In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Da'wah
Getting It Right

By Br. Abul Walid Al-Hamawi & Br. Ibrahim Abu Khalid

      The Da'wah (invitation) to Allah is the duty of the Muslim
      Ummah. Every Muslim is charged with this mission, as Allah
      (s.w.t) says: "Let there arise out of you a group of people
      inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is Ma'rouf (right)
      and forbidding what is Munkar (wrong). And it is they who
      are the successful." [3:104]. The fulfillment of this mission on
      the individual level however varies with the capacity of the
      Muslim, including their linguistic abilities, confidence, and
      knowledge.

      Without Da'wah, the people fall into ignorance and
      misguidance. The absence of Da'wah means the absence of
      a force to prevent the spread of evil and injustice on the
      earth. Our Prophet (s.a.w) has warned us of the
      consequences: "At a time when people become indifferent to
      the spread of evil, they incur Allah's punishment." [Ahmad,
      1/9]

      The successful Da'ee will need to consider many aspects of
      Islamic knowledge, the condition of the environment he is
      working in, his resources and means, and what he wishes to
      accomplish. This article is divided into four main themes and
      attempts to provide a perspective on these issues to assist the
      Da'ee in his mission. 

  As we head towards another millennium, Muslims are looking back at the
  events that shaped the 20th Century and are reflecting on this humiliating and
  devastating period in the history of Islam. The fall of the Khilafah and
  consequently the disappearance of the Shari'ah, the division of Muslim land
  into minute powerless countries, the rise of secular theories on all intellectual
  fronts, are only some of the major crises that inflicted the Muslim Ummah. 

  The consecutive dictatorship regimes and the degrading living conditions
  have driven many Muslims out of their homes temporarily to places less
  hostile towards their religion and in search of better living standards. The
  Western countries, a primary contributor to this migration, ironically accepted
  most of those Muslim immigrants who today number well over 15 million. 

  The West, a general term referring to Western Europe, North America and
  some other countries likeAustralia and Zealand, is a place of great
  opportunities for Muslims to practice Da'wah and claim more adherents to the
  universal Deen of Allah. However, to make use of such opportunities, the
  Muslim Da'ees must be aware and mindful of the environment they live in.
  They should attain an adequate level of knowledge about the culture and
  social order of their Western country. An understanding of the country's
  history, geography, demography, economy, religions and ethnic backgrounds
  are very important aspects which help the Da'ees in their mission. They also
  need to learn about the country's political system, parties and the "who",
  "what", and "how" of the political process. What are the major newspapers,
  magazines and broadcasting organisations? Who are the opinion leaders,
  famous figures, authors, scientists, etc.? 

                   THE DA'EE 

  The Da'ee should exhibit the following traits, else his mission could lead to
  failure, in both his earthly mission and in the Hereafter.

                         Sincerity

  Sincerity in conveying the Message and detachment from personal gain is the
  trait of righteous persons. Not only will the insincere Da'ee be punished on
  the Day of Judgment for his hypocrisy, but when people observe him craving
  for a worldly or personal benefit when conveying the Message, they
  immediately reject his advice and doubt his mission. On the other hand, the
  sincere Da'ee is respected by his community, and people usually listen to what
  he says and observe his recommendations. The Prophet (s.a.w) warned us:
  "He who let the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their
  praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of
  Resurrection). And he who does good things in public to show off and win
  the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate
  him)" [Bukhari, 8/506]. It is therefore essential for the Da'ee to be sincere, and
  to separate and openly declare oneself from personal gain, such as wealth,
  position or power; and thus imitate the example of the Prophets when they
  said to their people, "No reward do I ask you for it (my Message of Islamic
  Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds." [26:109]
  Furthermore, let his motto be Allah's passage: "Say (O Muhammad): 'Verily,
  my Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the
  Lord of the Worlds." [6:162]

