Sociocultural Structure of the West

As we head towards another millennium, Muslims are looking back at the events that shaped the 20th Century and are reflecting on this humiliating and devastating period in the history of Islam. The fall of the Khilafah and consequently the disappearance of the Shari'ah, the division of Muslim land into minute powerless countries, the rise of secular theories on all intellectual fronts, are only some of the major crises that inflicted the Muslim Ummah.

The consecutive dictatorship regimes and the degrading living conditions have driven many Muslims out of their homes temporarily to places less hostile towards their religion and in search of better living standards. The Western countries, a primary contributor to this migration, ironically accepted most of those Muslim immigrants who today number well over 15 million.

The West, a general term referring to Western Europe, North America and some other countries likeAustralia and Zealand, is a place of great opportunities for Muslims to practice Da'wah and claim more adherents to the universal Deen of Allah. However, to make use of such opportunities, the Muslim Da'ees must be aware and mindful of the environment they live in. They should attain an adequate level of knowledge about the culture and social order of their Western country. An understanding of the country's history, geography, demography, economy, religions and ethnic backgrounds are very important aspects which help the Da'ees in their mission. They also need to learn about the country's political system, parties and the "who", "what", and "how" of the political process. What are the major newspapers, magazines and broadcasting organisations? Who are the opinion leaders, famous figures, authors, scientists, etc.?

THE DA'EE

The Da'ee should exhibit the following traits, else his mission could lead to failure, in both his earthly mission and in the Hereafter.

Sincerity in conveying the Message and detachment from personal gain is the trait of righteous persons. Not only will the insincere Da'ee be punished on the Day of Judgment for his hypocrisy, but when people observe him craving for a worldly or personal benefit when conveying the Message, they immediately reject his advice and doubt his mission. On the other hand, the sincere Da'ee is respected by his community, and people usually listen to what he says and observe his recommendations. The Prophet (s.a.w) warned us: "He who let the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of Resurrection). And he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate him)" [Bukhari, 8/506]. It is therefore essential for the Da'ee to be sincere, and to separate and openly declare oneself from personal gain, such as wealth, position or power; and thus imitate the example of the Prophets when they said to their people, "No reward do I ask you for it (my Message of Islamic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds." [26:109] Furthermore, let his motto be Allah's passage: "Say (O Muhammad): 'Verily, my Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." [6:162]

Part of sincerity in performing Da'wah is witnessing the Da'ee applying what he is preaching and being among the first to submit himself to Allah. Allah (s.w.t) instructed His Prophet (s.a.w) in this regard: "Say (O Muhammad): 'Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah (Alone) sincerely. And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allah (in Islam) as Muslims.' Say (O Muhammad): 'Verily, If I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day.'" [39:11-13]

As an example for his community, the Da'ee should begin his Da'wah with his family, relatives and close friends in accordance with Allah's command: "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones.." [66:6] This was the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w) as his call was first directed to his wife Khadeejah, his cousin Ali, and his closest friend Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with all the Companions. Abu Hurairah (r.a.a) reported that when (this verse) was revealed: "And warn (O Muhammad) your nearest kinsmen," [26:214] Allah's Messenger (s.a.w) said: "O people of Quraish, buy yourselves from Allah (i.e. secure deliverance from Allah by doing good deeds), I cannot avail you at all against Allah. O 'Abbaas bin 'Abd al-Muttalib (the Prophet's uncle), I cannot avail you at all against Allah; O Safiyyah (the Prophet's aunt), I cannot avail you at all against Allah; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, ask me whatever you like, but I cannot avail you at all against Allah." [Muslim, 1/402]

A Da'ees household is always in the critical eye of the community. If they find his wife and children to be careless in their application of Islam, they will take the Da'ee as being incompetent at his job and turn away. The Da'ee will also be held responsible firstly for his family before his community.

