Da'wah: WHY and HOW
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FOR many years of my youth, I used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in Makkah. My favorite sitting spot was on the first floor, in the Ottoman construction area between Al-Rukn Al-Yamani and the Hijr, and it was there that I would largely remain during the days and nights I was in the Haram.
One year though, my regular choice of dwelling was changed when I heard that my teacher, Sh. Ibn Jibreen, was also visiting and was sitting on the third floor. I wanted to pray by him, watch him pray, and hoped that I might find some private moments to ask him questions or listen to answers he gave. Just watching the sheikh was in itself a great opportunity for the student of knowledge. We learned from his manners, the way he carried himself, and how he dealt with others.
One night a group of young men came up to the Shaikh after Isha and before Taraweeh. They asked the Shaikh if praying Taraweeh in congregation would be better for them, or whether they should go out to the markets to give advice and do some street Da'wah. Unfortunately, during the Taraweeh prayer time, it was very common for unsupervised young girls and boys go out to the markets to hit on each other, and there were many other practices that were not proper that would prevail during this time. They explained the situation to the Shaikh and the told him that they were not from Makkah and that they had traveled only so they could pray and fast in at the Haram.
The Shaikh said that he would answer them the next day and to meet him in the same place and at the same time. That was one of longest 24 hours in my life; I could not wait to see what the Shaikh's answer would be. I started thinking about all the answers he might give and the different ways the Shaikh might say them, but what happened that night was very different than anything I had thought of.
I came early to ensure a spot close to the Shaikh. After Isha, the brothers came and the Shaikh said, "BismiAllah, let's go!"
"Whereto, Shaikhana?" they said.
With his well-known big smile, the Shaikh replied, "To the market together." That was his answer! Giving Da'wah and advising people could be more beloved to Allah than congregational Qiyam and Taraweeh in Makkah if it was done for the sake of Allah.
Of course I followed them to the market. It was Sooq Al-Layl (the night Sooq), and the brothers were very happy to have the Shaikh with them. At the entrance of the marketplace, the Shaikh noticed a store selling music (cassette tapes), and the Shaikh asked the man in the store to come out.
The Shaikh reminded him in a private manner about the prohibition of music and what these songs were calling for. I snuck as close by the Shaikh as I could to watch the Shaikh and see what he was saying to the man. Among what he said was that Ibn Abbas did not live in Makkah because he was afraid that his sins would be multiplied as the rewards multiply in Makkah due to its holiness and sanctity.
"Your store is only 50 meters away from the Haram, are you ready to meet Allah with such record?" he asked in a kind and concerned tone.
After 10 minutes I heard the man shout out to all the people around the area in a voice mixed with tears,
"As Allah is my witness, and His Angels, and all of you, I promise that before Fajr I'll get rid of all these tapes. From now on, I will change my business to a Halal one that sells Qur'aan and Islamic lectures and nasheeds."
The story was in the news the next day. It was a great night and one in which I learned great life lessons that I try to practice until today.
1- Actions speak loader than words. If we want our words to have a real impact, we have to be the first to practice with the people.
2- The real scholars and leaders are the ones who mix with the youth, live amongst them, and are seen with the public, not those who give orders and advice from distance.
3- Naseehah to those you know and you don't know can have a powerful impact when given with mercy and wisdom.
4- Sometimes we talk about the big things that we cannot change and we do not work on the things that we can change.
If this incident inspired you as did me, share your thoughts and give your comments.
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{Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining Al-Ma'roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.} (Surah Aal 'Imraan: 104)
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Several years back, I heard a story that deserved to be written in letters of gold. I did just that; immediately wrote down the story. Although not in gold, it was to me in meaning more glamorous than gold.
I heard the story directly from a Romanian brother, Muhammad, who was a guest on a program called Kayfa Aslamt (How did you accept Islam?) on the Quran Radio Station of a Muslim country.
Around 1992, Muhammad visited Bosnia, and seeing the state of the people there, was motivated to embark on a ‘peace tour’ on foot, as he called it.
