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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 |