  Part of sincerity in performing Da'wah is witnessing the Da'ee applying what
  he is preaching and being among the first to submit himself to Allah. Allah
  (s.w.t) instructed His Prophet (s.a.w) in this regard: "Say (O Muhammad):
  'Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah (Alone) sincerely. And I am
  commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit
  themselves to Allah (in Islam) as Muslims.' Say (O Muhammad): 'Verily, If I
  disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day.'" [39:11-13] 

  As an example for his community, the Da'ee should begin his Da'wah with his
  family, relatives and close friends in accordance with Allah's command: "O
  you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell)
  whose fuel is men and stones.." [66:6] This was the Sunnah of the Prophet
  (s.a.w) as his call was first directed to his wife Khadeejah, his cousin Ali, and
  his closest friend Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with all the Companions.
  Abu Hurairah (r.a.a) reported that when (this verse) was revealed: "And warn
  (O Muhammad) your nearest kinsmen," [26:214] Allah's Messenger (s.a.w)
  said: "O people of Quraish, buy yourselves from Allah (i.e. secure deliverance   from Allah by doing good deeds), I cannot avail you at all against Allah. O   'Abbaas bin 'Abd al-Muttalib (the Prophet's uncle), I cannot avail you at all   against Allah; O Safiyyah (the Prophet's aunt), I cannot avail you at all against   Allah; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, ask me whatever you like, but I   cannot avail you at all against Allah." [Muslim, 1/402] 

  A Da'ees household is always in the critical eye of the community. If they find
  his wife and children to be careless in their application of Islam, they will take
  the Da'ee as being incompetent at his job and turn away. The Da'ee will also
  be held responsible firstly for his family before his community.

                 Knowledge & Expression 

  The carrier of the Message must be sufficiently competent in Islamic
  knowledge and expression qualities, so to convey his thoughts about a
  certain subject accurately and explicitly. Obviously, an ignorant Muslim or
  one who is poor in articulation is not fit to convey the Message to the people.
  In fact, he may do more harm than good to the Deen of Allah and may drive
  people away from him. Some young enthusiastic Muslims erroneously think
  that Islamic knowledge can be gained from reading magazines or listening to
  an audio tape in their spare time. The truth is that the sciences of Islam can
  only be acquired through the systematic process of learning which demands
  wholehearted approach to time and effort. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "If Allah
  wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the Deen; and of
  course knowledge is attained by learning." [Bukhari, 1/67] Many pious Salaf
  have said: "Give knowledge (of Deen) everything you have, it will give you
  some of what it has." We may now ask: "How much will knowledge of Deen
  give us if we only give it some of our leisure time?" 

                The beautiful style of speech

  In preaching Islam, the Da'ee should try when possible to demonstrate
  rhetoric and literary eloquent speech. This is the style of the Qur'an in
  addressing humanity and the Da'ees are responsible for acquiring a
  respectable level of language proficiency to effectively convey the Message.
  It is worthy to note that all evil channels of communication convey its
  falsehood and mischief through adorned speech. Allah (s.w.t) states: "And so
  We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayaateen (devils) among
  mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion
  (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have
  done it, so leave them alone with their fabrications. (And this is in order)
  that the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter may incline to such
  (deceit), and that they remain pleased with it, and that they may commit
  what they are committing (all kinds of sins and evil deeds, etc.)" [6:112-113]
  Therefore, if the leaders of falsehood use the weapon of garnished speech and
  styles of expression to deceive the hearts of those who disbelieve in the
  Hereafter, then the Da'ees are more entitled to use this to call for the truth. 

                 Strong Will & Confidence

  It is very desirable that the Da'ee exhibit strong will, positive self-confidence
  and a capacity to control emotions. These characteristics are gained from
  sincerity and reliance on Allah and from knowledge and language
  competency, along with extensive experience and repetition. 

  The importance of these characteristics becomes evident when knowing that
  facing the people with different beliefs and concepts with the aim of guiding
  them to the Straight Path is no less than declaring an ideological war on their
  beliefs and conceptions that are part of their persons. People will not
  relinquish their beliefs and thoughts unless they are convinced with better
  alternatives, and naturally, they would take a cautious stance from, if not
  oppose, the Da'ee. But when such a Da'ee is garnished with strong will and
  confidence and is charismatic in speech and presentation, people begin to feel
  that this Da'ee is a mentor who is keen on their guidance and happiness, and
  some of them may in fact respond to the call. When few people find the
  guidance, a group of followers begin to form, and more will follow suite. 

