals as well as expatriates. For the expatriates, the programs could be in one of the major languages of the expatriate community each day. Articles should be written a month in advance announcing da‘wah day and flyers and posters should be distributed all mosques and prayer halls, schools, malls, etc. so that it may be the talk of the people for that month.

May Allaah make you and us guides for others and grant us a place among those who are themselves rightly guided.

2010-3
16

Reflection!

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JazakAllahu khairan Ustaza for yesterday’s class. Some of the most brilliant Qur’an students used to listen to music. Then they woke up. Some of the most charismatic speakers of our class used go out in public without their head covered. Most of us at some point at guilty of some form of wrongdoing. We changed our ways because we saw the light, not because someone insulted us. This must be top of mind as we call others to Allah. If we insult and alienate someone who may eventually, even years down the line, become Muslim or a better Muslim, then we are venting our anger at the expense of the truth.

Allah says,
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ  وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. [Qur'an 16:125]

Hence if you are calling someone to Allah, especially if you are amending their belief or deeds, do not loose the opportunity to pay a compliment. Then, gently point the error of their way. It is said, ‘One can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar’. It is human nature to listen to a pleasing adversary than an abusive friend. The person you are calling to Allah is only human. And this person is probably busy. So keep the advise short. Do not get sidetracked from your point otherwise you will seem to be waffling. Correct one mistake at a time. Try not to accuse your prospect of too many faults at once.

Though you are primarily leading the discussion, allow your prospect some breathing space so they can share their views as well. Do not wrap your mind around your own argument. Encourage dialogue and a friendly exchange of information.

The reputation of Du’aat (callers to Allah) has yet to improve. We are infamous for being condescending and short tempered in our conversations, even articles and emails. If our mission is link humankind to their Creator, then we should care about human beings; we should give them a proper recognition of Allah in the most loving, rational, to the point, preferably concerned and not outraged manner. Anger tends to put people on the defensive whereas ‘concern’ and rational argument can get a decent hearing. For the sake of Allah, the Qur’an must be read to them. Our recitation and explanation will be heard most clearly not when we are shouting loudest, but when we are communicating in such a way that people are willing to listen.

One person can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

By: Asfiya Irfan (Alumni of TQ 2007 – Canada)

2010-3
16

How to Give Dawah To The People?

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2010-3
12

Dawah Through Actions

Category: Dawah Stories | Tags: ,,,,,,, | No Comments

Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Rahim Asalam o Aleikum Wa Rehmatullahi Wa Barakatahu Dear Dr Farhat,

I hope and pray that Allah SWT accepts all of our efforts and always uses us for His Deen Amin. i would like to share with you my experience on the impact of silent tabligh through actions over the negative impact of harsh but truthful explanations. I would request that you with hold my name if you should chose to share this with anybody. I seek no appreciation or rewards except from Allah SWT. May He SWT accept all good deeds that He Blesses me with the ability to perform and may He forgive me for all the sins I commit, have committed, or will commit. Amin.

About a year ago I moved to a new town. After spending a few months without a weekend school i decided to propose the use of the Colors of Islam program as a guideline for the Sunday school. as is the case in most such situations, parents had questions–as they should–and wanted to meet me. an emergency meeting was called where it was anticipated that about twenty parents would attend. when i arrived–on time–no one was there. after a wait of about 15 minutes we had two parents out of which one parent was not even going to send his kids–due to prior commitments. AlhumduLillah not at all dismayed by the turnout i continued to explain how the curriculum worked and that made the attendees very excited. After looking at the book one of the parents asked in a very hushed tone where this curriculum was from? Of course i told him exactly what I knew he did not want to hear but AlhumduLillah Allah SWT made me chose my words carefully where i did not have to compromise the truth.

So he just told me not to tell anybody about the source as there was a very big ‘anti al-huda’ following in this American City. I was needless to say deeply saddened but at the same time realized that there was no reason to ask the next question which would be–why? i swallowed all of this with a pinch of salt and thought and prayed for the prophet SAW who had to face much worse situations and then he handled those in such an ehsan way.

A few weeks after that I was by the Grace of Allah SWT asked to join a friday youth halaqa at the masjid due to my ‘eloquence’–which of course is not due to any greatness in me but rather to the fact that whatever is said about Allah SWT and that too in the words of Quran and then the words of prophet SAW can be nothing but eloquent.

