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"Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching" (Qur'an 16:125)
Don't Compromise; Emphasize the Difference
The caller to Islam must first recognize and believe that Islam
opposes some aspects of the western-style societies. They are
opposites. He/ she must use this very difference and know that
it is to his or her advantage.
Americans who embrace Islam are wanting a different and better
life than this society provides. Therefore we Muslims will
succeed if we present Islam (in all its differences) as the
complete solution to countless present problems. On the other
hand, if we compromise and try to make Islam more acceptable to
non-Muslims, we lose in the long run. We will not be pleasing
Allah by changing His Word. Indeed, anything less than complete
Islam does not produce results. Allah has warned us against
taking some verses (ayaat) and rejecting others.
Caution
This does not mean that we push new people to do everything
required in Islam on the first or even the 100th day. The
Prophet's (pbuh) sayings warn us:
This religion is powerful; enter into it gradually. Indeed the
over-strict are lost, the over-strict are lost.
Every individual has a different rate of learning, changing and
growing in faith. We have to accommodate their direction and
pace, and try to ease their adjustment into the Muslim society.
Know what to Say
Before we can talk to non-Muslims about Islam, of course, we
have to know where to start. When talking to Christians we can
discuss two topics: Bible and Christianity or Qur'an and Islam.
If you have good knowledge of both, then you should probably
start with the belief of the person with whom you are speaking.
It is very important that you do not talk about Christianity if
you don't have a good knowledge about it; you may be made out a
liar or stupid at best. You can win or lose trust and respect on
just this point. Once you have made an obvious avoidable
mistake, your credibility is shattered. Why should anyone
believe you after that?
Starting Option-A
In general, I believe that for the goal of 'reverting' someone
you must first lead that person to disown his own religion
(i.e., belief that Jesus (PBUH) is Divine, etc.) before you can
offer Islam as a replacement. Otherwise, he/she will most likely
conclude from our discussion that Islam might be a good moral
religion, possibly acceptable before God but for you and not for
him/her because he/she still believes that Jesus died for
his/her salvation.
Starting Option-B
The second option, talking exclusively about Islam and the
Qur'an, would be preferred in two circumstances: first, if you
don't have knowledge about Christianity and Bible; second, if
the person being spoken to doesn't believe that Jesus is God or
the Son of God or that the Bible is the answer. In the second
case the person is ready or the next step: Islam.
Again, knowledge about Islam is very important. Start the talk
with things which are less likely to cause disagreement (Ex.
Tawhid, Greatness and Power of God, His Love and Mercy, etc;
using the word 'God' instead of 'Allah' so the person will not
think Allah is an idol or some foreign god; save explanation of
God for another time; birth, miracles and the second coming of
Jesus (pbuh); that Jesus is one of the five greatest prophets;
etc). Subsequent discussions might include an introduction to
the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the basic beliefs and
salvation in Islam. Most of all, take it easy and don't try to
'revert' someone overnight! Besides, how anyone receives the
message of Islam rests with Allah (SWT), and not with us.
The Best Approach
The best and most beneficial instructions we can give is our
example. By our example Islam is proven to work. If we do not
live by Allah's commands how do we expect anyone to trust our
word that Islam possesses the truth and the solution to their
problems? One of the most frequent excuses for leaving the
church is the church members' hypocrisy. How do we expect to
attract them to our mosques if we are no better at practicing
what we preach?
Difficult Task
We have a difficult task in combating misinformation about Islam
and Muslims because the Muslims who tend to be 'visible' are
those who date, frequent bars or parties, and may not even know
about Islam. The practicing Muslims are in hiding. Many of them
are afraid to speak up or speak out. Many continue their lives
without any thought of their neighbors or colleagues.
Opportunities for Da'wah
Opportunities for Da'wah are limitless for the person whom Allah
blesses with a love of Islam and a desire to share His Message.
Every time someone stops me in the store and asks me a question,
I have to thank Allah (for my hijab, my visibility (We have
already talked about our example as Muslims). Places of da'wah
can be in a supermarket while shopping or standing in line to
pay, at work or at school. Even doctor's waiting rooms, airport
lounges or anywhere you are waiting for something. You can start
with talking about your country if you have immigrated. Make it
obvious that you like to be questioned and that you won't think
anyone rude to ask you anything.
Starting Conversation
How can you start a conversation with a stranger? First, if you
make yourself approachable repeatedly, the other person will
start the talking. Some of the ways to do this are to smile, say
'Hi', or 'cute child!' or 'working hard?' You would be surprised
how effective just smiling can be! Begin a conversation about
anything; the weather or something work- or job-related. If
children are present ask how old they are, their names, etc.
Many Americans are curious about us but are too polite to ask.
Most think that they will offend or bother us. Therefore it is
up to us to show that we are happy to speak with them. Don't be
insulted if people stare or ask stupid things. Just explain the
truth politely and maybe joke about it to put them at ease so
that they can ask more questions. Many children stare or say
something to their parents about my hijab. I smile at the child
and mother and say to the child, "You've never seen anyone
dressed up funny like me before, have you?" This stops the
parent's embarrassment, puts her at ease and allows further talk
if desired. It's important for people to see Muslims as nice and
happy with themselves and their religious duties, not
bad-tempered and strict. They should look at us and develop a
curiosity to know what makes us happy and content.