One night his travels landed him and his wife in a small remote village in Turkey. As he searched for a motel or any roof to spend the night under, he came across a villager and asked him for information regarding a place to stay. The man responded that there was none, and through a few English words and Muhammad’s very limited Turkish, managed to invite him to spend the night in his home.
Seeing that he had no other choice, Muhammad agreed, although they were frightened of this stranger who was a large man and sported a long beard. Little did he know that the man he feared was the same one who would change his life.
As soon as he arrived at the man’s house, Muhammad and his wife were comforted by the fact that there was a family there; an elderly grandmother of about 80 yrs, a mother and five children all close in age. The family prepared a supper for them that he described as simple, yet tasty. Then they were told that they shall sleep in the same room and the family would go sleep in another.
Early the next morning, Muhammad and his wife got up to thank the family and complete their journey. (Remember, Muhammad was not a Muslim, yet).
To their complete astonishment, they discovered that the house only consisted of that one room where he and his wife had slept, while the old woman, the man, his wife, and their five children were all sleeping outside, under a tree. This was in the month of November and the cold was bitter.
Extremely shocked at the man’s behavior, Muhammad asked, “Are you crazy?”
The man, who could barely communicate, replied,
- “No, I am Muslim.”
The words went through Muhammad like an electric shock. He could never forget that man’s action.
He began searching Islaam, as he only had a distorted image of it, and even read the Qur'aan. He visited Syria, Jordan and Egypt, were he furthered his studies about the Qur'aan and the Hadeeth.
When the host asked him when he embraced Islam, he replied that in his heart, he was a Muslim from the time the man said, “I am Muslim.” But he and his wife officially took their Shahaadah (Declaration of Faith) in Egypt, two months after the encounter with the Turkish man.
When he returned to his home country, Romania, he faced anger and rejection from his family. Taking heed in the conduct of the Turkish man, he decided that preaching would serve no purpose. He showed them the beauty of Islaam through his actions. Later, the ones who carried the most enmity towards him, were the first to accept Islaam.
Today, we look around us and witness how many have been deceived into limiting the beauty of an individual to their physical characteristics. But Islaam disagrees; it is only magnificence of one’s character and conduct that make them truly attractive in the eyes of the people. Not only does it earn one an elevated status in the eyes of the people, but in the hereafter as well, where a special position is promised.
The Prophet (sallaAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) said, “The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be the best of you in conduct.” (al-Bukhaari)
An individual who upholds good morals and cares to possess fine character is a gift to society. People feel contented in the presence of such a person; they trust, admire, and aspire to be like him. While others around us set ‘examples’ of beauty in their own terms, it is upon us to be the ones with whom people are dazzled by their beauty in moral uprightness. And while others undress their bodies in hope of earning titles in the race to beauty, we shall wrap ourselves in the garments of honesty, mercy, forbearance, courage, patience, humbleness and modesty. For our race differs: it is to be among the most perfect as described in the words of the Prophet (sallaAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) who said, “The most perfect man in his faith among the believers is the one with the best behavior.” (Ahmad and Abu Dawud)
We wished to write the story of the Turkish man in gold due to the status the mineral holds in the eyes of the people for it’s shine. But it remains hard and solid, unable to smear those who adorn themselves with it permanently. As for the shine of good character, it blinds the beholders from all other faults, as they only see perfectness in the shining one, free from all blemishes.
The Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) said, “Verily, a man would attain, through his good character, the ranks of someone who stands the night (in prayer and supplication) and fasts the day.” (Classified as Sahih by Al-Albanee in As-silsila Saheeha).
Indeed, true beauty shall always leave a crown on your head. But, you do not have to wait for anyone to place it there.
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We should facilitate the opportunities (of Da’wah) for the Female Callers to Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) and I do not know of anything that should prevent this. Whenever there is a woman present who is qualified to give Da’wah to Allaah (subhaanahu), she should be aided and it should be requested of her to direct and provide guidance to women because they are in need of female advisors and guiders of their own kind.