Then came what i dreaded–a lady asked me to give a dars in urdu but when I told her that I could do it in English she asked by the way where have you studied from. when I told her, that was pretty much when the conversation became one sided. I could sense anger and sadness overtaking my emotions but I prayed real hard to Allah SWT to keep me composed and to say only that which is right. I cannot go into-and see no point in doing so either–the details of the questions but they were mostly futile–argument for the sake of argument. I silently listened and prayed that with the passage of time Allah SWT will make things clear Himself and choose me to say only the Truth and promote only that which is correct.

AlhumduLillah as the days passed i was invited to speak at a wednesday halaqa for ladies where i opted to talk about Allah SWT, who He is and what our relationship with Him should be. AlhumduLillah slowly people started showing their softer side and when the time was right i offered them the website address to go find out and judge for themselves rather than just go on hearsay as is often the easiest way. I make no claim of having turned a whole city but I feel that patience and steadfastness is what opens the gates to Allah’s Mercy to let one do something for His deen. What is important is not that people log onto specifically alhuda or farhathashmi.com–and i mean this with the greatest respect as you for me are like my mother who i love dearly–but rather that people should not stay away from the truth just because of rumors or half truths.

The point of all this is just to make students realize that emotional talk accomplishes very little compared to actions carried out with taqwa, iman, patience and perseverance. and most importantly it should not be to save face of an institute or person but rather to promote Al-Haq.

Jazak Allah Khair.
May Allah SWT strengthen His Taqwa and Iman in our hearts Amin
Wassalam,
A Student of Knowledge

2009-10
11

Who are you?

Category: Dawah Stories | 3 Comments


The story of Muslims in rural coastal Andhra

We were ushered into the home by its owner, an RMP doctor called Sai Basha.
The gate pillar has an image of Ganesha embedded in it. As we walk into the
home, we see pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses on almost every wall.
There is also a picture of Christian icons of Jesus and Mary. Then we are
ushered into the inner most room which houses a small temple with all the
material for pooja arrayed before some more pictures of Hindu gods in the
center of which is an idol of Venkateshwara (the presiding deity in
Tirupati). In the middle of all this profusion of those who are not worthy
of worship is a picture of Al Haram Al Makki, Al Masjid An Nabawi and of the
Dargah in Ajmer. The thought that came into my mind was, ‘Here is a guy who
is covering all the bases.’ But then we had been told that this was a Muslim
home!! So what happened??

The answer as I learnt from many conversations is that nothing happened.
This is the result of sheer neglect over at least 2
generations.

These Muslims of coastal Andhra live in a place that was the boundary of the
old Nizam’s State of Hyderabad and Madras Presidency which was ruled by the
British. They speak only Telugu and they have almost no contact with the
Ulama in either Hyderabad or in Madras (now Chennai). So gradually they took
to the ways of the local leaders who are all Hindu. The interesting thing is
that all this happened entirely voluntarily and almost unconsciously.
Someone brought in an idol saying that it brings good luck and nobody had
the knowledge or the ability to contradict this and so it remained. Then
came another and another. Local festivals were celebrated together with the
Hindu neighbors where the celebration included visiting the temple. So the
Muslims did that, even though they were never allowed inside the temple.
They accepted their lower status as most people of rural India accept almost
everything that comes their way. Nobody actually converted them to Hinduism.
They just started taking to the ways of Hinduism and worshipping Hindu gods.

So what about Islam? We asked Mr. Sai Basha (interestingly his name is based
on Sai Baba because they see him as divine) if he prayed Salah. He said he
did not know how to pray. He said that he goes to the Eid Gah once a year in
Ramadan on Eid-ul-Fitr day. What does he do when he stands behind the Imaam?
Nothing.

Does he know the Kalima?
What is that?
La ilaaha illAllahu Muhammadur Rasoolullahi.
No, he does not.
Is he willing to recite it now?
Yes, he is.
Does he accept that only Allah is worthy of worship because Allah
created him and us and sustains us and that Muhammad is the Rasool of Allah
?
Yes, he is.
Now hold your breath: Is he willing to take down all the pictures of gods
and goddesses and the idol and all the pooja paraphernalia and remove them
from his home?
Yes, he is.
Is he willing to learn to pray and to practice Islam?
Yes he is. “We are Muslims Saar”, he tell us.
So why did he never pray and why did he allow all these idols and pictures
into his home and why did he worship them?
“Nobody told us that it is wrong”, he says. “Our parents did it and so we do
it.”

