Dawah Among non-Dawah Among non-Muslims in the Muslims in the

West West

by Khurram Murad by Khurram Murad

Table of Index:Table of Index:

• IntroductionIntroduction • Situation, Problems and ScopeSituation, Problems and Scope

– Three QuestionsThree Questions – Basic FrameworkBasic Framework – Total Muslim SituationTotal Muslim Situation – LimitationsLimitations

• Vision of Da'wahVision of Da'wah – Da'wah ConsciousnessDa'wah Consciousness – Da'wah by ExampleDa'wah by Example

• Basic Concepts and FrameworkBasic Concepts and Framework • General Principles of MethodologyGeneral Principles of Methodology • ConclusionConclusion

Situation, Problems and ScopeSituation, Problems and Scope

• Three Questions Three Questions 1-We are doing almost no Da'wah among 1-We are doing almost no Da'wah among

non-Muslims in the West, indeed, to be non-Muslims in the West, indeed, to be truthful, anywhere in the world. Why? truthful, anywhere in the world. Why?

2- Whatever little we are doing is not very 2- Whatever little we are doing is not very effective. Again, why?effective. Again, why?

3- Are our present concepts, approaches 3- Are our present concepts, approaches and methods appropriate and correct for and methods appropriate and correct for Da'wah among non-Muslims, or do they Da'wah among non-Muslims, or do they need to be modified or altered? If so, in need to be modified or altered? If so, in what ways? what ways?

Basic Framework Basic Framework

• Three principles which form the Three principles which form the basis of the entire discussion basis of the entire discussion

1-Da'wah among non-Muslims cannot, 1-Da'wah among non-Muslims cannot, and should not, be treated as an and should not, be treated as an isolated phenomenon. It forms an isolated phenomenon. It forms an integral part of our total endeavor integral part of our total endeavor and struggle (Jihad) that we must and struggle (Jihad) that we must undertake in recognition of our undertake in recognition of our mission of witnessing to the Truth mission of witnessing to the Truth and justice (and justice (ShahadahShahadah and qist) and qist)

3 Principles of this 3 Principles of this discussiondiscussion

2- We must put Dawah in its proper place 2- We must put Dawah in its proper place in Islam, and consider the whole question in Islam, and consider the whole question from the perspective of the total Muslim from the perspective of the total Muslim situation. situation.

3-Qur'an and the life of Da'wah lived by the 3-Qur'an and the life of Da'wah lived by the Prophet Muhammad, and all other Prophet Muhammad, and all other Messengers, peace be on them, should Messengers, peace be on them, should provide the best guidance to us for provide the best guidance to us for formulating our concepts, approaches and formulating our concepts, approaches and methods. methods.

Total Muslim Situation-5 Total Muslim Situation-5 realitiesrealities

1-The first is the state of the Muslim 1-The first is the state of the Muslim mind and attitude, individual and mind and attitude, individual and collective, towards Islam, towards collective, towards Islam, towards their mission of their mission of ShahadahShahadah, towards , towards Da'wah to all mankind in fulfillment Da'wah to all mankind in fulfillment of that mission. What it is and what of that mission. What it is and what it ought to be? Little doubt that it is it ought to be? Little doubt that it is one of unawareness, indifference, or one of unawareness, indifference, or neglect. neglect.

Total Muslim Situation-5 Total Muslim Situation-5 realitiesrealities

2-The second is the state of actual 2-The second is the state of actual contemporary Muslim witness, by words and contemporary Muslim witness, by words and deeds, to Islam. How much does this witness deeds, to Islam. How much does this witness correspond with the reality of Islam? correspond with the reality of Islam?

3-The third is the burden of history both 3-The third is the burden of history both Muslim and non-Muslim. Abstracting Islamic Muslim and non-Muslim. Abstracting Islamic Da'wah from it is an uphill task. Burdens of Da'wah from it is an uphill task. Burdens of misgiving and misunderstanding, of misgiving and misunderstanding, of misperception and misrepresentation, of misperception and misrepresentation, of mistrust and hostility, of images, both false mistrust and hostility, of images, both false and true, which seem to have become and true, which seem to have become permanently lodged in hearts and minds. permanently lodged in hearts and minds.