                       Perseverance

  In the course of Da'wah, the Da'ee will inevitably face afflictions, temptations
  and obstacles, that try to lure him off his mission. If he fails these tests, he will
  fall into the bait of Shayaateen and even though he is wearing the garments of
  a reformer, he will share in the corruption without him noticing. However, the
  true Da'ee remains steadfast on truth, seeking reward for his perseverance and
  knowing that being a leader and an example, his intowards seductiis more
  despicable and harmful than the wicked flagitious people. The prophet (s.a.w)
  said: "A Muslim remains subject to trials (in this world) in respect of self,
  children and property till he or she faces Allah, the Exalted, (on the Day of
  Judgment) in a state in which all his or her sins have been remitted." [Tirmidhi,
  49] 

  If the Shayaateen of man don't succeed in their hideous assignment to win the
  Da'ee to their side, they will at least subject their efforts on abusing him with
  offensive and threatening language, if not try to hurt him. The Da'ee must be
  patient and console himself by remembering that he is not better than the
  Prophets of Allah and their companions, who suffered tremendously on this
  noble path. He mustn't let their speech grieve him because all honour belongs
  to Allah who says: "And be patient (O Muhammad) with what they say, and
  keep away from them in a good way. And leave Me Alone to deal with the
  beliers, and those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them
  respite for a little while. Verily, with Us are fetters (to blind them), and a
  raging Fire." [73:10-12]

                       Persistence

  Not only does the true Da'ee exercise patience during adversities and
  hardships, but he also continues his mission eagerly and devotes oneself
  assiduously to Da'wah work even if it was little. The Prophet (s.a.w) was
  asked: "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said: "The most regular
  constant deeds even though they may be few." He added: "Don't take upon
  yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability." [Bukhari, 8/472]

                     Moral Excellence

  Another really admirable characteristics of a Da'ee is exhibiting kindness,
  gentleness, courtesy and high manners when dealing with people. Being an
  active member of the society, the Da'ee would have excellent social relations
  and would not alienate himself from people. He would initiate greetings with
  Salam, respond to invitations, offer services, conciliate matters of differences
  among people, visit the sick, join funeral processions, etc., as reported in
  many Ahadeeth. The Da'ee should approach all these tasks with leniency and
  gentleness. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "Allah likes gentleness in all matters."
  [Bukhari] Even if the Da'ee is faced with a hypocrite or an offender, he should
  maintain his friendly trait. 'Aaishah (r.a.a) narrated that a man asked
  permission to see the Prophet, and the Prophet (s.a.w) said: "He is a bad
  member of the tribe." When he entered, the Prophet (s.a.w) treated him in a
  frank and friendly way and spoke to him. When he departed, I said: "Allah's
  Messenger! When he asked permission, you said, 'he is a bad member of the
  tribe;' but when he entered, you treated him in a frank and friendly way." The
  Prophet (s.a.w) replied: "'Aaisha! Allah does not like the one who is unseemly   and lewd in his language." [Abu Daawood, 4774] 

       The Methodology of Da'wah

                        Approach

  The act of preaching and educating in the field of Da'wah are not easy tasks.
  They not only demand massive effort and God-fearing character, but also
  instigate a comprehensive systematic approach that is based on the Qur'an
  and Sunnah. Without such a proper approach, the success of the efforts of
  inviting to Islam is a remote possibility. 