Some things never change, do they? The same excuse that the people gave
Rasoolullah 1400 years ago, the religion of our forefathers. But with one
difference, it was a huge struggle for Rasoolullah to make them change. But
with these people, all that we needed to do was to ask them once, to take
out all the articles of shirk and they did it. A measure of how Allah helps
the weak; people like us who would run away if we faced the smallest
opposition.

So what next?

Well, we intend to build a masjid in your village, if you agree, so that
there will be an Imaam who can teach you how to pray and can educate you and
your children about the basics of Islam.
What do you need?
We need some land to build the masjid.
“Here is the land”, he says as he takes us to a plot by the roadside. He
calls the owners, two brothers, also like him with Hindu sounding names. We
explain to them what we intend to do with the land and that we will be happy
to pay them for it. They refuse to sell the land.
Because they insist on giving it free of cost.

How many such Muslims in this village? 100 families; maybe more than 500
individuals. How many more like them? Many thousands. All Muslims who know
nothing about Islam and who worship idols. All people who are willing to
change, revert to Islam and start worshipping Allah if someone can show
them how. People who simply need to be taught. People who are more than
willing to learn. People in whose hearts there is not an iota of resistance.
People who just simply don’t know because we were all too busy to tell them.
People who left Islam simply because their brother Muslims couldn’t care
less.

By now my hands and feet are cold. My heart is beating like it intends to
tear itself out of my body and run away. My eyes don’t stop watering – am I
crying?? I don’t know.

The question comes into my mind, “What will happen to these people if they
die like this, in this state?”
The answer shatters my mind like lightning, “It is not what will happen to
them, it is what will happen to you.”

What does a masjid (including the salary of an Imaam for 2 years) cost? Rs.
3 laks ($ 6000)
What does a palace in Jannah cost?
What will be the cost when Allah asks,
“What did you do?

Shared by: Zaid Ghansar

2009-8
31

Dawah in Clinic

Category: Dawah Stories | 1 Comment


I would like to share with you the following instance, which happened with me in my clinic few minutes ago.

A 39 year old African American woman came to see me. It was her second visit. She saw me earlier with complaints of sleep depravation, palpitations and anxiety attacks. I started her on some medications. She returned again with similar complaints. She was taking an increase dosage of medication than what was prescribed to her. She was crying and looked very depressed. She asked me to refer her to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

I was waiting for an opportunity to give Da’wah and I realized this was my chance. Initially I spoke to her about the nourishment and well-being of the soul, like the body, our soul also needs ‘food’. Food from the body is derived from the earth but the soul receives nourishment from above (We talked about it recently in our Taleem al Quran class). I told her our Creator loves us and protects us all the time and He wants us to ask Him for spiritual healing. Our Creator is the One who provides us with sound health and peace of mind. Even doctors cannot help if the Creator does not permit.

I referred her to some verses and prophetic traditions. She listened to them attentively with tears in her eyes. We both came to an agreement that today was a special day. The Creator, Lord God – Allah the Most Exalted brought her here.

I encouraged her to read Allah’s Book and actively work towards her spiritual well-being. I discussed with her a little bit on the Bible and Torah. They are called, Light – Nur, in the Qur’an. But these books changed over the years, which the miraculous nature of the Qur’an that not even a single word from it has been altered over the last 1430 years. The Bible speaks of its own corruption (OT – Jeremiah 8:8, NT- Mat 5:20, 23:13) while Allah, the Creator promises to protect the Quran (Quran, 15:7).

She didn’t know the Quran was a preserved from and she agreed that the Bible may pose confusion because of its several edited and revised versions.

I asked her if she would like an English translation of the Quran. She excitedly accepted. I gave her the copy I bought from Al Huda Canada bookstore. I also gave her a small booklet on Islam I received as a gift from Ustazah. Together read few verses from Quran. Soon after she recited Kalima Shahada after me, I explained her the meaning and I added, “Jesus and Moses are also His Prophet”.

I cannot put in words how happy she was when she took the Shahada. She came into my clinic depressed and sorry and left happy and pleased. I told her she may not even need medication for anxiety and stress after reading the Qur’an. Before she left, she said she was already feeling much better. She also told me she had heard about the Quran and had been meaning to read it but didn’t have its translation in English. InshaAllah I will be seeing her again in two weeks and we will be discussing her readings from the Qur’an.

