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Dawah
Means "Invite" --
So invite all with wisdom. |
Bismilah Rahman
Raheem
Salam Alaykum wa Rahmatulah Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam:
Dawah is
an Arabic word which comes close to the word "invite" or "invitation" in
English. The understanding of the usage of the word "dawah" with
regard to the faith of Islam is that it is the responsibility
of the Muslims to "invite" all to the way of Islam,
i.e., submission to the One True God on His terms. Dawah is
incumbent on all Muslims and must be done in compliance with
the methodology already established by the last prophet of
Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is an order from Allah
the Almighty in His Book the Holy Quran:
12.108 "Say: "This
is my Way: I do invite unto
Allah,- with certain knowledge, - I and whoever follows
me. Glory to Allah, and never will I join gods with
Allah!"
16.125 "Invite (all)
to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching; and argue with them in ways that
are best and most gracious: for thy Lord
knows best, who have strayed from His Path,
and who receive guidance."
22.67 "To
every People have We appointed rites which
they must follow: let them not then dispute
with thee on the matter, but do invite (them)
to thy Lord: for thou art assuredly on the
Right Way."
28.87 "Let
no one turn you away from Allah's revelations
after they have been revealed to thee: and invite (men)
to thy Lord, and be not of the company of
those who join gods with Allah."
[highlighted
links will take you to the actual page from
Quran] |
Step by Step
Dawah Lessons - [click
here]
Events
All activities,
need to be planned out just as you would plan any type of affair
or program which you would invite others to attend. Might I
mention some of the things that we have tried to establish
over the last 6 or so years with regard to setting up programs
and dawah efforts?
First of all, we try to plan things ahead by
at least 3 months minimum and make sure that all involved
will have the chance to attend every meeting or at least
have a copy of the minutes of the meetings to help them in
preparing for the next meetings.
Next, we make it a strong policy never to accept
last minute programs or events that might compromise the
existing ones that are already scheduled and in the works.
Third, we try our best to bring in the right
person for the right job. This is one of the most crucial
aspects of the whole project.
Fourth, we limit the time that we use for meetings
and keep to the points at hand and make sure that all of
the essentials are worked out before discussing any item
of lesser importance. And useless wastes of time are not
tolerated during the meetings and in the phone conversations
which pertain to the programs.
All the meetings and gatherings are conducted according to the Quran
and the Sunnah to maximize the Blessings and to insure the success here
and in the Hereafter, inshallah.
Travel arrangements are made well in advance
including backup plans to assure that everyone is where he/she
needs to be on time.
Timing is very crucial to the success and must
never be taken for granted (please don't look at me on this
issue -- I'm the worst in our organization on this point).
Also make efforts to know other conflicting events which could limit
the number of attendees and speakers who might be affected by the scheduling
conflicts.
Materials and any equipment that might be needed
are listed, located and secured at the earliest possible
opportunity.
Promotion and advertising of the events are
begun as soon as the commitments are in place and this continues
right up until the time the event actually starts.
Each person has his/her own particular job as well as being well informed
of those jobs which effect their part of the program.
Task assignments are most important. Each person
is responsible for his/her part as well as assisting those
who are nearest to them in their area.
Likewise, every aspect of the program is discussed on a level so that
anyone may understand what are the goals and how they are to be achieved.
Financial arrangements must be made in advance
and each thing must be specifically cleared for approval
of expenditure and how the funding will be arranged. This
is a very serious detail and must not be left to chance.
It is in fact, one of the worst shortcomings of the Muslims
today.
Cooperation and ongoing encouragement is a
duty incumbent on all. Everyone working within the program
is accountable to all of the others as this is an interdependent
operation. That is to say that, if anyone fails then in affect
we have all failed to a certain degree.
Main goal should always be in sight. We must
keep in mind that this dawah effort is not that we are going
out with the idea that we are going to make other people
become Muslims. Not at all.
Our aim is and must always be to increase our own level of faith and
bring ourselves closer to Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him.
Focus the dawah from the center outward because it
is like a circle or ripples in the water which surround the
rock once thrown into the pond. We have to understand that
the first line of dawah begins with ourselves, then our closest
relatives and then our wider circle of relatives, then our
friends, the Muslim body at large, our neighbors and then
the general public.
This understanding is derived from the 80th surah in the Quran, Abassa
[the Frowning]. We must not turn our backs on those who are already Muslim
in favor of those who are not yet being guided by Allah.
