Da'wah can be difficult

[manofIslam]

I know we have to give Da'wah; but in my experience it can be very difficult, and rather disheartening; I find that most people these days have their own, fixed, and preconceived ideas about Islam, and so they do not want to learn anything about Islam; in fact: all they seem to want to do is to degrade Islam! I find this very frustrating.

[anatolian]

So was it in the days of the Prophet but he did it. On the other hand, As far as I know, dawah is not fardh. Maybe it is wajib, I dont know.

[manofIslam]

So was it in the days of the Prophet but he did it. On the other hand, As far as I know, dawah is not fardh. Maybe it is wajib, I dont know.

I'm pretty sure that Da'wah is Fardh upon all Muslims.

[Scimitar]

So was it in the days of the Prophet but he did it. On the other hand, As far as I know, dawah is not fardh. Maybe it is wajib, I dont know.

what's the first pillar? ;)

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[alfaqir]

i think based on Quran 3:104 it is farz-i kifaye (fardh al kifayah), that is a communal obligation, it is sufficient if some individuals do it, not farz-i ayn, not incumbent on every individual muslim

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but before we are lost in a legalist debate, don't be frustrated. They can see already enough frustrated and angry muslims anyway online or in the media:P have to accept there will always be ignorants and haters of islam and muslims. be patient, show good example and try to answer to your best if they have questions about islam, and if Allah wills then some of them may be guided. it also helps a lot if your muslim community is engaging in various activities with the wider society, like have open days, do volunteer services for the benefit for both the muslims and non-muslims etc to change the attitudes at least on a local level...

[Abz2000]

Of course it's fardh (obligatory)

Especially to one's own children - but also to those with whom the person interacts and is affected by.
How can a person walk according to the guidance of God properly if the people around him/her are careless of implementing the guidance of God?
How can a person expect justice according to the ruling of God if those in in authority are ruling according to hawaa and according to the rulings of shaytuaan?
how can a person expect to win (in the dunya sense) in battle if everyone else is fighting for shaytuaan?
a shaheed (witness) is a person who bears shahaadah to the just truth in this world, and a greater shaheed is one who pays for his testimony in this world with his life, and testifies to the injustice of his killers in the next.
There's a reason why murder (from martyr) was seen as more henious than "man slaughter" and judged more heavily by believers of past nations. Testimony is something heavy.

[manofIslam]

Yes: my understanding is that giving Da'wah is Fard: obligatory on each every adult Muslim who is of sound mind.

So does anyone have any ideas or suggestions or stories on how they've successfully given Da'wah?

[Abz2000]

I think that the beginning of success is when you've managed to convince yourself and others of the validity of a haqq (just truth), not everything happens in one day, but yet the good sower sows good grain - even when he's a little poorly himself, and even though there are some stones on his field.


I was reading this with the kids today and felt the bleak situation of the Prophet :saws: during the initial Makkah years, they were treting him with such mockery that he must have sometimes felt like Yunus ibn Matta other than for the psychological support he had from the continuous revelation and the growing number of believers.
Try to imagine the situation.

47. We know best why it is they listen, when they listen to thee; and when they meet in private conference, behold, the wicked say, "Ye follow none other than a man bewitched!"

48. See what similes they strike for thee: but they have gone astray, and never can they find a way.

49. They say: "What! when we are reduced to bones and dust, should we really be raised up (to be) a new creation?"

50. Say: "(Nay!) be ye stones or iron,

51. "Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest (to be raised up),- (Yet shall ye be raised up)!" then will they say: "Who will cause us to return?" Say: "He who created you first!" Then will they wag their heads towards thee, and say, "When will that be?" Say, "May be it will be quite soon!

52. "It will be on a Day when He will call you, and ye will answer (His call) with (words of) His praise, and ye will think that ye tarried but a little while!"

53. Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan doth sow dissensions among them: For Satan is to man an avowed enemy.

54. It is your Lord that knoweth you best: If He please, He granteth you mercy, or if He please, punishment: We have not sent thee to be a disposer of their affairs for them.


From Quran, Chapter 17.

[Scimitar]

Yes: my understanding is that giving Da'wah is Fard: obligatory on each every adult Muslim who is of sound mind.

So does anyone have any ideas or suggestions or stories on how they've successfully given Da'wah?

Here, watch this:



Part three coming soon إن شاء الله

[manofIslam]

Bushwackk: Thank you so much! Jazaka Allah khair, bro!

[Alamgir]

I know we have to give Da'wah; but in my experience it can be very difficult, and rather disheartening; I find that most people these days have their own, fixed, and preconceived ideas about Islam, and so they do not want to learn anything about Islam; in fact: all they seem to want to do is to degrade Islam! I find this very frustrating.