Total Muslim Situation-5 Total Muslim Situation-5 realitiesrealities

4-The fourth is the serious tension between 4-The fourth is the serious tension between two very important goals that we must two very important goals that we must pursue simultaneously, both a product of pursue simultaneously, both a product of history. history.

a-On the one hand, there is the requirement a-On the one hand, there is the requirement of building and reinforcing the Muslim sense of building and reinforcing the Muslim sense of identity, self-assurance and confidence. of identity, self-assurance and confidence.

b-On the other, there is the goal of bringing b-On the other, there is the goal of bringing the same West to Islam, which would the same West to Islam, which would necessarily mean that it would become part necessarily mean that it would become part of the Muslim Ummah. of the Muslim Ummah.

Total Muslim Situation-5 Total Muslim Situation-5 realitiesrealities

5-The fifth is the contemporary situation: 5-The fifth is the contemporary situation: Muslims and non-Muslims, especially Muslims and non-Muslims, especially the West, locked in conflict over the West, locked in conflict over various political, economic and various political, economic and ideological interests, and Western ideological interests, and Western hegemony over the world, both political hegemony over the world, both political and ideological. How best can we take and ideological. How best can we take care of these difficulties, without care of these difficulties, without forgoing our ideological, political and forgoing our ideological, political and economic causes or compromising our economic causes or compromising our interests? interests?

LimitationsLimitations A- Problems at the macro and intermediate levels, are beyond A- Problems at the macro and intermediate levels, are beyond

our reach to do something about them, e.g.,our reach to do something about them, e.g., 1- We can not change broad behavior of the Ummah as a 1- We can not change broad behavior of the Ummah as a

whole into an Islamic one; whole into an Islamic one; 2-We may not be in a position to point out even one place 2-We may not be in a position to point out even one place

where Islam could be 'observed' with its full blessings; where Islam could be 'observed' with its full blessings; 3-We may not have the strength to stop a Muslim country 3-We may not have the strength to stop a Muslim country

from doing something which is against Islam, whether it be from doing something which is against Islam, whether it be Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran or Saudi Arabia;Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran or Saudi Arabia;

4- We may not be able to force the visiting shaykhs to 4- We may not be able to force the visiting shaykhs to behave in a proper Islamic manner;behave in a proper Islamic manner;

5- We may not turn Muslim minorities in non-Muslim 5- We may not turn Muslim minorities in non-Muslim countries into living examples of Islam countries into living examples of Islam

LimitationsLimitations

B- At the micro-level, to be realistic, B- At the micro-level, to be realistic, 1-That point in time seems far away when a 1-That point in time seems far away when a

significant number of Muslim individuals will significant number of Muslim individuals will become become ShahidShahid (witness) and (witness) and Da'iyaDa'iya, 2- The , 2- The Islamic groups do not accord the work of Islamic groups do not accord the work of Da'wah among non-Muslims the top priority. Da'wah among non-Muslims the top priority.

C-Lack of suitable resources: Lack of part-time C-Lack of suitable resources: Lack of part-time or whole-time workers or professional or whole-time workers or professional Da'iyasDa'iyas, of suitable literature, or suitable , of suitable literature, or suitable psychological techniques may turn out to be psychological techniques may turn out to be not so important as we often consider them to not so important as we often consider them to be be

Approach to these Approach to these limitationslimitations

• 1-Nothing should stop us from Dawah 1-Nothing should stop us from Dawah work.We should take cognizance of the work.We should take cognizance of the macro, insoluble problems & we should keep macro, insoluble problems & we should keep in view the limitations imposed by them. It in view the limitations imposed by them. It would help us formulate and follow suitable would help us formulate and follow suitable approaches and methodologies, which will approaches and methodologies, which will make due allowance for, even if not solve, all make due allowance for, even if not solve, all such problems. such problems.

• 2-We must concentrate primarily on the right 2-We must concentrate primarily on the right type of mind and attitude which is required type of mind and attitude which is required for Dawah, as well as on some broad for Dawah, as well as on some broad principles for redefining our concepts and principles for redefining our concepts and methodologies. methodologies.

Approach to these Approach to these limitationslimitations

• 3-Most problems exist or become inflated 3-Most problems exist or become inflated because we take up the issue of Dawah in because we take up the issue of Dawah in isolation from the Muslim situation. If isolation from the Muslim situation. If placed in proper perspective, they will be placed in proper perspective, they will be reduced to a proper size or will dissolve. reduced to a proper size or will dissolve.