The presence of a female caller amongst women may be more beneficial in conveying the Da’wah to the path of the truth (to them) than a man. A woman maybe too shy to tell a man about the issues that concern her, or there may be something that prevents her from listening to the Da’wah from a man, but this is not the case when she is with a Female Caller because she mixes with her, relates to her what she is concerned with and she is also affected by a female caller more (than a man).
Therefore, it is imperative upon those who have knowledge from amongst the women to perform what is Waajib (compulsory) upon them in relation to Da’wah and directing (other women) to everything that is good according to the best of their abilities, as Allaah (‘azz wa Jall) says, {Invite/call (mankind, O Muhammad ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islaam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Quraan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.} (An Nahl: 175)
He also says, {Say (O Muhammad ): "This is my way; I invite/call to Allaah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allaah - Islaamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me..} (Yusuf: 108)
He says as well, {And who is better in speech than he who invites/calls to Allaah (Islaamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims.} (Fussilat: 33)
And His saying, {So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can…} (At Taghaabun: 16)
The verses of this meaning are plentiful and they are general to both men and women and Allaah is the granter of success.
Reference: Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz: Vol: 7/P: 325-326.
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Religions of the world can be broadly categorized into Semitic religions and non-Semitic religions. Non-Semitic religions can be divided into Aryan religions and non-Aryan religions.
Semitic religions
Semitic religions are religions that originated among the Semites. According to the Bible, Prophet Noah (pbuh) had a son called Shem.
The descendents of Shem are known as Semites. Therefore, Semitic religions are the religions that originated among the Jews, Arabs, Assyrians, Phoenicians, etc. Major Semitic religions are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. All these religions are Prophetic religions that believe in Divine Guidance sent through prophets of God.
Non-Semitic religions
The non-Semitic religions are further subdivided into Aryan and non-Aryan religions:
Aryan Religions
Aryan religions are the religions that originated among the Aryans, a powerful group of Indo-European speaking people that spread through Iran and Northern India in the first half of the second Millenium BC (2000 to 1500 BC).
The Aryan Religions are further subdivided into Vedic and non-Vedic religions.
The Vedic Religion is given the misnomer of Hinduism or Brahminism. The non-Vedic Religions are Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc.
Almost all Aryan religions are non-Prophetic religions.
Zoroastrianism is an Aryan, non-Vedic religion, which is not associated with Hinduism. It claims to be a prophetic religion.
Non-Aryan Religions
The non-Aryan religions have diverse origins. Confucianism and Taoism are of Chinese origin while Shintoism is of Japanese origin.
Many of these non-Aryan religions do not have a concept of God. They are better referred to as ethical systems rather than as religions.
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Most Muslims are familiar with the various reasons that Allaah has required women to wear Hijab: The Hijab reflects modesty, purity and respect; it lessens temptation so that more serious sins will be avoided; it protects women from the harm and molestation of evil men; a woman who wears hijab will be evaluated for her intelligence and skills rather than her appearance.
One important aspect that is often overlooked, however, is that the Hijab is a symbol of Muslim identity. A woman who covers her head is making a statement that she is a member of the Muslim community and that she follows a particular code of moral conduct.
Allaah says, "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them. That is more suitable that they will be known (as Muslims and chaste believing women) and not be abused." [Qur'an, 33:59]
- "Did you every wonder why Mary, the mother Jesus (peace be upon him) wore clothing very similar to that of Muslims?"
- "Why do Catholic nuns dress the way they do?"
- "Did you know that in the Canon laws of the Catholic church today there is a law that requires women to cover their heads in church?"
- "Have you read in I Corinthians (Bible, 11:3-10) the verses that Paul wrote,
'Every man who prays of prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And evey woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head - it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman doesn't cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head."
- "Did you know that there are some Christian denominations, namely the Amish and the Mennonites, who still require women to wear the head covering?"
- "Were you aware that is was the custom of Jewish women to go out in public with a head covering and that some denominations still practice this today?"