Asalamu Alaikum

To be rather frank, I don't want such toxic people infecting my community.

I'll stick to preaching Islam to those who are:

1. My family
2. People who express interest
3. Friends of mine

Other than that, I'll sometimes also refute nonsense concocted by the Kuffar about Islam, but eventually I'll stop if they prove unwilling to listen.

[anatolian]

I agree with al Khorasani. Preach Islam to the ones who want it. Dont spend your time and energy with the ones who have no interest. Even Rasulullah made this mistake and Allah warned him in Quran. I sometimes watch the debates between muslims and non muslims in YT and what they do is a waste of time because the audiance has no interest to accept but their sole interest is to debate. Another mistake from the history is from the Ottoman state. One of the targets of the Ottomans was to expand Islam in Europe and their center in the Balkans was Belgrad. Serbs were more reluctant than Bosnians but still in the early 16th century there was a rise in conversion to Islam within Serbs. However after the conquest of Hungary they moved the center from Belgrad to Budapest and this move decreased the Serbian conversion to Islam dramatically. If they did not do it maybe Serbs would be a muslim majority people today.

[Alamgir]

I agree with al Khorasani. Preach Islam to the ones who want it. Dont spend your time and energy with the ones who have no interest. Even Rasulullah made this mistake and Allah warned him in Quran. I sometimes watch the debates between muslims and non muslims in YT and what they do is a waste of time because the audiance has no interest to accept but their sole interest is to debate. Another mistake from the history is from the Ottoman state. One of the targets of the Ottomans was to expand Islam in Europe and their center in the Balkans was Belgrad. Serbs were more reluctant than Bosnians but still in the early 16th century there was a rise in conversion to Islam within Serbs. However after the conquest of Hungary they moved the center from Belgrad to Budapest and this move decreased the Serbian conversion to Islam dramatically. If they did not do it maybe Serbs would be a muslim majority people today.

Asalamu Alaikum

I agree with what you said, but you need to be careful when making comments about Rasulullah (Peace Be Upon Him) and Allah (The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful), since what you just said is not common knowledge, you must provide evidence for your claim.

[anatolian]

Asalamu Alaikum

I agree with what you said, but you need to be careful when making comments about Rasulullah (Peace Be Upon Him) and Allah (The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful), since what you just said is not common knowledge, you must provide evidence for your claim.

Aleykumsalaam

Shuara(Poets):3 “Perhaps you will kill yourself with grief because they do not believe.”

Kahf(Cave):6 “Then maybe you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this announcement”

The Prophet Aleyhisselam was extremely forcing himself to preach but some of them were just reluctant and were not open. Allah warns the Prophet Aleyhisselam in these ayahs not force himself that much with these kind of people.

[Alamgir]

Aleykumsalaam

Shuara(Poets):3 “Perhaps you will kill yourself with grief because they do not believe.”

Kahf(Cave):6 “Then maybe you will kill yourself with grief, sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this announcement”

The Prophet Aleyhisselam was extremely forcing himself to preach but some of them were just reluctant and were not open. Allah warns the Prophet Aleyhisselam in these ayahs not force himself that much with these kind of people.

Do you have any proof these ayat are directed towards Rasulullah (Peace Be Upon Him)?

[Abz2000]

Do you have any proof these ayat are directed towards Rasulullah (Peace Be Upon Him)?

The arabic used is "KA" and not "KUM" - which means it was being directed in first person singular to the Prophet :saws:

The tafseer to the openimg verses of surah 'Abasa also indicate that energy should be focused on those more willing to take heed.
That's known in advertising psychology though innit?




أَفَمَن زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ فَرَآهُ حَسَنًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَاتٍ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ

Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)

Then is one to whom the evil of his deed has been made attractive so he considers it good [like one rightly guided]? For indeed, Allah sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. So do not let yourself perish over them in regret. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do.

Quran, Chapter 35, Verse 8

[manofIslam]

So would anyone like to share ways in which they've given Da'wah?

[anatolian]

I used to give dawah in internet and I remember two people accepted Islam. I think I need to admit that I am a little shy to give dawah in real life too. In fact I am living in a Muslim majority country but agian the majority in my area are very weak Muslims.

[manofIslam]

I used to give dawah in internet and I remember two people accepted Islam. I think I need to admit that I am a little shy to give dawah in real life too. In fact I am living in a Muslim majority country but agian the majority in my area are very weak Muslims.

Thanks for this, bro! Where on the Internet did you give Da'wah?

[anatolian]

You are welcome. You can give dwah anywhere in internet. But ofcourse mostly in religious discussion enviroments like this one. Once there were Yahoo chat rooms and I was frequent in the Islamic room but it is closed now. I met these two people over there. I was also frequent in christian forums and although it was forbidden to proselytize other religions I was trying to do indirectly.