• 4-Problems vary from situation to situation 4-Problems vary from situation to situation and from country to country. Non-Muslims and from country to country. Non-Muslims are not a uniform, homogenous entity. Nor are not a uniform, homogenous entity. Nor has their history of interaction with Islam has their history of interaction with Islam taken a similar course at all times and in all taken a similar course at all times and in all lands. lands.

Vision of Da'wahVision of Da'wahA-Dawah ConsciousnessA-Dawah Consciousness

Answer to following questions bring Answer to following questions bring true consciousness of Dawah.true consciousness of Dawah.

• What is Islam?What is Islam?• What it demands of us? What it demands of us? • What place Da'wah should occupy in What place Da'wah should occupy in

our Islamic life?our Islamic life?

What is Islam?What is Islam?

• Islam means living in total surrender to Allah, in Islam means living in total surrender to Allah, in private and in public, inwardly and outwardly. private and in public, inwardly and outwardly. This has two clear, important implications. This has two clear, important implications.

• A-living in surrender to Allah cannot be A-living in surrender to Allah cannot be actualized fully unless other people join us in actualized fully unless other people join us in our endeavor, unless the whole society lives in our endeavor, unless the whole society lives in surrender. Hence, Da'wah, is an essential part surrender. Hence, Da'wah, is an essential part of being Muslim. of being Muslim.

• B-Islam is not a once-in-a-lifetime decision; it is B-Islam is not a once-in-a-lifetime decision; it is a process, it is a life-long pursuit. Hence we a process, it is a life-long pursuit. Hence we must continuously invite ourselves and everyone must continuously invite ourselves and everyone else to join in this pursuit. else to join in this pursuit.

Place of Dawah in Place of Dawah in Islamic LifeIslamic Life

• Da'wah is essential to the fulfillment Da'wah is essential to the fulfillment of the very purpose of this Ummah of the very purpose of this Ummah

ع�ل�ى • ه�د�اء� ش وا ون �ك �ت ل و�س�ط�ا م�ة� أ م� �اك �ن ج�ع�ل �ك� �ذ�ل ع�ل�ى و�ك ه�د�اء� ش وا ون �ك �ت ل و�س�ط�ا م�ة� أ م� �اك �ن ج�ع�ل �ك� �ذ�ل و�ك

ه�يد�ا ش� م� �ك �ي ع�ل سول الر� ون� �ك و�ي �اس� ه�يد�ا الن ش� م� �ك �ي ع�ل سول الر� ون� �ك و�ي �اس� الن 2.143 Thus, have We made of you an 2.143 Thus, have We made of you an

Ummah justly balanced, that ye might Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; Messenger a witness over yourselves;

Dawah as a MissionDawah as a Mission

• ا 33.045 33.045 �ذ�ير� و�ن ا ر� �ش) و�مب اه�د�ا ش� �اك� �ن ل س� ر�� أ �ا �ن إ �ي/ �ب الن /ه�ا ي

� أ �ا ا ي �ذ�ير� و�ن ا ر� �ش) و�مب اه�د�ا ش� �اك� �ن ل س� ر�� أ �ا �ن إ �ي/ �ب الن /ه�ا ي

� أ �ا ي

O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Warner,-Warner,-

• ا 33.046 33.046 �ير� من اج�ا ر� و�س� �ه� �ذ�ن �إ ب �ه� الل �ل�ى إ �ا ي ا و�د�اع� �ير� من اج�ا ر� و�س� �ه� �ذ�ن �إ ب �ه� الل �ل�ى إ �ا ي و�د�اع�

And as one who invites to Allah's (grace) And as one who invites to Allah's (grace) by His leave, and as a lamp spreading by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light.light.