Shared By: Dr. Aneela

2009-8
31

Motivated by Bus Stop Dawah

Category: Dawah Stories | 2 Comments

Bismillah.

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wabarakathuh Ustaza.

Trust that you are in the best of health. May Allah SWT keep you in good health and bless you and your family, ameen. Alhamdulillahi ‘ala kullu haal, it is a desire of every online student to meet you, talk to and listen to you always. Allah knows what is best and Today He has given me the pleasure of writing to you, Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘alameen.

I wanted to share and amazing experience I had after reading and listening to sr.Farhiya’s bus stop da’wah. May Allah bless her and give her towfeeq to serve more in His path, ameen.

About six months ago,during the begining days of Ta’leem al Quran course 2009, I attended a function. I saw an unfamiliar face, have never seen her before but her dress code told me she is not a Muslim. I was eager to meet her but felt uncomfortable to introduce myself. I saw her talking to my friend, almost towards the end of the program just after dinner. This was my chance, I joined them and greeted my friend and then I turned to her and greeted her. No reply from her but she was smiling. It was then my friend told me that she is not a Muslim. Soon I left the conversation as I had to leave. As soon as I left she had inquired about me and my dress code (I was in Nikab). I was going around greeting sisters and I saw her eyes on me. I got an opportunity to talk to her again. She asked me, “Why are you covering your face?” I smilingly said, “To please my God.” And further said, “My beauty belongs to only one man and that is my husband. And that is what Islam teaches us. Women are protected and considered precious in Islam.” I wanted to explain more but I couldn’t as I was in a rush. The feeling of giving da’wah was soaring inside me but I did not have the courage to invite her to Islam. I decided to befriend her, and gave her my contact information. Every time we talk, we would have a conversation about Allah and Islam but I was a bit reluctant to invite her to Islam. The fear of what she will think stopped me. Alhamdulillah, Sr.Farhiya’s bus stop da’wah gave me a boost. It was like a spiritual Quwwah from Allah (swt). With out any further delay I called her.

Our conversation was going well and she just asked me, “Why don’t we talk more about Islam?” I realized this is my chance and I switched into Dawah mode!She once told me that her mom is a Buddhist, so keeping that in mind I started. I asked her, “what do you think about god?” She said, “I believe that, that there is only one god and I believe that he helps those who trust in him.” I added to it “yes true, I too believe that there is no god but Allah and He always helps those who trust him” we continued talking about the similarities in religions. Then she said ” I see some Muslims hanging out with guys and guys cheating girls, I thought Islam doesn’t allow all these.” I told her what Dr.Zakir Naik said, ” If you want to look at a religion don’t look at its people but at its Book and its Prophet.” This gave me an opportunity to introduce Quran and Prophet Muhammad sallahu ‘alaihi wassallam. I wish to share everything but it was a long conversation. I explained to her that Quran is the source of peace. Her reaction was, ” Wow, tell me more about peace.”

This lead us to the topic of peace, I said, “Did you know Islam means peace.” She was very interested in knowing more. She said, “Really? I haven’t heard this before, can you tell more about it?.” I explained to her that when one submits himself completely to Allah, He finds peace. She said, “How?” I further explained that when one submits himself to Allah, Allah is pleased with him and when Allah is pleased with him, He takes care of all his affairs and thus he finds peace. For example, how we offer help only to someone whom we are pleased with. She kept asking more and more about peace. Then I felt she has a thirst for peace. I asked her about her health and mind. She said that she feels terrible. This was the perfect chance for me to explain the Love and Mercy of Allah (swt), the Rabb of the world

I said, “Did you realize that Allah loves you?” She said, “why do you say that?” I replied, “I never planned to call you but Allah had planned it for you. He knew you are upset and need help, so He sent me to comfort you and to help you.” She was almost in to tears. This was her turning point. I offered her to come and join Taleem al Quran course, she was very pleased to hear that. But she couldn’t make it due to some personal difficulties.

We continued talking about Jesus (as), Moses (as) and the Books. I explained to her, How we believe in all the prophets and all the book but we follow only the final Messenger Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the final Book, the Quran. She said, “Wow, it makes sense.” She was sharing few stories from the Bible only after this conversation I got to know she is a christian and all this while I was preaching to her thinking she is a Buddhist. Subhan Allah, Allah (swt) is amazing. It was a beautiful feeling.

