LI Islamic Forum - View Single Post - Guide to giving dawah to Non-Muslims

Ramlah · **Re: Guide to giving dawah to Non-Muslims -** 12-19-2007

Quote:

Priortites of dawah
In order to make Dawah easy for people to accept, the caller should introduce Islam gradually in a way that matches their ability and person's response or reaction to it. We should first focus on the Shahadah, the core of what Islam is all about. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, sent letters to the kings and princes of the neighboring countries inviting them to recite the Shahadah.

And as he, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, sent Muadh ibn Jabal to Yemen, he instructed him to teach people the pillars of Islam -step by step, in order of importance and according to the way they respond, otherwise they may refuse it. He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said to Muadh," Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and that I am Allah's Messenger. If they obey, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five salahs in every day and night, and if they obey, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory on them to pay the Zakah from their property. Zakah is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to their poor." (Bukhari)

Introducing Islamic concepts to Non-Muslims
• The foundation of dawah should be Allah's Existence, Oneness, and Perfect Attributes. Biography of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and evidences of his truthfulness.
• The miraculous nature of Qur 'an and its agreement with scientific facts, and the unanswered challenge it has been making to mankind since it was revealed from Allah to produce a book similar to it.
• The Hereafter and the proofs that there is resurrection and reckoning, and that the good and the wicked will not be made equal.
• The uniqueness of the Companions of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. Islamic virtues and manners.
• The impact of Islam upon the world.

Remember to:
• Prioritize your objetivcs according to importance and according to people's responses. Give people what they need when they ask for it.
• Concentrate on teaching the basics, and avoid details and differences of opinions. Avoid talking about punishment in the grave, Day of Judgment, and torture of the Fire; delay them for a later time.
• Avoid discussions of no interest to non-Muslims such detailed Fiqh issues or politics. They can distract one's attention and focus.
• Avoid using names and terms unfamiliar to non-Muslims for they create confusion.

A successful caller
Briefly, the successful caller to Allah should be, a just person, someone who is dutiful toward Allah and fair and honest with people. Dawah is a lifetime commitment. It requires from the caller dedication of all his/her being for Allah, guided by the example of Prophet Ibraheem, alayhes salam, as he said in the Qur'an, "Say: 'My prayers, my acts of worship my life and death are all for Allah. There is no partner with Him." (6:162)

A look at the life of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and his companions reveals some of the conditions that must be there for one's dawah to be successful:
1-Consistency and actions corresponding to words. Allah says, "0 you who believe! Why you say that which you do not? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say that which you do not." (61 :2-3)
2-Trusting in Allah and seeking of support.
3-Willingness to sacrifice time, money, and self-pride for Allah.
4-Good knowledge, adequate training, clear language & appropriate speaking skills.
5-Patience, steadfastness, and endurance.
6-Tolerance, moderation, forgiveness and soft-heartedness.
7-Generosity & good manners.
8-Communication and cooperation with other Muslims working in dawah.
9-Knowledge of non-Muslim communities.
10-Awareness of current problems and contemporary issues in the community.

Manners and Dawah
The above conditions may or may not all be part of every Muslim's character and dawah at all times. However, experience shows that some of these conditions are more critical than others when considering individual personalities. It is the overall impact and impression that is made that is more important than the possession or lack of one characteristic or the lack of it to make dawah successful. And since manners and example are seen as a reflection of character, beliefs and convictions, dawah by example is most impressive. Therefore, the successful caller is one who uses common sense to grow closer to people and influence them. Pay attention to, and make use of, current events, situations, and occasions to introduce Islam to people in a casual way.The are suggestions to help one improve self-awareness and manners:

Do’s
• Always look your best. It is true that people are impressed by appearance more than anything else, especially in the beginning.
• Be simple, informal, and moderate.
• Welcome people warmly and give them sincere respect.
• Listen carefully and show deep concern to their words. Affirm your willingness to help at any time.
• Try to understand the background and culture of those you deal with. Praise their good qualities and the good things in their way of life.
• Tolerate people, their faults and shortcomings. Everyone of us has imperfections.
• Address people according to their level understanding.
• Exchange visits and gifts.
• Give information in a simple convincing manner.
• Return good for evil and face problems with more endurance.

Don’ts
• Avoid giving dawah while you are sick or under stress.
• Be very careful not to contradict yourself.
• Always be on time
• Do not break your promises.
• Avoid criticism and overlook faults.
• Avoid inviting people to disorganized places or to careless callers. This may turn people off.
• Do not get discouraged by problems, nor by attacks on Islam. The conflict between the truth and falsehood is a part of life.
• Avoid wasting time in useless arguments.
• Do not get discouraged if you get no result. People take time to respond; and, after all, guidance comes from Allah. "You cannot guide whom you like but Allah guides whom He wishes." (28:56)