Mission of the Prophet Mission of the Prophet (SAW)(SAW)

• �م� 5.067 5.067 ل �ن� و�إ )ك� ب ر� م�ن� �ك� �ي �ل إ �ز�ل� ن أ م�ا )غ� �ل ب سول الر� /ه�ا ي

� أ �ا �م� ي ل �ن� و�إ )ك� ب ر� م�ن� �ك� �ي �ل إ �ز�ل� ن أ م�ا )غ� �ل ب سول الر� /ه�ا ي

� أ �ا يال �ه� الل �ن� إ �اس� الن م�ن� �ع�ص�مك� ي �ه و�الل �ه �ت ال ر�س� �غ�ت� �ل ب ف�م�ا �ف�ع�ل� ال ت �ه� الل �ن� إ �اس� الن م�ن� �ع�ص�مك� ي �ه و�الل �ه �ت ال ر�س� �غ�ت� �ل ب ف�م�ا �ف�ع�ل� ت

�اف�ر�ين� �ك ال �ق�و�م� ال �ه�د�ي �اف�ر�ين� ي �ك ال �ق�و�م� ال �ه�د�ي ي

O Messenger! proclaim the (message) which O Messenger! proclaim the (message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission. And Allah will proclaimed His mission. And Allah will defend thee from men (who mean mischief). defend thee from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guides not those who reject Faith.For Allah guides not those who reject Faith.

Lessons from these Lessons from these AyahsAyahs

• This mission and duty we cannot shirk or This mission and duty we cannot shirk or evade or postpone on any plea whatsoever evade or postpone on any plea whatsoever under any circumstances. under any circumstances.

• We cannot wait to become 'purified' and We cannot wait to become 'purified' and 'perfect'. 'perfect'.

• Doing Da'wah is itself essential to Doing Da'wah is itself essential to becoming a good Muslim. becoming a good Muslim.

• Considering oneself 'good' and superior to Considering oneself 'good' and superior to others is antithetical to the nature, spirit others is antithetical to the nature, spirit and methodology of Da'wah. and methodology of Da'wah.

State of Muslims in relation State of Muslims in relation to this missionto this mission

• This dimension we seem to have lost. Our This dimension we seem to have lost. Our collective consciousness is devoid of it; so is collective consciousness is devoid of it; so is our personal consciousness. our personal consciousness.

• We have a billion Muslims on this planet and We have a billion Muslims on this planet and yet make no impact on non-Muslims.yet make no impact on non-Muslims.

• We have non-Muslim minorities living among We have non-Muslim minorities living among huge Muslim majorities, untouched by Islam. huge Muslim majorities, untouched by Islam.

• That is why we have mosque after mosque That is why we have mosque after mosque built on landscapes which had no mosques built on landscapes which had no mosques before, and yet they make no impression on before, and yet they make no impression on their vicinities.their vicinities.

What should Muslims in the What should Muslims in the West do?West do?

• At least some persons, if not all, should make At least some persons, if not all, should make this vision of Da'wah their state of mind this vision of Da'wah their state of mind

• An individual imbued with a message and An individual imbued with a message and mission may look like an insignificant, mission may look like an insignificant, ineffective entity. But was not there only one ineffective entity. But was not there only one Da'iyaDa'iya in Makkah? in Makkah?

• You may say: Ah, but he was a prophet. Yes, You may say: Ah, but he was a prophet. Yes, but he is the example, the norm, the but he is the example, the norm, the uswah uswah hasanahhasanah. And a very tiny seed can grow into . And a very tiny seed can grow into a tall, large, leafy tree. a tall, large, leafy tree.

Examples in Quran Examples in Quran regarding spread of Dawahregarding spread of Dawah

• وق�ه� س ع�ل�ى �و�ى ت ف�اس� �غ�ل�ظ� ت ف�اس� ه ر� ف�آز� ه� ط�أ ش� ج� خ�ر�

� أ Nع ر� �ز� وق�ه� ك س ع�ل�ى �و�ى ت ف�اس� �غ�ل�ظ� ت ف�اس� ه ر� ف�آز� ه� ط�أ ش� ج� خ�ر�

� أ Nع ر� �ز� ك 48.029 like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it 48.029 like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it

strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem,

• 014.024 014.024 Pت� �اب ث ه�ا ص�ل� أ Nة� )ب ط�ي Nة ج�ر� �ش� ك �ة� )ب ط�ي �م�ة� �ل ك �ال م�ث �ه الل ب� ض�ر� �ف� �ي ك �ر� ت �م� ل

� �تP أ �اب ث ه�ا ص�ل� أ Nة� )ب ط�ي Nة ج�ر� �ش� ك �ة� )ب ط�ي �م�ة� �ل ك �ال م�ث �ه الل ب� ض�ر� �ف� �ي ك �ر� ت �م� ل

� أم�اء� الس� ف�ي عه�ا م�اء� و�ف�ر� الس� ف�ي عه�ا و�ف�ر�

14.024 See thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly 14.024 See thou not how Allah sets forth a parable? - A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens,- of its Lord. So Allah sets branches (reach) to the heavens,- of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition.admonition.