                    Reason with Truth 

  The first principle in the correct approach is in the Da'ee limiting his source of
  reasoning and inferences to the Book of Allah (s.w.t) and the Sunnah of His
  Messenger (s.a.w). All myths, suspicions, superstition and falsehood are
  sources rejected by Islam, for truth cannot be sustained except with truth. The
  Prophet (s.a.w) cautioned: "He who intentionally lies about me will find his
  abode in Hell-Fire." [Tirmidhi, 232] Truth has enough true proofs to uphold it.
  Even if the addressee accept to believe in false proofs, the addresser would
  have committed a great crime in Islam. Moreover, reasoning from falsehood
  weakens the truth that one claims to support. Such sources of falsehood
  include the kashf dimension in Sufism, fabricated ahadeeth, irrational or
  unfounded ideas to prove doctrinal concepts and the Bible (unless
  circumstances warrant). Allah the All-Wise states: "Who is more unjust than
  one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His ayaat (proofs, revelations,
  etc.)?" [7:37]

              Progressive & Gradual Education

  Another important principle in the approach of the Da'ee is using the
  progressive, gradual development in preaching, beginning with the
  fundamentals ('aqeedah) followed by its major branches and tenets, general
  moral prescripts and major rules of worship. This was the Sunnah of the
  Prophets in inviting people to Islam. When Mu'aadh (r.a.a) was send to
  Yemen, he was instructed by the Prophet (s.a.w) to call the people firstly to
  the testimony of faith (Shahaadah). If they obeyed him, he was to explain to
  them that Allah has prescribed five prayers daily, and if they obeyed him, the
  obligation of charity, and so on. [See Bukhari, 2/537]

  The successful Da'ee recognises that his role is not merely in conveyance of
  the Message, but extends to the boundaries of continual Tarbiyah and
  education of young enthusiastic generations of believers. This role is crucial
  in the non-Islamic environment, where many uneducated Muslims who were
  raised on shallow perception of Islam or a scant emotion towards this religion,
  compete to lead Muslim organisations blindly for the sake of fame or
  reputation leading to deep divisions and anti-Islamic practices in the
  community. The Da'ee must plant the seeds of goodness in the hearts of the
  Muslim youth and then pledge to constantly raise them progressively in
  accordance with Allah's Law, resembling the description of the Companions of
  the Prophet in the Injeel. Allah (s.w.t) says: "..their description in the Injeel
  (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it
  strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting
  the sowers - that He may enrage the disbelievers with them." [48:29] 

                  Guidance is from Allah 

  The Da'ee must always remember that he is not entrusted with transforming
  people from Kufr to Imaan, for ultimate guidance is from Allah, and free will is
  the bases of the Divine worldly test. Allah (s.w.t) said: "The Messenger's duty
  is only to convey (the message) in a clear way." [24:54] Nor should the Da'ee
  worry about the number of his followers; but should sympathise with some of
  the Prophets (s.a.w), the best of mankind, who will come on the Day of
  Judgment with just one or two followers [Ahmad, Bayhaqi, Nasaa'i.] 

  Shaytaan will use this fact to establish resignation and hoplesness in the
  hearts of the Da'ee. He will make it appear to him that he could funnel his
  efforts elsewhere, until the Da'ee believes that it is better to fix himself (the
  so-called Jihad al-Nafs) rather than others. This selfish view, which denies the
  community their right to be educated on Islam, has afflicted many Da'ees who
  have not grasped the essence of conveying the message. 

                    Public Presentation

  Propagating the Message through oration is a very effective and common
  method of Da'wah. Words that are heard are more inspiring and moving than
  words that are read, as they contain prominent features of life and emotion.
  When the Da'ee is assigned with a public presentation (e.g. Khutbas, lessons,
  etc.), there are rational and traditional (Sunnah) guidelines he should follow.
  Some of these are summarised below: 

     1.Choice of subject

       The choice of subject must be relevant and interesting, well researched
       and prepared, systematically developed and integrated, and logically
       approached by building up the main themes and ideas leading to a
       final conclusion, in harmony with the Fitra of the sound intellect. 

     2.Method of delivery

       The Da'ee should be in connection with all levels of the community
       and not favour a group of people over others. He should also address
       his lectures with wisdom on different occasions, depending on the
       people's scope of intellect. However an outstanding feature of an
       exemplary lecture is when the speaker addresses the thoughts, feelings
       and souls of the audience. The expectations of the listeners' thoughts
       are met when logical proofs presented to them. The li' feelings and
       emotions are moved when they hear the truth that calls for good and
       rejects evil; and their souls will be delighted when they hear the desire
       of Allah's great reward and the despise of His punishment. 