Furthermore she was sharing her personal experience with Muslims and she always managed to find a Muslim friend. I felt this is the Towfeeq from Allah (swt), the best time time to invite her to Islam. I just asked her, “Why don’t you accept Islam?” She was speechless for sometime. For a moment I thought it was not the right time. I was explaining to her how Allah had chosen her and how He has been preparing her. I forgot to mention. In one of our conversations she had mentioned that she had fasted twice before, this helped me to give her a better explanation. I was not happy with her response, she said, “I need some time.”

I invited her to an Islamic gathering, thinking we can met each other in person. She said, “ok.” This was our last conversation. No calls for 3 days. She was not answering my calls. This was worrying me but I kept calling her every day, still no response. So I decided to email her and Alhamdulillah I saw a reply from her.

I went out thinking I can meet her. Alhamdulillahi ‘ala kulli haal, It didnt happen as we planned because Allah (swt) had a better plan for us. She called me in the evening and I was out at that time. We couldn’t talk much but I felt she was upset about it. So I told her I’ll get back to her as soon as I reach home. I reached home only after 12 midnight, I dint want to disturb her, so called her next day morning at nine. No response and tried again at around 11. She was so upset at me for not ringing her. I apologized and consoled her, she was fine after a while. I felt she is trying to tell me something. She said, “I have not slept for the past 3 days, something is disturbing me and so many questions running in my mind” I said, “Why don’t you accept Islam, it will clear all your confusion and bring peace into your life?” She was so pleased to hear these words. She said, “she was waiting for this moment.” Allahu Akbar, Allah (swt) gave her the Hidaya and I pray that Allah (swt) guides her in every step and grant her Jannatul firdous, ameen.

I told her she must take the Ghusl bath and explained to her how it is done . She called me after approximately two hours. Before making her repeat the shahada, I asked her, “Do you believe that there is not god but Allah?” She said, “Yes.” I explained to her the shahada and the articles of faith and said, “We Muslims believe in all the prophets including Jesus, may peace be upon him. He is only a prophet of Allah not a SON, But we only follow the last and final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (saw). And we believe that Bible is a holy Book, revealed to prophet Jesus, peace be upon him but we don’t follow it because we believe that it is changed. We follow the last and final Book, The Holy Quran and we believe that it will remain unchanged until last day, this is a promise of Allah (swt). We trust in Allah and His promises.” continued with angels, hereafter and the Qadr of Allah and said, “This completes the belief in Allah.” I don’t know how to express that moment Ustaza, I was too emotional. Alhamdulillah Allah (swt) gave me the Towfeeq and the courage to do teach her the shahada, Allahu Akbar. And Today, she believe in Allah. Allahu Akbar!

Subhan Allah Ustaza, now she wants to fast. She is very eager to seek more knowledge. I spoke to her yesterday, she was worried about losing all her files in her phone. I asked her, “Is it important files?” she said, “No, some music and pictures.” In return I said, “Allah is guiding you, It is like a blessing in disguise. Allah loves you.” Suprisingly she said, “Yes true, it was like a miracle. I thought someone had deleted it. Now I know, it is for my own good.” Every time I talk to her, I find something interesting in her life.

And Today I have realised the Importance giving Da’wah, Alhamdulillah. I appologize for the lengthy email.

My dearest Ustaza, Jazakallah Khairan Katheera for giving us this golden opportunity to study and understand Allah’s Kalam. I Pray to Allah that I can be a source of Sadaqah Jaariya to you and to My parents who supported me in every way (Living in Sri Lanka).May Allah Bless you and My parents with Jannathul Firdous, Ameen.I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Sr.Shireen who is a pillar for online students, my wonderful teachers, group in charges and my uncle and family with whom I live.May Allah continue to put Barakah in your lives and Bless Jannahthul Firdouse in the Hereafter, Ameen.

Jazakillah Khairan Katheera.

Wassalmu alaikum warahmathullah.

With love and Duas
Jamani.

2009-8
10

Bus Stop Dawah!

Category: Dawah Stories | 6 Comments

From: Farhiya Ahmed (Graduate of Taleem al Quran 2007)

I wanted to share an amazing experience I had on my way home yesterday.
=================================================================================
Bismillah

This lady approached me inquiring about bus arrival timings. I directed her to check the board and walked over with her to keep the conversation going.