• ون� 14.025 14.025 �ر �ذ�ك �ت ي �هم� �ع�ل ل �اس� �لن ل �ال� األم�ث �ه الل �ض�ر�ب و�ي )ه�ا ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب Nح�ين ل� ك �ه�ا ل ك أ �ي ؤ�ت ون� ت �ر �ذ�ك �ت ي �هم� �ع�ل ل �اس� �لن ل �ال� األم�ث �ه الل �ض�ر�ب و�ي )ه�ا ب ر� �ذ�ن� �إ ب Nح�ين ل� ك �ه�ا ل ك أ �ي ؤ�ت ت

14.025 It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its 14.025 It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for men, in order that they may receive admonition.may receive admonition.

Questions for those who Questions for those who have Dawah consciousnesshave Dawah consciousness

• Can their purpose creating a new man and a new society be Can their purpose creating a new man and a new society be achieved unless a significant proportion of non-Muslims join achieved unless a significant proportion of non-Muslims join them in this mission? them in this mission?

• But what priority do they accord to this task in their But what priority do they accord to this task in their thoughts and programs?thoughts and programs?

• What proportion of their time, their attention, their What proportion of their time, their attention, their resources, their activities is devoted to this task?resources, their activities is devoted to this task?

• Have they not become content with merely preserving their Have they not become content with merely preserving their own cultural identity as a minority? own cultural identity as a minority?

• In view of this, why should any non-Muslim ever consider In view of this, why should any non-Muslim ever consider becoming part of a minority culture? becoming part of a minority culture?

• What attraction does that culture hold for him? What attraction does that culture hold for him? • Have new Muslims found an appropriate place in Islamic Have new Muslims found an appropriate place in Islamic

organizations or on Islamic platforms during the last 25 organizations or on Islamic platforms during the last 25 years? years?

• Is there anything in the programes of these organizations Is there anything in the programes of these organizations language or content which would be attractive to them?language or content which would be attractive to them?

Important action items for Important action items for the Dawah conscious the Dawah conscious

MuslimsMuslims• They must come out of the state of apathy They must come out of the state of apathy

and indifference.and indifference.• Islamic groups should rethink their Islamic groups should rethink their

priorities and correct their course.priorities and correct their course.• They must make efforts to bring good They must make efforts to bring good

number of indigent Muslims into their number of indigent Muslims into their struggle.struggle.

• Other Muslim groups, even if they do not Other Muslim groups, even if they do not profess allegiance to Islam as a life mission, profess allegiance to Islam as a life mission, may then be approached and persuaded to may then be approached and persuaded to remold their thinking and attitude. Such remold their thinking and attitude. Such approach and persuasion in itself is an approach and persuasion in itself is an important part of Dawah.important part of Dawah.

Da'wah by ExampleDa'wah by Example

• The image of Muslims, as created or The image of Muslims, as created or reinforced by our conduct as nations, as reinforced by our conduct as nations, as communities, cannot be separated from the communities, cannot be separated from the image of Islam. image of Islam.

• Each individual should examine the state of Each individual should examine the state of his own personal his own personal ShahadahShahadah: how much does : how much does his behavior represent Islam in the his behavior represent Islam in the neighborhood, at his work place, in the neighborhood, at his work place, in the community? community?

• By word and deed, we should be upholders By word and deed, we should be upholders and champions of justice, human welfare, and and champions of justice, human welfare, and man's dignity and freedom. man's dignity and freedom.

Basic Concepts Basic Concepts

• 1-Islam is not a new religion; it is the eternal 1-Islam is not a new religion; it is the eternal message of God. Coming to Islam is like going message of God. Coming to Islam is like going back to one's own roots in nature, and in history. back to one's own roots in nature, and in history.