The carrier of the Message must be sufficiently competent in Islamic knowledge and expression qualities, so to convey his thoughts about a certain subject accurately and explicitly. Obviously, an ignorant Muslim or one who is poor in articulation is not fit to convey the Message to the people. In fact, he may do more harm than good to the Deen of Allah and may drive people away from him. Some young enthusiastic Muslims erroneously think that Islamic knowledge can be gained from reading magazines or listening to an audio tape in their spare time. The truth is that the sciences of Islam can only be acquired through the systematic process of learning which demands wholehearted approach to time and effort. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the Deen; and of course knowledge is attained by learning." [Bukhari, 1/67] Many pious Salaf have said: "Give knowledge (of Deen) everything you have, it will give you some of what it has." We may now ask: "How much will knowledge of Deen give us if we only give it some of our leisure time?"

In preaching Islam, the Da'ee should try when possible to demonstrate rhetoric and literary eloquent speech. This is the style of the Qur'an in addressing humanity and the Da'ees are responsible for acquiring a respectable level of language proficiency to effectively convey the Message. It is worthy to note that all evil channels of communication convey its falsehood and mischief through adorned speech. Allah (s.w.t) states: "And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies - Shayaateen (devils) among mankind and jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it, so leave them alone with their fabrications. (And this is in order) that the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter may incline to such (deceit), and that they remain pleased with it, and that they may commit what they are committing (all kinds of sins and evil deeds, etc.)" [6:112-113] Therefore, if the leaders of falsehood use the weapon of garnished speech and styles of expression to deceive the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter, then the Da'ees are more entitled to use this to call for the truth.

It is very desirable that the Da'ee exhibit strong will, positive self-confidence and a capacity to control emotions. These characteristics are gained from sincerity and reliance on Allah and from knowledge and language competency, along with extensive experience and repetition.

The importance of these characteristics becomes evident when knowing that facing the people with different beliefs and concepts with the aim of guiding them to the Straight Path is no less than declaring an ideological war on their beliefs and conceptions that are part of their persons. People will not relinquish their beliefs and thoughts unless they are convinced with better alternatives, and naturally, they would take a cautious stance from, if not oppose, the Da'ee. But when such a Da'ee is garnished with strong will and confidence and is charismatic in speech and presentation, people begin to feel that this Da'ee is a mentor who is keen on their guidance and happiness, and some of them may in fact respond to the call. When few people find the guidance, a group of followers begin to form, and more will follow suite.

In the course of Da'wah, the Da'ee will inevitably face afflictions, temptations and obstacles, that try to lure him off his mission. If he fails these tests, he will fall into the bait of Shayaateen and even though he is wearing the garments of a reformer, he will share in the corruption without him noticing. However, the true Da'ee remains steadfast on truth, seeking reward for his perseverance and knowing that being a leader and an example, his intowards seductiis more despicable and harmful than the wicked flagitious people. The prophet (s.a.w) said: "A Muslim remains subject to trials (in this world) in respect of self, children and property till he or she faces Allah, the Exalted, (on the Day of Judgment) in a state in which all his or her sins have been remitted." [Tirmidhi, 49]

If the Shayaateen of man don't succeed in their hideous assignment to win the Da'ee to their side, they will at least subject their efforts on abusing him with offensive and threatening language, if not try to hurt him. The Da'ee must be patient and console himself by remembering that he is not better than the Prophets of Allah and their companions, who suffered tremendously on this noble path. He mustn't let their speech grieve him because all honour belongs to Allah who says: "And be patient (O Muhammad) with what they say, and keep away from them in a good way. And leave Me Alone to deal with the beliers, and those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while. Verily, with Us are fetters (to blind them), and a raging Fire." [73:10-12]

Not only does the true Da'ee exercise patience during adversities and hardships, but he also continues his mission eagerly and devotes oneself assiduously to Da'wah work even if it was little. The Prophet (s.a.w) was asked: "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said: "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few." He added: "Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability." [Bukhari, 8/472]

Another really admirable characteristics of a Da'ee is exhibiting kindness, gentleness, courtesy and high manners when dealing with people. Being an active member of the society, the Da'ee would have excellent social relations and would not alienate himself from people. He would initiate greetings with Salam, respond to invitations, offer services, conciliate matters of differences among people, visit the sick, join funeral processions, etc., as reported in many Ahadeeth. The Da'ee should approach all these tasks with leniency and gentleness. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "Allah likes gentleness in all matters." [Bukhari] Even if the Da'ee is faced with a hypocrite or an offender, he should maintain his friendly trait. 'Aaishah (r.a.a) narrated that a man asked permission to see the Prophet, and the Prophet (s.a.w) said: "He is a bad member of the tribe." When he entered, the Prophet (s.a.w) treated him in a frank and friendly way and spoke to him. When he departed, I said: "Allah's Messenger! When he asked permission, you said, 'he is a bad member of the tribe;' but when he entered, you treated him in a frank and friendly way." The Prophet (s.a.w) replied: "'Aaisha! Allah does not like the one who is unseemly and lewd in his language." [Abu Daawood, 4774]