The bus was coming in 20 minutes. I got ready for Da’wah. As I was waiting for my ‘opening’, she just asked me, “You are Muslim right?” I said, “Yes I am, and where are you from?” She said she was Greek Orthodox so I knew that I had to focus now on Towheed and Jesus alyihi sallam.

She told me that she was a hair dresser and that some Muslim women also come to her shop. But when she does their hair, they cover it. She tells them not to, that its beautiful so why not show it off? I explained to her that for a Muslim woman, it is more beautiful for her to cover her hair because this is what her Creator wants from her. She said, “Wow, if you put it like that, then it makes sense”.

Then I said, “Many people view Islsam as a foreign religion when in fact it is in fact a continuation of the ancient religions that believe in One God like Judaism and Christianity. If you look at a nun, she is dressed like a Muslim woman because this is a command in the Bible. Likewise, the Jewish women are also required to cover their hair as per the teachings of their Holy Scripture. Islam teaches the same thing because the command is from the same One Creator”. She said that this makes sense.

Next I briefly described the Message of Islam, how Allah sent Messengers and revealed Books to guide humankind. Though the previous Books such as the Torah and the Bible have changed, Quran remains preserved and unaltered. She agreed that the Bible is changed. She said her father is very religious but he only believes that his religion is correct, while she does not think that. I told her that, “I agree with your father to an extent because there can be only one true religion but its not Christianity. Christianity was the true religion when Jesus was there and he would call people to worship one God and not himself. Same is true for Judaism. It was to be followed till Musa was there. But now it is time to believe in Islam and its Messenger Muhammad sallahu alyihi wa sallam.

I related to her the narration of three Jewish tribes that had moved to Medina in search of the Final Messenger who was foretold in their Books to come to Medina (the city of date palm trees). And in fact the Final Messenger, Muhammad sallahu alyihi wa sallam did come to Medina and some Jews became Muslim. She said, “Really?”

At this time, I knew she was very interested and the bus was late.

She also asked me about all the suffering in the world and why can’t God help the innocent child who is abducted for instance? I elucidated that God is competent over all things but He cannot intercede in all worldly matters when He has given us free will. It is we who choose to wrong others, causing them to suffer. With this free will, He is testing us. And the ultimate justice will be delivered on the Day of Judgment.
Afterwards we started talking about Heaven and Hell. She said that she doesn’t think that she is that bad of a person to go to hell and that she is hopeful in God. I responded by saying that she might by a good person and I hope that I am too but I fear that I will go to hell. She asked How come? I explained, “I don’t know if all my good deeds are accepted. God accepts good deeds on condition that they are done sincerely for Him”. I told her that a person could be Mother Teresa but and do many great deeds but if he doesn’t know who is doing that good for or doesn’t know the One who provided him everything (God) then how can He accept such deeds. As humans even, we want people to recognize and acknowledge us for our accomplishments. So how can it be that God should favour us with so many blessings and we continue to ignore appreciating Him and this will be acceptable to God? She said, “When you put it like that, it makes sense”.

Furthermore she informed me of this Muslim drug dealer who is always preaching her to become Muslim. She said she doesn’t even listen to him because he was being hypocritical. How can he do that and expect that he will go to Paradise? I recited to her what Dr. Zakir Naik said, “If you want to look at a religion don’t look at its people but at its Book”. I don’t know how it came to be but I communicated to her that every Muslim will preach you if you are a non-Muslim, myself for example. This is because there is something pure in our hearts and we want to share it even if we are doing something wrong for the time being. And this pure thing is that we recognize the Creator and we see that this world could not have come into existence by chance. We have no control over the alternation of the day and night. (The Tafseer lesson was still in my head). Can I make this night into day? Can I transform the day into night? No!

I furthered added what Aisha said in Tafseer, “We humans generate energy from within ourselves while human made appliances and gadgets no matter how advance need to be plugged in or charged to function like a hair dryer needs an electrical switch and same is true for an iron. But humans have built in them everything that they need. Who makes a seed grow? Who sends down the rain? Who produces what we eat? (Then I saw a bird and asked) Who is holding up this bird? If I flap my arms can I fly? Who made law of nature like that?” She was listening very carefully. Even though the people around were sneering at us, I didn’t stop for them.