• 2- Muslim Ummah has not been constituted to 2- Muslim Ummah has not been constituted to become just another nation among nations, to become just another nation among nations, to compete with others to advance its interests. No, compete with others to advance its interests. No, it has been 'raised for all mankind‘ to serve their it has been 'raised for all mankind‘ to serve their interests. Their foremost interest being that they interests. Their foremost interest being that they should find guidance to the right path.should find guidance to the right path.

• 3- Objective of Da'wah is not to win an argument, 3- Objective of Da'wah is not to win an argument, to score a victory, to silence an opponent; it is to to score a victory, to silence an opponent; it is to win and activate a heart, a mind, indeed a life, win and activate a heart, a mind, indeed a life, for the cause of Allah. for the cause of Allah.

General Principles of General Principles of MethodologyMethodology

• We do not invite people to a 'new' religion, We do not invite people to a 'new' religion, we invite them to the oldest religion, indeed we invite them to the oldest religion, indeed to their 'own' religion, the religion of living to their 'own' religion, the religion of living in total surrender to their Creator, in in total surrender to their Creator, in accordance with the guidance brought by all accordance with the guidance brought by all His Messengers. His Messengers.

• It does not mean that all religions, as they It does not mean that all religions, as they are, are equally true. are, are equally true.

• One will still be invited to follow the Prophet One will still be invited to follow the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) because he is the last Muhammad (SAW) because he is the last Messenger, and to accept the Qur'an as the Messenger, and to accept the Qur'an as the last revelation from God. last revelation from God.

Starting Point of DawahStarting Point of Dawah

• The starting point and the basic core of our The starting point and the basic core of our Da'wah should be : total surrender to the One Da'wah should be : total surrender to the One God, the Creator of all; accountability in life God, the Creator of all; accountability in life after death; obeying His Messengers; and after death; obeying His Messengers; and building a new world, on this basis, where building a new world, on this basis, where justice will prevail. (al-Anbiya' 21: 25). justice will prevail. (al-Anbiya' 21: 25).

• We, therefore, do not start by repudiating what We, therefore, do not start by repudiating what is wrong with others, but by inviting them to is wrong with others, but by inviting them to reflect on what is common between them and reflect on what is common between them and us. We ask non-Muslims to come to something us. We ask non-Muslims to come to something they accept or which follows from what they they accept or which follows from what they accept: worshipping One God alone. (Al 'Imran accept: worshipping One God alone. (Al 'Imran 3: 64). 3: 64).

Differentiation between Differentiation between history and cultural habits history and cultural habits

of Muslims and Islamic of Muslims and Islamic MessageMessage

• We shall not be asking anyone to accept all We shall not be asking anyone to accept all of 'historical Islam' as evidenced by of 'historical Islam' as evidenced by Muslims over the last fourteen centuries, Muslims over the last fourteen centuries, even if it deviated from Allah's guidance.even if it deviated from Allah's guidance.

• We need not own and justify everything We need not own and justify everything done or said by Muslims in the past, or in done or said by Muslims in the past, or in our own times. We should not hesitate to our own times. We should not hesitate to acknowledge or repudiate anything in our acknowledge or repudiate anything in our past or contemporary conduct which is not past or contemporary conduct which is not in keeping with our norms in the Qur'an and in keeping with our norms in the Qur'an and the Sunnah.(al-An'am 6:1512). the Sunnah.(al-An'am 6:1512).

Responsibility to guide the Responsibility to guide the mankind to their Creatormankind to their Creator

• The responsibility to guide all The responsibility to guide all mankind to the path of God rests mankind to the path of God rests upon us as Muslims, as trustees of the upon us as Muslims, as trustees of the Divine guidance sent down, and made Divine guidance sent down, and made clear, for all mankind, and as the clear, for all mankind, and as the followers of the Last Prophet (SAW). followers of the Last Prophet (SAW).

• Today, if people are going astray, are Today, if people are going astray, are we not, to a large degree, responsible we not, to a large degree, responsible for that? for that?

Address your audience with Address your audience with compassioncompassion

• There is no justification for us, to start our There is no justification for us, to start our Da'wah work by looking at the world as Da'wah work by looking at the world as divided into two hostile camps: Kafir and divided into two hostile camps: Kafir and Muslim, where every Kafir is an enemy of Muslim, where every Kafir is an enemy of Muslims, and therefore of Islam. Muslims, and therefore of Islam.

