Role of Women in Dawah

Dawah is to call to Islam for the sake of Allah (swt). It is a duty upon all Muslims, men and women. Allah (swt) says in the Quran “Say (O Muhammed): This is my way, I do invite unto Allah with certain knowledge and whoever followers me must also invite others to the oneness of Allah with sure knowledge.” (EMQ 12:108)

One does not have to be an Islamic scholar in order to be subject to this duty as the Messenger Muhammed (saw) said “Convey on behalf of me even if it is one ayah.” (Muslim, Abu Dawoud and Tirmidhi).

Contrary to popular misconception, there is no distinction between men and women in the request to carry dawah, it is equally and obligation upon both. Allah (swt) says “Believing men and women are friends of one another, they command good and forbid evil.” (EMQ 9:71). All the above mentioned verses are general addresses to all Muslims.

From the very beginning of Islam, women have played a vital role in the propagation of the deen. Many examples of women in the past illustrate the level of involvement of women in the struggle to change the corrupt society they lived in and call for Islam. During the time of the Messenger Muhammed (saw), the Sahabiyyaat (female companions of the messenger Muahammed (saw)) were at the forefront of the struggle sacrificing their wealth, their homes, families and their lives for the sake of Allah (swt). From the sacrifice of Summayah (ra) for which she gave her life and was martyred, to the sacrifice of Khadija (ra) who funded the struggle in those early days, the Women in the time of the Messenger Muhammed took their role as da’eeyah seriously and understood the need and obligation to acquire knowledge. It is narrated by Abu Sa’eed al Khidri that the women used to approach the Messenger Muhammed and say, “The men are keeping you busy and we do not get enough attention from you, would you specify a day to teach us?” Subsequently, He (saw) promised them a day to meet with them and educate them. (Bukhari).

These women were part of the group of Muslims who despite being a minority (only around 40 Muslims in the 13 year struggle in Makkah), challenged the very foundation of the kufr (non-Islam) society they lived in. They forbade the munkar (evil) of the economy which was based on slavery and fraud. They exposed the corrupt social system where female infanticide was rife and women were treated as sex objects. They also attacked the ruling system based on the hierarchy of tribalism. They called for an end to worshipping idols and following man made rules and the establishment of worship (following, obeying and submitting) of Allah alone.

The struggle and call of these early Muslims was met with much hostility and persecution, very similar to the situation of the Muslim men and women who carry the call today in the UK. They are met with the antagonism of the government and its introduction of draconian terror laws that are designed to silence Muslims. Many scholars and da’ees in the UK have been imprisoned for their dawah.

The establishment and spread of Islam is inevitable as Allah (swt) says “It is He who has sent the Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth to prevail over all other religions even though the idolaters may detest it.” (EMQ 9:33)

The question is will Muslim women be active participants or passive spectators in the Islamic revival?