“Invite all to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner. Surely your Lord alone knows best who has strayed from His Way and who is rightly guided.” (Surah An Nahl, Verse 125)
Allah calls upon us to invite others to Islam softly. There is a misconception that Islam must be spread by rigorous debate: by winning arguments and aggressively proving the other side wrong. While discussion is important, Allah highlights in the verse above two qualities that every Muslim must encompass while teaching others about the faith: kindness and the best of character. This verse serves as a reminder to maintain a gentle heart when educating others on the religion that greets with peace.
To show non-Muslims the beauty of submitting to Allah, correct their misconceptions and give them a glimpse of what it’s like being Muslim is an honor and trust, something that takes time and courage. This quarter, our community had the opportunity to practice “da’wah”, or the act of inviting one to the faith, throughout a week of events, discussions, and reflections.
Islam Awareness Week: several days of the year dedicated to leaving the fragrance of Islam wherever we go.
The week was crafted with events that would not only teach non-Muslims the conceptual and academic aspects of Islam, but also the heartbeat of our religion, which is the relationship we have with Allah. With the efforts of dedicated members of the community, we worked towards these goals at each event: the interfaith dialogue, hijab and thobe try-ons, the halaqah and the picnic. All served as opportunities to represent Islam as it deserves.
From seeing the smiles of non-Muslim sisters wearing hijab for the first time to greeting our diverse audience with peace during the Interfaith panel, all you could do was pray that Allah instills a love and interest in Islam through your effort, so that they will continue to explore in the future.
Throughout the week, a buzz of excitement filled the air, and a hopeful question settled in many hearts: would someone convert? In the second part of the verse above, Allah highlights another aspect of inviting others to Islam: you will do your part, but in the end, Allah is the only one who knows where that person ends up. We are reminded that the outcome is only with Allah, and it is not up to us to determine who will stray and who will be guided. Despite planning events, inviting speakers and talking to different communities, it is Allah who guides–you are only a tool used by Him to educate that person on the religion. Serving as co-head this year, I reflect on this verse frequently. The work put in by the committee, the MSA board and devoted brothers and sisters did not guarantee someone would bear witness, yet it motivated us to improve for future interactions and experiences.
Leaving the week hoping that even the smallest interest had sprouted in one’s heart for Islam, I think of the hadith that we should have in the back of our minds as we continue to educate others: “Indeed, actions are judged by their intentions.” Someone may not have converted during this week, but that doesn’t undermine the efforts our community has made towards that goal, nor does it mean our words will be forgotten. Allah sees our intentions and values our sincerity, and to Him, they aren’t any less important than the result. So continue to strive for the sake of Allah, for yourself and for your community, because your efforts will weigh heavier than you think, even if they were as simple as the phrase “peace be upon you.”