The Meaning Da'wah in Islam
Da'wah is an Arabic word which has the literal meaning of "issuing
a summons," or "making an invitation." This term is often used
to describe how Muslims teach others about the beliefs and practices of their
Islamic faith. In Islamic theology, the purpose of daʿwah is to invite people,
Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the worship of God as expressed in the
Qur'an and the sunnah of Muhammad and to inform them about Islam.
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Daʿwah as the "Call towards God" is the means by which
Muhammad began spreading the message of the Qur'an to mankind. After Muhammad,
his followers and the Ummah (Muslim community) assumed responsibility for
it. They convey the message of the Qur'an by providing information on why
and how the Qur'an preaches monotheism. Muhammad saw Islam as the true
religion and mission of all earlier prophets. He believed that their call had
been limited to their own people but that his was universal. His mission as the
final prophet was to repeat to the whole world this call and invitation
(daʿwah) to Islam. Muhammad wrote to various non-Muslim rulers, inviting them
to convert.
Da'wah is not just a speech. Dialogue, discussions and presentations
are part of da'wah however, exemplifying and acting upon what you preach in is
very important as well.
Allah states in the Quran,
"Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. For
your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive
guidance" (An-Nahl: 125).
“You are the best nation which has ever been raised for the guidance of
mankind. You enjoin good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah…” (Ali Imran: 110)
“Convey from me even if one ayah (verse)” (Sahih Bukhari, vol 1. Pg 491 Qadeemi
Kutub Khana)
The Importance of Da'wah in Islam
The substantial significance of Da`wah can be determined from the
following facts:
●
Achieving the goal of Islam
The main goal of Islamic Dawah is to achieve the satisfaction of Allah,
declare the religion of Islam, and clarify its principles, values, and rulings.
●
Carrying out Job of Prophet (PBUH)
All the Prophets whom Allah SWT sent down on earth, had one basic task
to do, and that was Da`wah or call their locals to remembrance of One God,
adoption of the ethical and avoidance of the immoral, which makes it the best
occupation to do. The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah was not restricted to a single
nation; rather He was given a profession to transform lives of the whole world,
which makes us necessary on us to invite everyone en route to Islamic
understanding of the world, irrespective of their religion. The Glorious Lord
has regarded this act being the way of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in the Sacred
Book as:
Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who
follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others
with Him.” (Yusuf: 108)
● Best
Ummah
Allah say, “You are the best nation raised up for humankind. You enjoin
righteousness, forbid corruption and you believe in Allah.” (Ali Imran:
110)
●
Defending Islam
Through Islamic Dawah, truths can be clarified, and misconceptions and
incorrect ideas that people may hold about Islam can be addressed.
●
Fulfillment of Obligation
Although it is a moral responsibility of any individual to spread a
word of uprightness and try to stop others from unlawful activity, but for a
Muslim, it is not only its task from ethical point of view, but also a must do
action from a sacred standpoint as well. Allah Almighty directs us to take on
this very deed in the Holy Quran as:
“And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is]
good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be
the successful.” (Ali Imran: 104)
●
Improving Social Relationships
Dawah in Islam helps improve social relationships between Muslims and
non-Muslims by teaching people about Islamic values, ethics, and noble
principles.
●
Spreading Goodness and Reform
Through Islamic Dawah, goodness can be spread in societies, and efforts
can be made to improve and reform them by guiding people to act in ways that
please Allah.
●
Saving People
Dawah in Islam can save people from ignorance and lead them to the
truth and belief in Allah and the right path.
●
Eliminating False Beliefs
This can be accomplished by spreading the correct beliefs, which will
lead non-Muslims to unify their ranks towards the truth and righteousness.
●
Earning Great Rewards
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasizes on impact of Da`wah as:
“Whoever calls others to guidance will have a reward like the rewards
of those who follow him, without that detracting from their reward in any way.
And whoever calls others to misguidance will have a burden of sin like the
burden of those who follow him, without that detracting from their burden in
any way.” (Muslim)
●
Strengthening of One`s own Faith
Transforming others` lives positively is no doubt a great achievement
for any one, but Da`wah also helps in constant purification of one`s own soul
and avoidance of satanic attacks when it learns about new Islamic lessons for
the sake of teachings them to others. As, Da`ee needs to have a strong hold on
every perspective of a given topic that it is lecturing others about and also
act as an example, so by constant research of the religious and Sunnah
instructions, that particular instructor improves its own knowledge and tends
to know about newer issues. So, this process in turn perks up one`s own
devotion to teachings of Islam.
● Being
Successful in the Hereafter
As discussed above, inviting people towards right and refraining them
from wrong is one`s responsibility as a Muslim, and we have strong conviction
about being asked on the Day of Judgment about all of our duties
like raising of children, spending of wealth, religious obligations etc.
so we should be aware of completion of the task of Da`wah as well. As the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) one said about this matter as:
“Whoever is asked about some knowledge that he knows, and then he
conceals it, he will be bridled with bridle of fire.” (Tirmidhi).
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