(Da’wah Series) Part 2: A Life Long Journey

In part one, we learned about what Da’wah is and the importance and urgency to give Da’wah. We also learned it is especially pertinent to give Da’wah in our generation today where Islam is morbidly misunderstood. Interestingly, due to this misrepresentation and misunderstanding, there are those with whom curiosity lingers in their hearts. The hearts of those who, surprisingly, are craving to learn; they just need a little push. These people can be Non-Muslim and Muslim as well.

In this part of the series you will learn the basic steps towards building the Da’ee in you. The first step towards this Life-Long-Journey begins with you.

Here are some tips and things you (as a Da’ee) should be aware of whilst spreading the beautiful message of Islam:

1. Intentions and Du’aa: Ask yourself why your doing it? At the end of the day it comes down your intentions. 50% is giving Da’wah and the other 50% is making Du’aa that Allah Ta’alaa guides them.

Verily actions are by intentions, and for every person is what he intended (Bukhari, Muslim).

“Our Lord, indeed You know what we conceal and what we declare, and nothing on the earth or the heaven is hidden from Allah.”  (Quran 14:38)

2. Sincerity and humility: One day a sister and I were giving Da’wah out on Bruin Walk and as a fellow Bruin passed by we greeted him with a smile and a “Hey! Interested in learning about Islam?!” He, with a smile, came over and listened to our brief explanation of Islam (hint: we focused on Tawheed, the oneness of God).

Unexpectedly he said “You know, I don’t care what anyone says, what I see in the media, no one can deny that this is a beautiful religion. Why? Because you can see that its followers are the most, sincere, kind, and humble people. Anyone that walks down Bruin Walk, even if they reject you, they see it, and I see it, you truly are sincere and humble people, and that tells me a lot about Islam.”

Da’wah truly is one of the most humble things you can do as a Muslim, most importantly Allah (swt) sees it.

3.  Knowledge: You don’t need to be a hafiz, one who has memorized the Qu’ran, a sheikh, or a scholar to be giving Da’wah however, there are two types of knowledge a Da’ee should have: Islamic knowledge, and societal knowledge, such as topical issues.

“But Allah bears witness to that which He has revealed to you. He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness (as well). And sufficient is Allah as a witness.” (Quran 4:166)

4. Patience: Doing Da’wah in public places, like Bruin Walk for example, you’re going to meet with many different types of people, with different experiences, and different views.

It is an open arena for confrontation and heated “discussion”. But, do not let this happen to you, and do not fall into the traps of participating and fostering an argument.

Be patient with people and you will be greatly rewarded by Allah (swt). You will also find that the conversation will be of substantial benefit to you and the person your speaking to.

Remember that Prophet Nuh (A) spent 950 years in Da’wah (Quran 71:1-28).

“By time, indeed man is in a state of loss, except for those who believe and do good deeds and exhort one another to hold fast to the truth and who exhort one another to patience.” (Quran 103:1-3)