These discussion points demonstrate the obvious fact that the head cover was not introduced by Islam, but rather that this requirement has been in place for thousands of years. This can also be a cogent segue to more crucial topics such as the fact that Moses, peace be upon him, Jesus, peace be upon him and Muhammad, sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, were all Prophets of the same God and that they each carried the same basic message. Islam corrected the errors that had been introduced into previous revelations by humans and completed the process that was planned by Allaah, the Almighty.
We should be proud to be Muslim. We should also be grateful for the gift that Allaah has given to each one of us: The perfect truth of Islam that is our key to paradise. All others are being deluded by Satan and following paths to destruction. With our gift comes the responsibility to share the truth with those who are less fortunate. We are all responsible to carry the light of Islam. The proper Hijab is an outward manifestation of this light that burns within, and it can be an effective tool for fulfillment of our obligation. We choose whether to develop this light into a bright, radiant star or let it be extinguished by foolish and selfish desires.
May Allaah guide each of us to the true path. Aameen.
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I was coming back from a long journey, and Allâh decreed it such that my seat in the airplane should be beside a group of young men whose loud laughter and voices was too much, and the air was filled with clouds of smoke from their cigarettes. By the wisdom of Allâh, the plane was completely full and I could not change my seat.
I tried to escape from the problem by sleeping, but it was impossible… When I became fed up of their noise, I took out my Mushaf (copy of the Qur’ân), and started to read what I could of the Qur’ân in a soft voice. Soon after that these young men started to quieten down. Some of them started to read newspapers, and some of them fell asleep.
Suddenly one of them said in a loud voice, even though he was sitting right next to me, “Enough! Enough!”
I thought that I had disturbed him because my voice was too loud, so I apologized to him and carried on reading in a whisper that only I could hear. I saw him holding his head in his hands, then fidgeting in his seat, moving a lot. Then he raised his head and said to me angrily,
“Please, stop it, I can’t stand it!!”
Then he got up from his seat and went away for a while, then he came back, greeted me with Salaams, and apologized. He fell silent, and I did not know what was going on. But after a while he turned to me with his eyes full of tears and said to me in a whisper,
“For three years or more I have not put my forehead on the ground, and I have not read even one verse! For a whole month I have been on this trip, and there is no evil action that I did not indulge in. Then I saw you reading Qur’ân, and my world turned black and my heart was filled with despair. I felt as if someone was strangling me… I felt every verse that you read coming down on my body like a whip.
I said to myself, for how long will this negligence go on? Where will this path lead you? What will happen after all this foolish play? Then I went to the washroom, do you know why? I had the strong urge to weep, and I could not find anywhere else to hide from the people’s sight!”
I spoke to him in general terms about Tawbah (repentance) and turning back to Allâh, then he fell silent.
When the plane landed, he stopped me, and it seemed that he wanted to keep away from his companions. He asked me, with a serious expression on his face,
“Do you think that Allâh will accept my repentance?”
I said, “If you are sincere and serious in your repentance, then Allâh will forgive all your sins.”
He said,
“But I have done terrible things, very terrible.”
I said, “Have you not heard what Allâh says (interpretation of the meaning), {Say: O ‘Ibâdi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh, verily, Allâh forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful} (az-Zumar [39]:53)?”
I saw him smiling with joy, with his eyes filled with tears, then he bade me farewell and left. SubhaanAllâh al-‘Adheem!
No matter how great a man's evil and sin, in his heart there is a seed of goodness. If only we can reach it and make it grow, it will bear fruit, Allah Willing.
This seed of goodness is always fighting in man's heart, even when it is covered by layers of whims and desires. When Allâh wills good for His slave, He causes the light of guidance to shine in his heart and guides him to the path of those who are guided. Allâh says (interpretation of the meaning), {And whomsoever Allâh wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam; and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky} (Al-An’âm [6]:125)
Source: Al-Bayaan Magazine, issue no.152.
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Fatima saw her sister's kids straying from the guidance of Allaah. She became very concerned.
After all, those kids were like her own. She loved them dearly and wanted to save them from any sin they might fall into. Knowing that she will not have much control over the kids themselves, she decided to talk to her sister directly and advise her sincerely for the sake of Allaah about what she saw the kids doing.