So, for this purpose we always try to design our workshops into segments:
- New Muslims
- Existing
Muslims
- Non-Muslims
Beliefs in
Islam are the most critical issue. Remember always, the number
one subject at each and every program must at least be included
along with the other subjects is "The Correct Beliefs In Islam."
[this is not optional]
"What? & Who?" of Islam and the Muslims are most important issues
which must always be brought out into the light is the subject of: "What Exactly
is Islam?" and "Who Are Really Muslims?"
For more on this subject you might like to visit our web site address
at:
http://www.TodayIslam.com/whichgroups.htm
Another page we
have on our web site entitled "Beliefs" could prove to be very
helpful in planning the content for some of your seminars and
workshops:
http://www.TodayIslam.com/belief
And also one which
is linked to it at:
http://www.TodayIslam.com/tawheed.htm
Quran
Naturally,
the Quran is of course a major topic in Islam and should be treated
with the highest of respect and consideration in the efforts
of the dawah. We are linked to a number of sources for the various
topics on Quran, such as:
- Message of Quran
- Revelation
of Quran
- Preservation
of Quran
- Science in
the Quran
- Miracle of
the Quran
Follow Up
It is important when conducting these types of programs to consider how
you will leave the people even before you work out all of the details
of what you are going to do while you are with them. As an example
you might consider even before you start, what you will give them
along the order of follow up and staying touch. One very simple [and
FREE] method is to use our "Big Links" page for everything on the
subject of Islam at:
http://www.TodayIslam.com/biglinks.htm
This is a very "heavy" page
which actually contains hundreds, if not thousands of links
to many other very outstanding web sites for total research
of Islam.
Another simple thing to offer as a method of staying in touch is your
email address and at the same time you might like to include my email
address if they would have any additional considerations or concerns
that perhaps you either were not able to cover due to lack of resources
or due to the lack of time.
And now to return back to the presentation itself, inshallah.
SHAHADAHS
One must always keep in mind what the objectives and goals are and structure
each program accordingly. This is a key issue and if overlooked can
spell disaster.
Of course we can
use the old cliché that we are simply "Going to make a lot
of dawah." And then go about whatever we are doing in any manner
and say that this is dawah. But the question will quickly arise, "Yes,
but is your DAWAH getting any SHAHADAHS?" and "Is your DAWAH
benefiting the Muslims?"
If the answer in both cases is "No" then your DAWAH is nothing but conversation
and a waste of your time. Allah will ask you about it.
PLANNING & WORKING
T hink things through
to a conclusion in all cases. Plan your work and then work your plan.
Be sure to constantly go back and check and then recheck your game plan
of action, being sure to adhere to the original structure as possible
unless there is some very large advantage in making any changes after
the program is under way. There is an old saying in Texas (I'm from Texas,
what did you expect?) that says: "Never change horses in the middle of
the stream."
It should be mentioned that it is most important to keep in mind that
all of those whom you are working alongside in this project are also
in need of the product (DAWAH) and therefore it is essential that we
do everything in a spirit of cooperation and consideration for the other
brothers (and sisters).
It could never be acceptable that we would go about calling people to
Islam while at the same time abusing other Muslims even in the slightest
way. (May Allah save us and forgive us from these types of actions, ameen).
PRESENTATIONS
Quran Recitation
Reciting Quran in the programs or in presentations and then having some
translation of the meaning is excellent and is founded on the teachings
in Islam. Children or adults, whoever are best able to recite correctly
should be encouraged to participate in this form of dawah.
Testimonials are
very good as well. Those who are coming into Islam might speak
a few words about the good treatment of the other Muslims,
generousity, pleasure in keeping good company, etc. But not
focus on putting down the former religion.
POWER POINT
I might also like to suggest that the use of a program called "Power
Point" or some equivalent be put into use to developed a professional
and attractive package so that everyone concerned can feel excited and
proud to be a part of the program and will be more than ready to participate
in future events as well.
TOPICS
Specific topics can be set up and approached from various angles. But
great care should be taken to allow speakers and guests to select
areas that they are familiar with and are comfortable presenting.
Examples include asking a non-married young man to discuss the details
of "Sex in Islam" with a group of sisters or asking a person who
is not strong in a particular are of Islam such as Fiqh or Seerah
to speak on those subjects to those who may be somewhat educated
in these areas already.
I do not like
to limit a speaker by choosing his/her topic or even offering
a title for the subject, such as "What the Islamic Resurgence
in Scientific Discoveries Means to Muslims in Central Asia."