Steering the Conversation
After a conversation has been started, you can steer it to some
aspect of religious practice. It is easy for me because I
usually have my children with me wearing hijab (which stirs
curiosity) and I am American. When I am asked where I am from I
say, "Oklahoma". I continue to explain that "I am American but I
dress the way because of my religion. Have you heard about Islam
or Muslims?" There! Conversation started. It's a good idea to
always carry a few good pamphlets with you for situations when
there is no time for a long talk (like in the store). Many
subjects/news about Muslim countries can also lead to the
subject of Islam; especially the politics right now.
Another helpful, educative way to introduce Islam to your
non-Muslim guests is to, while serving refreshments, explain
that generosity to guests, is from our Islamic manners, from
Prophet Mohammad's (pbuh) sayings. In all cases while talking to
those who have not approached you for religious convention you
must use your judgment on those most likely to respond. Anyone
not interested is a waste of time.
The Way to Talk and Listen
Smile and speak simply. Be friendly and understanding of their
viewpoint as well as respectful. Don't argue. Remember Allah
says, "Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and
beautiful preaching and discuss things with people in the best
manner." (16:125) Try to always speak one on one. People are
more likely to listen and accept if they don't have an audience
(peer pressure).
When time permits (not waiting in a checkout line), ask
questions to him/her to find out what he/she believes about the
nature of God and Jesus. Listen to the answers and respond
accordingly so you don't waste time disproving something they
already don't believe in. Some people don't believe in the
trinity. It would be futile discussing trinity from and Islamic
perspective with such a person. But, if a person believes Jesus
to be the Son of God, then this question should be answered
before talking about Islamic prayer, fasting, etc. Keep control
of the conversation without the person being aware of it. This
doesn't mean that they shouldn't talk. It means steering the
convention in the direction desired. Politely bring the topic to
an end if the person begins trying to convert you, or when they
are no longer receptive of the Islamic view.
Don't try to say or conclude everything at one meeting. There
may be several years of teaching for the belief to change. Give
them time to think about your words and the proofs you have
brought.
Which Pamphlets, Booklets to give?
The type of literature you give depends on the individuals
needs. If the person still believes or has doubts about the
divinity of Jesus, give pamphlets or short books on that
subject. If he/she is past that point, give pamphlets or simple
books on the basics of Islam and the life of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
Of course, the depth of materials given should be commensurate
with the age and background. The book you give to a college
professor would obviously be different than for others less
educated. In general, I do not like to pass out the Qur'ans to
new prospects. I don't believe they are ready, and I think
giving small books that discuss the Qur'an is better. Allah has
told us that unless a person's heart is open to His message
he/she will not be benefited from it. American Christians have
been taught to interpret the scriptures for themselves. Just
look at how these evangelists distort the Qur'an's message in
debates. It takes more to see the wisdom of Allah's warnings.
Small books or brochures such as "The Qur'an's Basic Teachings"
or "Glimpses from the Holy Qur'an" would be adequate to guide
the reader to a more effective study and understanding.
It's also very important how the information is presented in
print as well as orally. Remember Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh)
admonition not to insult other's religion. Others would not say
anything to insult Allah and Islam if we keep from insulting
their religion. How would you react to someone sarcastically
criticizing the Qur'an or Prophet or Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)?
Would you keep quite and try to understand his viewpoint? Of
course not! You would get very upset and your emotions would
rule instead of your reason. The same thing is true for
Christians. This brings us to the subject of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat.
Masha Allah, he is a very good, active, and knowledgeable
scholar. But in order to use his knowledge, you must change his
language. For a person new to Islam, do not use debate videos or
booklets by Deedat. Use his valuable information but put it in
nice words. Sarcasm and insulting words put people on the
defensive instead of making them think, understand, and accept.
After you have spoken with the prospect a few times and have
gotten to know him then you can give our Deedat's materials with
an apology for the sarcasm.
The Real Task
Finally, we come to the most critical stage in Da'wah. When a
person accepts Islam and recites the shahada, the easy part is
over! After that, the struggle between Belief and Action has
begun. Again, remember the hadith we began with:
He who makes this religion difficult will be broken by it.
and,
This religion is powerful; enter into it gradually.
Go slowly. Don't' rush. Correct attitude as needed but don't
criticize. Praise small things and provide encouragement at
every step. Allah told the prophet Muhammad (pbuh): "It is part
of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. Were you
severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken aeay from about
you; So pass over (their faults), and ask for Allah's
forgiveness for them" [Qur'an 3:159]. We have to follow the
Prophet's example.
As faith and knowledge grow, practice grows too. Be patient and
available to help. Try to understand any difficulties that may
arise. For up to one whole year I myself could not say the word
'Lord' without thinking it to mean Jesus. In addition, I used to
have 'panic' attacks asking myself, "What if I am wrong?". Years
of memory and training cannot be erased overnight. Everything
must be reprogrammed, and that takes time. Reassure the new
Muslim that these doubts and problems are a normal part of
shedding years of wrong training, and it will pass, inshaAllah.
Try to find ways to ease problems by giving and using examples
of proven solutions from other reverts or community practice. By
all means, don't leave them alone. If you don't have time to
spend with them ask another Muslim to help.
Last Tip
Don't encourage frequent non-Muslim family visits until his
faith and knowledge strengthens. New Muslims need time away from
the influence of western societies to gain strength. They need
time for their new faith to take firm root in their heart.
May Allah guide and help us in our work, ameen.
Article by Sister Um-Bilah El-Hishi
Source > http://www.sistersinislam.net
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