But, instead of appreciating Fatima's sincerity and understanding the motherly concern she had for her kids, her sister exploded. "Mind your own business!" she said. "This has nothing to do with you! Stop talking about my kids! Look at your own and what they are doing!" she shouted.
"But....but...." Fatima tried to explain.
"But what? I am sick and tired of you picking on my kids! And if we are so 'bad' in your eyes, leave us alone! From this day on, I don't want to have anything to do with you!"
Fatima cried.
Sad and hurt, she withdrew.....tears rolling down her eyes. She wasn't 'picking' on her sister or her kids nor was she 'judging' them. All she wanted to do was to prevent them from committing Haraam (impermissible acts) and prevent them from falling into sin.
Where did she go wrong? she thought to herself as she wiped her tears. She looked over her own action carefully. Did she cross the limits set by Allaah when advising her sister? She had followed the etiquettes defined by the Sharee'ah (Islamic Law) when enjoining good and forbidding evil.
She has always been very sincere and loving to her sister and her kids. She had advised her sister in a kind and soft manner. She wasn't ever harsh with her. She tried to use Hikmah (wisdom). She spoke to her sister in private so she doesn't feel offended or insulted.
And whatever she advised her sister, she had always tried to implement that for herself and her family as well. It's not like she is advising something to her sister and not practicing it herself. Then why did her sister react in this manner? she wondered. What made her sister so angry and defensive?
Isn't it a duty of every Muslim to speak up against an evil, if he sees one? Isn't it an order of Allaah?
{Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.} [Surah Aal ‘Imraan:104]
Did my sister forget that enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the greatest principles of Islam? In fact, some scholars regard it as one of the pillars of Islam.
And didn't the Prophet (sal Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) say, “Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Muslim)
"And especially if it is my own sister's kids?" Fatima said to herself, exasperated. How could she see her own loved ones do wrong and not say anything?!!
And what about what Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz said,
"The believing men and women enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and the believer does not keep quiet. If he sees his brother committing an evil, he denounces him. Similarly, if he sees his sister, paternal aunt, maternal aunt or anyone else committing an evil action, he tells them not to do that. If he sees his brother in faith or his sister in faith falling short in some duty, he denounces him for that, and enjoins him to do what is good. All of that is to be done with kindness and wisdom, and good manners.
If the believer sees one of his brothers in faith being lazy in praying, or engaging in backbiting or gossip, or smoking or drinking, or disobeying one or both of his parents, or severing the ties of kinship, he denounces him in kind words and with good manners, not with hateful words and harshness, and he explains to him that it is not permissible for him to do this thing.
All of these evils must be denounced by every believing man and woman and every righteous person, by husbands and wives, brothers, relatives, neighbors, friends and others. They must all do that, as Allaah says, describing the believing men and women,
{They enjoin (on the people) Al Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden)” [al-Tawbah 9:71]}
All Fatima wanted was to teach her sister and her kids something good. And isn't that something that Allaah is pleased with?
The Prophet (sal Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allaah, His angels, and the inhabitants of heaven and earth, even the ant in its hole and even the fish, send blessings (pray for good) upon the one who teaches the people good.” (Al-Tirmidhi, saheeh by al-Albaani)
In fact, if people stopped saying anything when they see an evil, it might be a cause of punishment for them.
The Prophet (al Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "If the people see an evildoer and do not take him by the hand [to put a stop to his evil], soon Allaah will punish all of them.” (Tirmidhi-saheeh by al-Albaani)
And Allaah warns, {And fear the fitnah (affliction and trial) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong} [Surah al-Anfaal:25]
Dear brothers and sisters, in this day of widespread evil and corruption, we as Muslims, have forgotten or neglected one of the biggest and most important obligations on each and every one of us. And that is to enjoin good and forbid evil.
And if you tell someone about the evil that their child, brother, friend or loved one is doing, it is not ‘telling’ on them or complaining against them, or 'picking' on them, or judging them. It is the order of Allaah to prevent your Muslim brother or sister from committing evil. It is nothing to get defensive about or hurt. In fact, it is something that shows the sincerity and concern of the advising person for the one he is advising, and this is the very essence of Islaam.