The Methodology of Da'wah

The act of preaching and educating in the field of Da'wah are not easy tasks. They not only demand massive effort and God-fearing character, but also instigate a comprehensive systematic approach that is based on the Qur'an and Sunnah. Without such a proper approach, the success of the efforts of inviting to Islam is a remote possibility.

The first principle in the correct approach is in the Da'ee limiting his source of reasoning and inferences to the Book of Allah (s.w.t) and the Sunnah of His Messenger (s.a.w). All myths, suspicions, superstition and falsehood are sources rejected by Islam, for truth cannot be sustained except with truth. The Prophet (s.a.w) cautioned: "He who intentionally lies about me will find his abode in Hell-Fire." [Tirmidhi, 232] Truth has enough true proofs to uphold it. Even if the addressee accept to believe in false proofs, the addresser would have committed a great crime in Islam. Moreover, reasoning from falsehood weakens the truth that one claims to support. Such sources of falsehood include the kashf dimension in Sufism, fabricated ahadeeth, irrational or unfounded ideas to prove doctrinal concepts and the Bible (unless circumstances warrant). Allah the All-Wise states: "Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His ayaat (proofs, revelations, etc.)?" [7:37]

Another important principle in the approach of the Da'ee is using the progressive, gradual development in preaching, beginning with the fundamentals ('aqeedah) followed by its major branches and tenets, general moral prescripts and major rules of worship. This was the Sunnah of the Prophets in inviting people to Islam. When Mu'aadh (r.a.a) was send to Yemen, he was instructed by the Prophet (s.a.w) to call the people firstly to the testimony of faith (Shahaadah). If they obeyed him, he was to explain to them that Allah has prescribed five prayers daily, and if they obeyed him, the obligation of charity, and so on. [See Bukhari, 2/537]

The successful Da'ee recognises that his role is not merely in conveyance of the Message, but extends to the boundaries of continual Tarbiyah and education of young enthusiastic generations of believers. This role is crucial in the non-Islamic environment, where many uneducated Muslims who were raised on shallow perception of Islam or a scant emotion towards this religion, compete to lead Muslim organisations blindly for the sake of fame or reputation leading to deep divisions and anti-Islamic practices in the community. The Da'ee must plant the seeds of goodness in the hearts of the Muslim youth and then pledge to constantly raise them progressively in accordance with Allah's Law, resembling the description of the Companions of the Prophet in the Injeel. Allah (s.w.t) says: "..their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, it then becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers - that He may enrage the disbelievers with them." [48:29]

The Da'ee must always remember that he is not entrusted with transforming people from Kufr to Imaan, for ultimate guidance is from Allah, and free will is the bases of the Divine worldly test. Allah (s.w.t) said: "The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way." [24:54] Nor should the Da'ee worry about the number of his followers; but should sympathise with some of the Prophets (s.a.w), the best of mankind, who will come on the Day of Judgment with just one or two followers [Ahmad, Bayhaqi, Nasaa'i.]

Shaytaan will use this fact to establish resignation and hoplesness in the hearts of the Da'ee. He will make it appear to him that he could funnel his efforts elsewhere, until the Da'ee believes that it is better to fix himself (the so-called Jihad al-Nafs) rather than others. This selfish view, which denies the community their right to be educated on Islam, has afflicted many Da'ees who have not grasped the essence of conveying the message.

Propagating the Message through oration is a very effective and common method of Da'wah. Words that are heard are more inspiring and moving than words that are read, as they contain prominent features of life and emotion. When the Da'ee is assigned with a public presentation (e.g. Khutbas, lessons, etc.), there are rational and traditional (Sunnah) guidelines he should follow. Some of these are summarised below: