In regard to the racists or drug dealers etc ^ sometimes its better to go with protection, like it may be better for guys to go to them if there is danger that the person will get attacked.

I've also heard in lectures that when doing dawah, going in groups [maybe pairs?] is better than going alone. Since if you fall [physically or even say something wrong by mistake - that companion can protect you/correct you etc.]


About giving dawah in the neigbourhood, you could start off with treating neighbours with respect, kindness etc [obviously with non mahrams it can be dangerous so thats better to avoid] - then it could lead to talking abit, then a little bit of dawah can start off from there because the trust is settled now.


Here's a good thread where we explained what's good to discuss in dawah:
http://www.islamicboard.com/campaign...ips-ideas.html


Also - guidance is in the Hands of Allaah azawajal, so we need to pray to Him for their guidance and convey the message clearly with wisdom.

Jazakallahkhair for your reply

I understand what you have said about sisters and have found this a problem aswell. When we are out we do get comments often, how should a Muslim woman deal with such comments when they are from non-muslim teenage or younger boys and even men, should we reply and gear the conversation towards islam or just ignore them and walk on? What about when they are girls/women?

wasalaam

I've heard of some sisters doing a sisters getting together at a particular muslimah's house. some did food others did activities like make up/hair etc. there were no kids there and there was no real pressure to do much with regards to lessons... just a chance for sisters to be around sisters. ... and for the brothers waiting at home for their wives to come home all made up for them!!

Try to stay away from areas where you know you will get negative comments, especially where there are non mahram men etc, and also stick with quite a few people in groups so you've always got backup and support.

I think you should leave it upto brothers to give dawah to guys, and you as sisters should give dawah to the females though, but if you feel they will be a major threat - then ignore them and move on.

Also remember these verses from Qur'an in your dawah:


Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, "I am of those who bow in Islam"?

[Qur'an 41:33]


Tafsir Qur'an Fussilat 41:34


[وَلاَ تَسْتَوِى الْحَسَنَةُ وَلاَ السَّيِّئَةُ]


(The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal.) means, there is a huge difference between them.


[ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ]

(Repel (the evil) with one which is better,) means, `when someone does you wrong, repel him by treating him well,' as `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "There is no better punishment for one who has disobeyed Allah with regard to you, than your obeying Allah with regard to him.''


[فَإِذَا الَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌ]


(then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.) means, `if you treat well those who treat you badly, this good deed will lead to reconciliation, love and empathy, and it will be as if he is a close friend to you and he will feel pity for you and be kind to you.' Then Allah says:


[وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ]


(But none is granted it except those who are patient) meaning, no one accepts this advice and works according to it, except for those who can be patient in doing so, for it is difficult for people to do.

[وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَآ إِلاَّ ذُو حَظِّ عَظِيمٍ]

(and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion) means, the one who has a great portion of happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas explained this Ayah: "Allah commands the believers to be patient when they feel angry, to be forbearing when confronted with ignorance, and to forgive when they are mistreated. If they do this, Allah will save them from the Shaytan and subdue their enemies to them until they become like close friends.''


[وَإِمَّا يَنَزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ]


(And if an evil whisper from Shaytan tries to turn you away, then seek refuge in Allah.) means, the devils among men may be deceived by your kind treatment of him, but the devils among the Jinn, when they insinuate their evil whispers, cannot be dealt with except by seeking refuge with the Creator Who gave him power over you. If you seek refuge with Allah and turn to Him, He will stop him from harming you and bring his efforts to naught. When the Messenger of Allah stood up to pray, he would say:

«أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ السَّمِيعِ الْعَلِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ، مِنْ هَمْزِهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِه»


(I seek refuge in Allah the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, from the accursed Shaytan and his evil insinuations, breath and impurity.)'' We have already stated that there is nothing like this in the Qur'an, apart from the passage in Surat Al-A`raf, where Allah says:


[خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِض عَنِ الْجَـهِلِينَ - وَإِمَّا يَنَزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ]


(Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish. And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytan, then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower.) (7:199-200) and the passage in Surat Al-Mu'minun where Allah says:


[ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ السَّيِّئَةَ نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَصِفُونَ - وَقُلْ رَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيـطِينِ - وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ ]

(Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with the things they utter. And say: "My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings of the Shayatin. And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they should come near me.'') (23:96-98)

I don't know how this would work but here it went very well from what I heard.

Our local mosque worked with a local church and temple (sorry if that isn't the Jewish place of worship, I don't really know alot about that faith) and together they held a type of "spring fling". It was basically a big gathering at a local park to bring everyone together and let them learn. There was food and lectures and activities for the kids. Perhaps that could be helpful in other places.

hey tomtom... i hope you dont mind me asking and perhaps you already have been asked and sorry bro fi for going offtopic but, how is it that your not a muslim? you seem to have the beautiful morals of a muslim woman.


i hope you dont mind me asking...?

if you do feel free to ignore

LOL bro, no I don't mind you asking. Perhaps I should have someone to make a sticky so everyone who asks me that I can point them to the sticky

I have been told that I am a muslim at heart and just don't know it yet. Many of the major beliefs of being a muslim (5 pillars) I think are right. However, when it comes down to it I am spoiled and selfish. I want to be able to take my kid swimming and not just sit and watch. I want to spend christmas with my family. That is just the short of the long list of things that as of right now, I am not yet strong enough to give up. Perhaps one day I will have to strenght and courage to take the final step.

^ i hope you wont hate me for mentioning but you can enjoy all that and muuch more as a muslim, your heart will be filled with new teachings and your son will be given guidance by Allah.

please dont procrastinate, god forbid i wouldnt want you to die before becoming a muslim

and again please dont hate me but


if you give up something for the sake of Allah he will replace you with something better , you just got to put your trust in him azzawa jal, he will provide you from ways you never expected

^ from da sheikh

As Salaamu Alaikum,

My sister use to have Taleems at her home for the Muslimah. I strongly recommend Jawala and Alimah Scouts. My ibn's go every friday they help teach the young ibn's how to embrace their religion, they go camping winter/summer. Paint balling, Hiking, archery all kinds of things that keeps them occupied. I love it.

I dont know about other countries -- but here in australia mainly sydney and melbourne not sure about the other states --- a couple of the larger masjids have a OPEN DAY annually -- where they advertise it heavily in the community for locals to come and have a guided tour of the masjid, meet brothers and sisters, ask questions get to know muslims and islam in a fun friendly environment and staying true to the Aussie way of life --- they have a big barbie (halal of course)

I know when i was thinking of reverting i just missed an open day and it was disappointing cause i didnt know any sisters and thats the only time i thought i woulda been strong enough to waltz into a masjid on my own lol and its a great way for those who want to revert a chance to meet new muslim friends etc.

And of course you must let members of our own muslim community know too as they need to be a bit more relaxed with the broader community who may not know the dress rules.

I personally think they should do one of these every month or every couple of months -- one a year is just not enough.

Our lost youth -- are in need of Ilm (knowledge) and dawah.

We need brothers and sisters who are knowledgable in the deen to reach out to our non practising youth and teach them and encourage them back to the deen back to the masjids back to the sunnah and back to Allah swt.

There should be a focus group specifically for this cross section of the muslim community and inshaallah work towards teaching them the REAL islam.

Living in Saudi Arabia, I don't share the same problem as many of you guys here.

I'd think just bringing people together in general would do the trick, meeting with other muslims in your area. Organizing fund raisers, parties for Eid, quran lesson, etc. All that good stuff.

Here in Austin there does not seem to be any major problem. But, we do not face many issues the rest of the world faces.

As a group the Muslims are among the most successful. Nearly all are employed in professional fields or are university students. As a result the Muslim population
is seen in very light. And The wealthy Muslims do contribute much to the commuhity that benefit all, Muslims and non-Muslims.

So I would say that the act of giving back to the community serves several purposes it keeps Islam fresh and shows the truth that we are a benefit and not a threat. as result the Muslims engage in many projects the bring us together. It is jihad but a jihad that builds and does not destroy. We feel good about ourselves and even the non-Muslims can see the love we have for Islam.

Mashallah Tallah , i love to see all you people work like this. May Allah bless u all in ur efforts and make ur ways easy.