Then I told her that we can talk about these things all day but the bus will arrive soon and I would like to invite her to my school where I learn Quran and everything else I told her. SubhanAllah Ustaza, she started crying. I was shocked, I requested her not to cry. Did I say something wrong? She said no, she was just so touched that I would invite her to my school. I proclaimed that I am inviting her to something more than that. I am inviting her to realize her Creator, to testify that He is God, worthy of worship. She looked around and said, Not here, not now. I sensed that she was scared because of the people around. So I repeated again what I learned in class. This life is not worthy anything. I shared with her the time line Rushda drew on the board. It is not sensible to waste eternal life of the Hereafter for the worldly life, which has zero value. In addition I said, “it is not by chance that we met today. God choose you to listen and understand the message of Islam. Look around you, I could have been talking to anyone of these people and they may or may not have understood but you are lucky right now. (Then I pointed across the street), anytime you can be hit by a car (suddenly out of no where a truck just passed by in front of us, even I was a bit startled) and you will meet your Lord without knowing Him. I am just asking you to bear witness that you at least recognize Him. Jus say la illah illAllah”. She repeated the Shahada after me along with its English translation. I added that Jesus was His Messenger and so was Musa etc. She started crying, I gave her a big hug. The bus arrived five minutes after. SubhanAllah! Alhamdulilah!

She said she wanted to read the Quran but I didn’t have its English translation. I took her contact information and inshaAllah I will get her one soon.
===========================================================================================

Ustaza I learned that outwardly we may not know the condition of the people we see, but talking to them does a big difference in their lives. Shyness, hesitation and lack of knowledge of the religion would have prevented me from speaking to her. Moreover, I remember she said that her father was a very knowledgeable person but whenever she would ask him a question, he would get really upset and yell at her. In Islam alhamdulilah there is no blind following. Allah explains to us in the Quran that everything we need to know. The thing she kept repeating was, “that makes sense” because Islam does make sense! SubhanAllah!
On top of that she was so moved when I invited her to the school to learn Quran. We should do invite non Muslims to our class. What better way to give Da’wah then through Tafseer class? Everything I shared with her was from Tafseer class.

I am sorry for the long email. JazakAllahu khayran.

2009-8
10

10 Ways to do Da’wah from the Comfort of your Home

Category: Article, Tips | 3 Comments


Fatima Barakatullah

Islam is being discussed regularly nowadays on all major radio stations. Call up and correct a misconception someone has about Islam and be a guardian of our Deen!…

If you’ve always wanted to be a Da’iyah; to invite people to the Truth, but felt you don’t have time, then you’d better take a fresh look at da’wah! Check out these 10 ideas and make your home a Da’wah hub!

1. Bake a cake for your neighbours
It’s amazing what effect reaching out to our neighbours can have. A simple gesture such as baking a cake for them can really change their perception of Islam and Muslims. It is those little day-to-day interactions that make people think twice about how Islam is often portrayed in the media.

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Muslim Women, do not think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a sheep’s foot.”[1]

2. Start a Blog
Even if it’s to write about a verse of the Qur’an that has affected you, having a web presence is an effective da’wah tool. Every time someone Googles ‘Islam’, they are met with a plethora of links many of which misrepresent Islam. So your web presence means that people are more likely to come across correct information about Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Convey (my message) from me, even if it is one Qur’anic verse.”[2]

3. Phone or write to a friend
Supporting our sisters in Islam is also da’wah because while you chat you can help renew a sister’s Eaman, give her some timely advice regarding something she’s worried about, and remind her to have Sabr, which all come under ‘enjoining the good.’ Remember that Allah says in the Qur’an: “By Time, Indeed Man is in loss, except for those who believe, and work righteous deeds, and advise one another with Truth
and advise one another with Sabr (Patient perseverance).”[3]

4. Send a cheque to a Da’wah organisation
There are plenty of organisations that print booklets or translations of the Qur’an and hold exhibitions to spread the word of Islam. By sending them a donation you will not only be participating in da’wah, you’ll be rewarded for Sadaqah Jariyyah (ongoing charity) as your donation may cause a ripple effect, touching future generations, or it
may mean someone accepting Islam and practising it. “By Allah, if Allah were to guide just one man through you it would be better for you than red camels.”[4]

5. Call up a Radio Phone-in show
The society we live in has many social problems: poverty due to debt, absent fathers, criminal youth, abortion, and sexual depravity of all kinds. By presenting the Islamic solution to society’s problems you could leave a lasting impression on millions! Islam is being discussed regularly nowadays on all major radio stations. Call up and correct a misconception someone has about Islam and be a guardian of our Deen! The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.”[5]

6. Invite someone around for tea.
Whether it is the Jehovah’s Witness lady, who knocks on your door, or someone else you have met, you can invite them round for an informal chat. Let them learn a little something about Islam. You could just tell them what we believe about the Prophet ‘Isa (as) and you will have conveyed an important part of our message.