     3.Good preparation

       If the Da'ee is well prepared and has trust in Allah, his confidence will
       be at a high esteem. Allah (s.w.t) says: "And who is better in speech
       than he who says: 'My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),' and
       then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and invites (men) to
       Allah, and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'"
       [41:33]

     4.Parables & similitudes 

       The use of parables will make the comprehension of an issue and it
       memorisation much easier and more interesting. Allah Himself makes
       use of such language: "And indeed We have put forth for men, in this
       Qur'an every kind of similitude in order that they may remember."
       [39:27]

     5.Choice of time 

       'Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (r.a.a) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w) used to
       take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we
       might not get bored." [Bukhari, 1/68]. It should be remembered that
       each group will have its concentration span. Young children are limited
       to 20 minutes, adults who come to pray Juma'a and have work will also
       become fidgety if the Khutbah gets too long. 

     6.Brevity & eloquence 

       The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "The lengthening of prayer by a man and the
       shortness of the sermon is a sign of his understanding (of faith). So
       lengthen the prayer and shorten the sermon, for there is charm (in
       precise) expression." [Muslim, 1889]

       Unfortunately however there are many who will out of good-will give a
       prolonged Khutbah, citing that this is the only opportunity that many
       will receive some knowledge. The converse is true in this situation, as
       the people become restless and tune-out. 

     7.Clarity & repetition 

       Narrated 'Aaishah (r.a.a): "The Prophet (s.a.w) used to talk so clearly
       that if somebody wanted to count the number of his words, he could
       do so." [Bukhari, 4/768]. It has also been narrated from Anas bin
       Maalik (r.a.a): "Whenever the Prophet spoke a sentence (said a thing),
       he used to repeat it thrice so that the people could understand it
       properly from him." [Bukhari, 1/95] 

     8.Gestures

       Abu Uthman (r.a.a) narrated that while we were at Adharbijan, 'Umar
       wrote to us: 'Allah's Messenger (s.a.w) forbade wearing silk except this
       much. Then the Prophet (s.a.w) approximated his two (index and
       middle) fingers (to illustrate that) to us.' [Bukhari, 7/719]

       This hadith illustartes the importance of the cleaver and intentional
       use of body language. The positioning of the body, stance of the feet,
       hand gestures and eye contact will all affect the public's reaction
       towards the speech.

     9.Visual aids 

       Visual aids have become more widespread and accpeted as a form of
       communication with the onset of teachnology. Overhead projectors,
       chalk or white boards, and charts are very effective ways to reinforce
       specific points. The Prophet (s.a.w) used visual aids to bring across
       important facts as 'Abdullah bin Mas'ood (r.a.a) narrated: "Allah's
       Messenger (s.a.w) drew a line and then said: 'That is the path shown
       by Allah.' Then he drew several other lines on his right and left sides
       and said: 'These are the paths on every side of which there is a devil
       calling towards it.' He then recited this verse: 'And verily, this (i.e.
       Allah's Commandments) is my Straight Path, so follow it' [6:153]"
       [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Nasaa'i & Darimi] 

    10.Questions

       Answering questions is one of the best forms of teaching as it
       satisfies the needs of the questioner. There are many verses in the
       Qur'an which were revealed to answer a posed question [eg. 8:1]; to
       explain a law that was called for by an event [eg. 66:1], to respond to a
       raised objection [eg. 25:20], or to comment on a past incident [eg. the
       verses revealed regarding battles] 

       Posing questions will stimulate thought and the sharing of ideas.
       Answers which are rewarded will often encourage eager participation. 

                     THE MEANS

                     Means Serve Objectives

       The means of any mission must serve its objectives. So in order to
       utilise those means, our objectives for Da'wah in the West must be
       clear and ambitious, but realistic and achievable. Through knowledge
       and wisdom, Da'ees can pioneer social change, even if it was minor.
       For their Da'wah to be effective and convincing, their means of Da'wah
       work requires broad perceptiveness and open channels of
       communication. 

