DW # 02/2000 July 1, 00 ICNA Convention, Baltimore

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEVOLENT, THE MERCIFUL

ETHICS AND MANNERS OF DAWAH

QUESTIONNAIRE:

[A Q/A Session]

Q. 1. Is Dawah Obligatory on every Muslim and Muslimah?

Q. 2. Is it a blunt call or has any moral dimension?

Q. 3. What are the moral dimensions of Dawah Ilallah?

Q. 4. What is Al-Hikmah [the wisdom] or what are the considerations to be taken care of while involved in Dawah?

Q. 5. What is “Al-Mauezatul Hasna” – Good Nasiha?

Q. 6. What is talking in a reasonable manner?

Q. 7. What are the most effective means of Dawah from the moral point of view?

Q. 8. What is the highest point of morality in the field of Dawah Ilallah?

May Allah give us Tawfeeq to fulfill our obligation of Dawah Ilallah in the most accomplished manner! Amen!

Shamim A Siddiqi

Department of Dawah & Publications, ICNA Dated July 1, 2000

DW # 02/2000 July 1, 00 ICNA Convention, Baltimore

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL

ETHICS AND MANNERS OF DAWAH

WORKSHOP:

[A Q/A Session]

Q. 1. Is Dawah obligatory on every Muslim and Muslimah?

Allah has ordained it in the Qur’an:

* Al-Nahal –125:

* Joseph – 108:

* Muhammad – 35:

* Al- Hijr – 95:

* Al-Qasas – 87:

* Al-Ha’mmim Al-Sajdah – 33:

Q. 2. Is it a blunt call or has any moral dimension?

* This is an assignment of great People: Ha’mmim Al-Sajdah - 35:

* Al- Ahqaf – 35:

- Hence its moral dimensions are great.

Q. 3. What are the moral dimensions of Dawah Ilallah?

* Al-Nahal – 125:

* Ha’mmim Al-Sajdah – 34:

Q. 4. What is Al-Hikmah [the wisdom] or what are the considerations to be taken care of while involved in Dawah?

* Hikmah deals with two aspects of the presentation of DI: “When and where”?

i. Time;

ii. Place;

iii. Situation;

iv. Individual state of mind [human mood];

v. Doses of Dawah to be given [Not all at a time but in gradual stages;

1. Obedience to Allah;

2. Accountability in Akhirah;

3. Accepting Muhammad (S) as the messenger of Allah];

vi. Dawah should be as per standard/knowledge of the Contactees;

vii. Be Respectful

Q. 5. What is “Al-Mauezatul Hasna” – good Nasiha?

i. Selection of theme or topic for discussion;

ii. Language; Tone of the talk;

iii. No animosity about historical prejudices;

iv. Politeness;

v. Soft-spoken words;

vi. No heated argumentation;

vii. Message of hope and ease;

viii. Salvation – pardon of past sins;

Q. 6. What is talking in a reasonable manner?

i. Argue nicely;

ii. Listen attentively;

iii. Responding in pleasant manner;

iv. No hate and no heart burning;

v. In case of obstinacy, say “Salam”;

vi. Keep the door open for future.

Q. 7. What are the most effective means of Dawah from the moral point of view?

i. Fulfillment of promise:

ii. Pardoning:

iii. No anger:

iv. Exchange of gifts;

v. Rendering Humanitarian services:

vi. Wining over the hearts by persuasion, love, care and concern;

vii. A 180-degree turn will be possible only when the addressee believes in your sincerity.

Q. 8. What is highest point of morality in the field of Dawah Ilallah?

1. Sabr/Azimah in the face of stiff opposition from the vested interests & Shukr when the blessings of Allah come;

2. Determination to carry out the mission of life to the point where either the Deen is established or the Da’ee dies in that

Pursuit;

3. No compromise with Batil on principle

4. Expecting reward only from Allah in the life Hereafter.

May Allah give us Tawfeeq to fulfill our obligation of DI in the most accomplished manner! Ameen!

Shamim A Siddiqi

Department of Dawah & Publications, ICNA

Dated July 1, 2000