• Allah's Messengers’ address was always: Allah's Messengers’ address was always: 'O my people' or 'O mankind'. In the 'O my people' or 'O mankind'. In the beginning, they never addressed them as beginning, they never addressed them as 'Kafirs' unless the Kufr was demonstrated 'Kafirs' unless the Kufr was demonstrated to be entrenched and deliberate to be entrenched and deliberate

Dawah to People of the Dawah to People of the BookBook

• Qur'an treated the People of the Qur'an treated the People of the Book as a category separate from Book as a category separate from idolaters, and addressed them as idolaters, and addressed them as such, despite laying bare all their such, despite laying bare all their Kufr and Shirk. Kufr and Shirk.

• Qur'an differentiates between those Qur'an differentiates between those who are hostile to Islam and those who are hostile to Islam and those who simply do not believe. (al-who simply do not believe. (al-Mumtahinah 60: 74). Mumtahinah 60: 74).

History of encounter History of encounter between Islam and the Westbetween Islam and the West• The history of encounter between Islam and The history of encounter between Islam and

the West, as long as fourteen centuries, is a the West, as long as fourteen centuries, is a history of conflict at all levels faith, morality, history of conflict at all levels faith, morality, thought, politics, economics, etc. It does not thought, politics, economics, etc. It does not permit us to engage in abusive polemic, permit us to engage in abusive polemic, against the West against the West

• Qur'an provides policy guidelines in this Qur'an provides policy guidelines in this respect. For example: it forbids us to abuse respect. For example: it forbids us to abuse even the idols; it condemns no one by name, even the idols; it condemns no one by name, except one person; it does not condemn except one person; it does not condemn people, it condemns their deeds. people, it condemns their deeds.

Message to be given Message to be given without any prejudicewithout any prejudice

• Every non-Muslim should be seen as a Every non-Muslim should be seen as a potential Muslim, not as an enemy. This potential Muslim, not as an enemy. This attitude is the obvious and logical consequence attitude is the obvious and logical consequence of our position that man has been created in of our position that man has been created in the best of moulds (al-Tin 95: 4), that total the best of moulds (al-Tin 95: 4), that total submission to One God is the original and true submission to One God is the original and true nature of mankind (al-Rum 30: 30), that every nature of mankind (al-Rum 30: 30), that every Messenger brought the same religion. Messenger brought the same religion.

• This one concept will have a radical effect on This one concept will have a radical effect on our devotion to Da'wah, and on our approach our devotion to Da'wah, and on our approach and methodology. This will spur us to carry our and methodology. This will spur us to carry our message to every man and woman without any message to every man and woman without any reservation, preconceived notion, or prior reservation, preconceived notion, or prior prejudice. prejudice.

Language and themesLanguage and themes• Language and themes are extremely important for Language and themes are extremely important for

Da'wah. Da'wah. • The message remains the same, but it should be The message remains the same, but it should be

conveyed through a medium that is understood by its conveyed through a medium that is understood by its addressees. addressees.

• All the Messengers of God employed a language and All the Messengers of God employed a language and took up the themes that were suited to their people. took up the themes that were suited to their people.

• For example, the language of 'Islamic state' may not be For example, the language of 'Islamic state' may not be a suitable language for a Western society; instead, a a suitable language for a Western society; instead, a Just World Order based on surrender to the One God Just World Order based on surrender to the One God and obedience to His Messengers, is likely to evoke a and obedience to His Messengers, is likely to evoke a more favorable response. more favorable response.

• Drinking may not strike a sympathetic chord, drugs Drinking may not strike a sympathetic chord, drugs may. may.

Kindness, compassion, Kindness, compassion, justice, fairness and selfless justice, fairness and selfless

service to allservice to all• We should be kind and compassionate, just and fair, to We should be kind and compassionate, just and fair, to

everyone, irrespective of one's faith, race, color, or social everyone, irrespective of one's faith, race, color, or social status, and in all situations. God has commanded us to be status, and in all situations. God has commanded us to be just and kind.just and kind.

• We are ambassadors of the Last Prophet (SAW), who has We are ambassadors of the Last Prophet (SAW), who has

been described by the Qur'an as 'the merciful, the been described by the Qur'an as 'the merciful, the compassionate' and 'mercy for all the worlds' (compassionate' and 'mercy for all the worlds' (rahmatul rahmatul li'l-'alaminli'l-'alamin).).