              No Justification for un-Islamic Means 

       The work of Da'wah necessitates the employment of lawful means and
       the Da'ee must not adopt any mean or instrumentality to achieve his
       objectives save those allowed by Islam. It is not permissible to make
       use of any mean that is forbidden in essence as a pretext to convey the
       Message. It is necessary here to distinguish between means that are
       forbidden in essence from means that are essentially lawful but are
       chiefly employed in forbidden tasks or for forbidden purposes. 

       Today, one can witness how falsehood has had no shame or
       hesitation in spreading its ideas and advertising its belief. On the
       contrary, it has done so with sheer arrogance and pride, through the
       exploitation of women, violence, propaganda, misguiding the masses,
       violation of treaties and so on. The Da'ee must not engage in such
       hideous means, but let his motto be the principle of Shari'ah which
       dictates, 'the mean does not justify the objective.' 

       There are Muslims who will stoop to unimaginable lows to promote
       Islamically praisworthy projects. It has become the norm to see the
       funding of schools, mosques, trips and books coming from interest.
       Some will allow the mixed gatehring of men and women to encourage
       participation. The result will be identical - anything which does not
       operate within the framework of Islam will inevitably fail, as the Islamic
       framework is the most solid one for societies' progression, and
       anything other than this will lead to its decline.

                  People learn in different ways 

       Researchers in pedagogy have confirmed that people learn in different
       ways. Some learn more by what they see, others by what they hear,
       while some prefer to read. People's acceptance of a concept also
       depends on their scope of intellect, cultural background or field of
       operation. These important and diverse factors call for various
       methods of Da'wah dissemination that appeals to and stimulates
       people's interest, senses and needs. Furthermore, in the West's
       information-oriented world, it may often be impossible to reach the
       public with our message without the means of media and
       communication channels. 

       Therefore, it is clear that Da'wah should be conveyed through all
       possible means of communication. Such means include writing,
       publishing and distributing books and other reading material on Islam,
       producing audiovisuals and computer software, utilising public media
       such as radio and television broadcasting stations, the press, and the
       Internet. Establishing Da'wah institutions, designing educational
       programs, conducting camps with Da'wah themes or even personal
       dialogue with neighbours and work or student-mates are also effective
       ways in which non-Muslims can embrace Islam and non-practicing
       Muslims can return to the truth. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "By Allah, if
       Allah guides a man (to Islam) through you, it is much better for you
       than being blessed with the best pleasures of this world." [Bukhari]
       Furthermore, the Prophet (s.a.w) didn't even leave an excuse for an
       indolent or negligent person by asserting: "Convey (my teachings) to
       the people even if it were a single sentence." [Bukhari, Tirmidhee &
       Ahmad]

       Therefore, the Da'ee should be a dynamic individual who is committed
       to building up his skills and developing his talents. Some useful
       knowledge enhancements in the field of Da'wah, which Da'ees ought
       to acquire, includes skills in management and administration, public
       speaking, information technology, journalism and financing. 

       To utilise the above means of Da'wah efficiently and successfully,
       Da'wah needs organised and collective work. Obviously, an individual,
       or even a few individuals, can't be entrusted to perform these massive
       load of Da'work. Nor can we expect conceand team work without
       organisation that correctly directs the efforts and guides to the
       objectives. Islam is the Deen of organisation were all forms of worship,
       including the pillars, are performed at certain times, in a particular way
       and with obedience to the Imam. Da'wah is not an exception and the
       Da'ees must follow this system, by choosing their leader, continuing
       their education, formulating and reviewing their plans, funding their
       means, etc. 

                      Conclusion

       Our Prophet (s.a.w) passed away after he had conveyed the Message,
       fulfilled the trust and counselled the Ummah. Our duty is to safeguard
       the trust handed down to us through generations of the Muslim
       Ummah.

       "May Allah bless a man who hears my sayings and commits them to
       memory, then faithfully communicates them (to others)" [Bukhari]