The Prophet (sal Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said. “Religion is sincerity.” We said, “To whom?” He said, “To Allaah and His Book, and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” (Muslim).
Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the basic principles of this religion of ours, and doing this is Jihaad (a struggle) for the sake of Allaah.
Imaam al-Nawawi said,
".....this (stopping evil) is obligatory according to the consensus of the Ummah, and there is overwhelming evidence from the Qur'aan and Sunnah and scholarly consensus that it is obligatory to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and it also comes under the heading of Naseehah (sincere advice), which is Islaam." (Sharh Saheeh Muslim)
Al-‘Allaamah al-Quraafi said,
"The scholars said that enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is obligatory and should be done immediately, according to consensus, and whoever is able to enjoin what is good should do so immediately." (Al-Furooq)
So, I say to Fatima and others like her: don't give up or feel sad. You didn't do anything wrong. You obeyed Allaah's orders and fulfilled one of His basic commandments. Even if your sister didn't understand, and she hurt you with her words, explain to her kindly the reason behind your advice to her and if she still doesn't appreciate what you did, leave the matter in Allaah's Hands. Surely He knows what lies in everyone's heart and He knows the intentions behind every action. And rest your aching heart with the words of Allaah, the Almighty,
{Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.} (Surah Hajj:40)
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If you’ve always wanted to be a Daa’iyyah (caller to Islaam); to invite people to the Truth, but felt you don’t have time, then you'd better take a fresh look at Da’wah! Check out these 10 ideas and make your home a Da’wah hub!
1. Bake a cake for your neighbors
It’s amazing what effect reaching out to our neighbors can have. A simple gesture such as baking a cake for them can really change their perception of Islaam and Muslims. It is those little day-to-day interactions that make people think twice about how Islaam is often portrayed in the media.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “O Muslim women, do not think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a sheep’s foot.” (Agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim.)
3. Phone or write to a friend
Supporting our sisters in Islaam is also Da’wah because while you chat you can help renew a sisters Eemaan (faith), give her some timely advice regarding something she’s worried about, and remind her to have Sabr (patience), which all come under ‘enjoining the good.’ Remember that Allah says in the Qur’aan, “By Time, Indeed Man is in loss, except for those who believe, and work righteous deeds, and advise one another with Truth and advise one another with Sabr (Patient perseverance).” (Surah Al Asr 103:1-3)
6. Invite someone round for tea.
Whether it is the Jehovah’s Witness lady, who knocks on your door, or someone else you have met, you can invite them round for an informal chat. Let them learn a little something about Islaam. You could just tell them what we believe about the Prophet ‘Isa ('alyhissalaam) and you will have conveyed an important part of our message.
7. Write an article for a magazine or website.
There must be something you feel passionately about or an experience you’ve had, that others may benefit from. Put pen to paper and let your ideas flow. Base what you write upon the Qur’an and Sunnah and have it checked by a person of knowledge. It’ll be a chance for you to do a bit of research, increase your knowledge and it may be a valuable resource for other sisters.
8. Start a study circle
Host a small gathering of sisters for an hour every week. Present a short talk about one aspect of Islam you have looked into, or study the Tafseer (Qur’anic exegesis) of a particular Soorah (chapter) together. Invite sisters who don’t normally go to a circle. Allah will put so much Barakah (blessings) in your home Inshaa’ Allah! The Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said in a Hadeeth Qudsi, that Allah says, “I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it.”
9. Be your husband’s Rock
When we support our husbands’ efforts in Da’wah, we will be rewarded too. Allow him time to spend in this cause and help him in any way you can.
10. Teach your children
Bringing our children up to understand and love the message of Islaam is our most important Da’wah project! Remember that everything you do to increase their knowledge and make them strong, righteous people is priceless and will be rewarded. The Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, “All of you are shepherds and are responsible for their flocks. A leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock…” (Agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim.)