• Deep involvement in human welfare and service to mankind Deep involvement in human welfare and service to mankind

is basic to Islam and of central importance to Da'wah. The is basic to Islam and of central importance to Da'wah. The Qur'an places these values and conduct on a par with faith in Qur'an places these values and conduct on a par with faith in God and His worship (68:27-37;74:42-6; 107:1-7). God and His worship (68:27-37;74:42-6; 107:1-7).

• How could a Muslim be indifferent to the uncared for, the How could a Muslim be indifferent to the uncared for, the lonely, the old, the hungry, who live in their societies? lonely, the old, the hungry, who live in their societies?

Dawah relevant to the Dawah relevant to the problems of the dayproblems of the day

• We should make our basic Da'wah the message of Tawhid, We should make our basic Da'wah the message of Tawhid, Risalah, and Akhirah relevant to the concerns and experiences Risalah, and Akhirah relevant to the concerns and experiences of average Westerners as well as of their societies.of average Westerners as well as of their societies.

• For example, why should Islamic Da'wah remain unconcerned For example, why should Islamic Da'wah remain unconcerned with the questions of nuclear weapons, unemployment, old age, with the questions of nuclear weapons, unemployment, old age, etc.etc.

• Indeed, Islam should be concerned with all matters of public Indeed, Islam should be concerned with all matters of public policy and morality. policy and morality.

• Prophet Noah's message dealt with caste and class differences, Prophet Noah's message dealt with caste and class differences, that of Prophet Hud with imperialism, wastage of public that of Prophet Hud with imperialism, wastage of public resources and domination by tyrant rulers, resources and domination by tyrant rulers,

• Message of Prophet Lot with permissiveness, Message of Prophet Lot with permissiveness, • Message of Prophet Shu'ayb with injustice and economic Message of Prophet Shu'ayb with injustice and economic

maladies, maladies, • Message of Prophet Moses with the tyranny and oppression Message of Prophet Moses with the tyranny and oppression

perpetrated by Pharaoh. perpetrated by Pharaoh. • In the same way our message must deal with the problems of In the same way our message must deal with the problems of

our day. our day.

ConclusionConclusion

• Task of Dawah is enormous and complex, Task of Dawah is enormous and complex, but important and essential.but important and essential.

• As many of us as can should become, As many of us as can should become, personally, a personally, a Da'iyaDa'iya, enthused with and , enthused with and committed to the mission of witness, who committed to the mission of witness, who lives his whole life as an ambassador of lives his whole life as an ambassador of Allah and His Messenger, who follows the Allah and His Messenger, who follows the same approaches as Allah's Messengers did same approaches as Allah's Messengers did

• We should create Islamic groups dedicated We should create Islamic groups dedicated to Da'wah, as the top priority objective to Da'wah, as the top priority objective

Indigent Muslims as Indigent Muslims as DaiyasDaiyas

• Those who embrace Islam should not be Those who embrace Islam should not be content with merely having changed their content with merely having changed their religion and found the truth. They should be religion and found the truth. They should be messengers to their own people; only they can messengers to their own people; only they can be truly effective. be truly effective.

• �ه الل ض�ل/ ف�ي �هم� ل )ن� �ي ب �ي ل ق�و�م�ه� ان� �ل�س� ب �ال إ Nولس ر� م�ن� �ا �ن ل س� ر�� أ �ه و�م�ا الل ض�ل/ ف�ي �هم� ل )ن� �ي ب �ي ل ق�و�م�ه� ان� �ل�س� ب �ال إ Nولس ر� م�ن� �ا �ن ل س� ر�� أ و�م�ا

�ح�ك�يم ال �ع�ز�يز ال و�هو� اء �ش� ي م�ن� �ه�د�ي و�ي اء �ش� ي �ح�ك�يم م�ن� ال �ع�ز�يز ال و�هو� اء �ش� ي م�ن� �ه�د�ي و�ي اء �ش� ي م�ن� We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in

the language of his (own) people, in order to the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them. Now Allah leaves make (things) clear to them. Now Allah leaves straying those whom He pleases and guides straying those whom He pleases and guides whom He pleases: and He is Exalted in power, whom He pleases: and He is Exalted in power, full of Wisdom. Ibrahim 14:4full of Wisdom. Ibrahim 14:4