7. Write an article for a magazine or website.
There must be something you feel passionately about or an experience you’ve had, that others may benefit from. Put pen to paper and let your ideas flow. Base what you write upon the Qur’an and Sunnah and have it checked by a person of knowledge. It’ll be a chance for you to do a bit of research, increase your knowledge and it may be a valuable resource for other sisters.

8. Start a study circle
Host a small gathering of sisters for an hour every week. Present a short talk about one aspect of Islam you have looked into, or study the tafsir of a particular surah together. Invite sisters who don’t normally go to a circle. Allah will put so much barakah in your home insha Allah! The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said in a Hadeeth Qudsi, that Allah says: “I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it.”

9. Be your husband’s Rock
When we support our husbands’ efforts in da’wah, we will be rewarded too. Allow him time to spend in this cause and help him in any way you can. Remember the hadith, in which Asmâ bint Yazîd ibn as Sakan (RA) came to the Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) and said: “Oh Messenger of Allâh, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you. I have come to you on behalf of the women. We have believed in you. We do not go out and we remain in your homes. We are your source of physical pleasure. We carry your children. A man goes out to pray jumu’ah and jamâ’ah and follows the janazah. And if you go out fo Hajj, or ‘Umrah, or Jihâd, we look after your wealth. We wash your clothing. We raise your children. Shall we not share in the reward?” The Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) turned to his companions and said: “Have you ever heard anything a woman has said better than what she has said?” Then he said to her: “Understand O Woman, and inform the other women. Indeed a woman’s perfection of her relationship with her husband, her seeking his pleasure, and doing that which he
approves of is equivalent to all of that.” Asmâ left exclaiming “La ilâha illa Allâh!”[6]

10. Teach your children
Bringing our children up to understand and love the message of Islam is our most important da’wah project! Remember that everything you do to increase their knowledge and make them strong, righteous people is priceless and will be rewarded. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “All of you are shepherds and are responsible for their flocks. A leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man
is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock…”[7]

[1] Agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim.
[2] Fat’h al Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 6/496
[3] Surah Al Asr 103:1-3
[4] Fat’h al Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari, 7/476
[5] Sahih Muslim 2/22, Kitabul Iman
[6] Adh-Dhahabi related it in Siyar A’lâm An-Nubalâ (it is not
‘saheeh’ but Sheikh Haitham gave me the permission to quote it as its
meaning is correct).
[7] Agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim.

Source: www.islam21c.com
This article is copyright of SISTERS Magazine.

2009-8
10

Answering Difficult & Frequently Asked Questions about Islam and Muslims

Category: Tips | No Comments

Assalaam-u-Alaikum

I attended a session called ” Answering difficult and frequently asked questions about Islam and Muslims. Two of the speakers were Ameena Jandali and Zaid Shakir. Here are some of the tips for answering FAQ’s that Ameena Jandali talked about.

1. Keep things simple

2. Answer in terms the questioner can relate to.

3. Try to answer directly instead of beating around the bush.

4. If you don’t know, say so.

5. Emphasise commonalities and not differences.

6. Use wisdom.

7. Never insult another person’s faith.

8. Acknowledge if a Muslim has done wrong- don’t defend wrong doing-Not everything is a reflection of Islam.

9. Don’t white wash the truth.

10. Avoid being defensive and apologetic about Islam.

11. Avoid preaching.

12. Avoid denigrating groups- ex. The Wahabis/sufis/shias are this or that.

13. Do not get emotional.

14. Always speak truthfully.

15. If you cannot be truthful, be silent.

16. Don’t overstep your knowledge-Speak what you know.

17. Study so you have the knowledge.

18. Speak at the level of understanding of the person asking the question.

Shared By: Huma