And for sure,
it is not acceptable to change the topics and titles at the
last minute and notify the speaker as he is going up on the
stage (happened to me in NJ in the Spring).
All of these things
are against the sunnah of the prophet, peace be upon him, as
it is also logically unacceptable to be so unorganized and
in disarray for such an important project as attempting to
influence someone's choices in this life to prepare themselves
for the Next Life.
PLANNING SUBJECTS
As to planning
the specific subjects for any occasion, I suggest that you
consider how Islam comes in the first place and then structure
your program according to those in attendance.
EXAMPLES
- Example: A
new crowd of non-Muslims should hear about how we can prove
that there is a GOD in the first place and how we can come
to the logical conclusion of the purpose of our lives here
on this earth.
- Example 2:
A group of new Muslims and a few older Muslims should be
reminded of the correct belief in Allah and how He is not
ever "Everywhere" like some people might be tempted to say
when trying to explain His abilities in sight, hearing and
presence.
- Example 3:
Some young Muslims who grew up in this country while their
parents are actually from Muslim countries would benefit
in learning how to understand Islam and how to practice it
without compromising religion or giving up some of the things
that they might enjoy.
- Example 4:
Muslim and non-Muslim women sitting together might benefit
in learning what the true prospective of Islam is on "Women's
Rights of Inheritance" or "Women's Dress Code in Islam" or "Marriage
and It's Benefits."
These of course are only a tiny part of the spectrum of the topics
in Islam. And I'm sure you could name a hundred more very quickly.
I would like to caution about a few things, though.
Subjects which are not properly researched, no matter how popular or
exciting should never be presented or discussed without a scholar on
hand to handle difficulties that are bound to arise in these types
of situations.
Example: Some newspapers are reporting that a certain Muslim country
or government is doing so and so and everyone is stimulated and talking
about it, while not even having the basic understanding of the history,
direction or even if the newspaper was true.
Motto: "Stick to the Basics -- or you'll get stuck."
Please forgive me for taking so long to reply and for any mistakes I
may have made.
I look forward to working with your organization anytime in the future
and ask Allah to guide me to do all that I do for His pleasure alone,
ameen.
May Allah forgive me and guide me to do better, ameen.
Jazakalah khair, was-As-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatulah.
Your Brother in Islam,
Yusuf
Chaplain Yusuf Estes
Director Today Islam Project
yusuf@99islam.com
http://www.TodayIslam.com
Do you have ideas
and suggestions for dawah? Would you like to assist in this
most noble of efforts? Do you have any questions that you might
like to have answered?
If so, please feel free to email us and explain your questions or ideas
at:
yusuf@99islam.com |
(this
part is still under construction)
EXPLAINING
DAWAH
Explained
Ayah 12:108 "Say, This is my Way, I do invite.."
Ayah 16:125 "Invite to the Way of your Lord.."
Ayah 22:67 ".. but invite to your Lord, "
Ayah 28:87 ".. and invite to your Lord, .."
EVENTS
Plan Ahead
No Last Minute
Select Right Person
Limits
Arrangements
Timing
Resources
PROMOTION
Advertising
TASKS
Assignments
FINANCIAL
Advance Arrangements
COOPERATION
Team work
Goal Setting
Focus On Goals
WORKSHOPS
For Non-Muslims
For New Muslims
For Existing Muslims
BELIEFS
#1 - Feature in All Programs
"What? & Who?"
Avoiding Division
Tawheen Units
QURAN
Message
Revelation
Preservation
Science
Miracles
How to Use For Dawah
What Are The Rules?
FOLLOW
UP
Stay in Touch
Contacts
SHAHADAHS
The Right Way To Do It
Proof of Effective Dawah
The Real "Calling to Islam"
PLANNING & WORKING
Plan Work - Work Plan
PRESENTATIONS
Quran Recitations
Testitmonials
Power Point
TOPICS
Planning Subjects
EXAMPLES
DISCUSSIONS
GOD - the Proofs
New Muslims
Youth in Islam
Women's Role In Islam
WARNING
Stick to the Main Subject
Focus on Allah & Islam
Avoid Negative Discussions
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Only In Writing
No Discussions From the Floor
USE FOLLOW
UP FOR ANSWERS
Do use email & telephone to follow up
Encourage Use of Websites
GIVE FREE
BOOKS & MATERIALS
CDS - AUDIOS - VIDEOS
SET UP
NEXT APPOINTMENT
Encourage Return Visit
Tour of Masjid
Visiting Muslims
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