[manofIslam]

Thanks so much, once again, bro; that's good to know; Jazaka Allah khair.

[manofIslam]

Does anyone else have any more stories and or suggestions on different ways to give Da'wah, including how successful they were?

[taha_]

Assalam o alaikum rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

Before giving dawah, say in your heart and ask Allah to guide the people. In sha Allah they may convert.

Allah knows best

JazakAllah khair

[Scimitar]

I know we have to give Da'wah; but in my experience it can be very difficult, and rather disheartening; I find that most people these days have their own, fixed, and preconceived ideas about Islam, and so they do not want to learn anything about Islam; in fact: all they seem to want to do is to degrade Islam! I find this very frustrating.

Abdullah Hamimi is the outreach specialist (Daiee) in Australia who you should get in touch with. He's with iERA (Islamic Education & Reseasrch Academy) and iERA does Dawah all around the world. Seek out Abdullah Hamimi if you are serious about giving dawah in Australia!

[Ahmed.]

Dawah to non Muslims needs 'smart' answers to their biased or misinformed questions. So it's best to learn and give them good irrefutable answers

[keiv]

As a general comment, I’d say to stick to what you are comfortable with and go from there. Don’t engage people in a setting where you’re not wanted. For example, people don’t go to night clubs so they can hear about religion, so if you go to a night club to give dawah, don’t be surprised with the responses you get. Another thing is to be familiar with the religion. If you simply pray and fast because of habit without understanding the purpose behind these actions, it’s going to be hard convincing other people why doing these things are important. Often times with other religions, you’ll hear people talk about what they believe or what they think when talking about certain subjects rather than giving facts. In Islam, we base our belief and actions on the Quran and sunnah, so without a solid understanding of these, you will fall into saying things like “I believe we do this because...” which opens the door for errors and misinformation.

Another thing to bring up is dawah isn’t limited to simply standing on the street handing out flyers and engaging with strangers. Dawah can be done with family, friends, or even other Muslims who you see deviating from the religion. For someone starting out, it would be easier to talk with people who already have belief in Allah but are misguided, vs someone who wants nothing to do with religion at all. Sometimes, your actions can speak louder than words as well and people will take notice of that. Look at the examples of prisoners of war at the hands of Muslims and ended up converting based on their observations of them, or even those prison guards from Guantanamo who converted because of the actions of the prisoners.

One last thing is to not be too forward with people or even approach people who are not interested. Often times when I walk through the downtown area for my lunch break, people will run up to me trying to offer something for sale, tell me about a new song they came out with, etc. I’m on my way to lunch. I’m not there taking a stroll for fun and honestly don’t want to hear what you have to say. People who are out and are interested in wanting to hear what you have to say will approach you if you’re out there with flyers and what not. Those types of people are more willing to take the time to hear what you have to say vs those that you approach randomly.


All of this is just my opinion of course, so take from it what you will.

['Abdullah]

Does anyone else have any more stories and or suggestions on different ways to give Da'wah, including how successful they were?

Basic principles of Dawah are to:

1. Do it sincerely only for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala and not to win arguments.
2. Have real concern and love for other people
3. Have the best possible character
4. Be humble
5. Don't make fun of non-Muslims beliefs
6. Present Islam in the best possible way you can without any heated arguments
7. Dawah should be an exchange of ideas so let it be a real conversation
8. Don't over do it, don't push too hard. Be careful because overdoing is an extreme and people may start ignoring you. Give people sometime to think and reflect. Change is a slow process. I may take years for someone to convert.
9. Remember your job is only to remind others and not to force them to accept Islam. If no one accepts Islam through you, that's totally fine. Allah only looks at the sincere effort you are putting in. Remember Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) preached for 950 years and only a handful people accepted Islam.
10. Make dua
11. Learn Islam and put it in your own practice

And Allah knows best!
Keep doing Dawah, it is work of prophets and Allah choose very few people to continue this work.

[Ahmed.]

And most importantly make sure what you say is the correct Islamic views (it's imperative to verify from our Scholars) , not trying to be the 'Scholar' yourself and deriving opinions yourself.... Or otherwise no matter how nice etiquettes, love, concern, etc etc you have, wrong opinions will land you and others (who may follow you) in hell :Emoji3:

[Abu-Abdullah]

https://islamqa.org/hanafi/daruliftaa-birmingham/20041

Proper way of Dawah - IslamQA Proper way of Dawah...

Proper way of Dawah - IslamQA Proper way of Dawah...

[manofIslam]

Thanks so much to everyone, for your replies.