Inviting others to learn and understand Islam is known as “Dawah”; it helps individuals better understand the religion.
Islam places great importance on dawah, and it involves guiding both non-Muslims towards Islam and Muslims to strengthen their belief.
The Quran encourages Muslims to avoid forcing non-believers to convert to Islam.
Allah says:
{لَاۤ إِكۡرَاهَ فِی ٱلدِّینِۖ}
Interpretation of the meaning: “(There is) no compulsion in religion.”
[Quran, 2:256]
Therefore, the most appropriate way to convert someone to Islam would be by convincing them of its superiority using explanations and examples suggested in the Quran:
Allah says:
{اُدۡعُ اِلٰى سَبِيۡلِ رَبِّكَ بِالۡحِكۡمَةِ وَالۡمَوۡعِظَةِ الۡحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلۡهُمۡ بِالَّتِىۡ هِىَ اَحۡسَنُ}
Interpretation of the meaning: “call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and reason with them in the best manner possible.”
[Quran, 16:125]
What is the Importance of Dawah (inviting people to Islam)?
Guiding people towards the Straight Path and bringing them happiness in this world and the Hereafter is considered the best of deeds.
It is important because people need guidance and support to achieve true happiness.
Allah Says:
{وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَّن دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ}
Interpretation of the meaning: “And whose words are better than someone who calls others to Allah, does good, and says, “I am truly one of those who submit.”
[Quran, 41:33]
The significance of dawah is substantial and can be determined by the following facts:
– Fulfillment of Obligation
As a moral obligation, every individual needs to promote honesty and prevent others from engaging in unlawful activities.
However, for Muslims, this is a moral duty and a religious one.
Allah Almighty Says:
{وَلْتَكُنْ مِنْكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ}
Interpretation of the meaning: “And let there be among you a community calling to virtue, advocating righteousness, and deterring evil. These are the successful.“
[Quran, 3:104]
– Carrying out the Job of the Prophets (peace be upon them)
The main task of all the Prophets Allah Almighty sent was to spread the message of Islam, monotheism, morality, and ethics among their people.
They aimed to remind people of the existence of One God and encourage them to adopt ethical behavior and avoid immoral practices.
Allah Almighty Says:
{قُلْ هَٰذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي ۖ وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ}
Interpretation of the meaning: “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.“
[Quran, 12:108]
– Earning Great Rewards
Since spreading goodness is a virtuous act, it also results in receiving immense rewards from Allah Almighty.
Just as spending in the way of Allah – such as building a mosque or feeding the poor – makes one eligible for His blessings, preaching Allah’s instructions is also a means to attain great rewards from Him.
– Strengthening of One’s Faith
It is an undeniable accomplishment to positively impact the lives of others, but there is an additional benefit to engaging in dawah.
It serves as a means to uplift others and facilitates the continuous purification of one’s soul and the prevention of evil whispers.
Through constant learning and teaching new Islamic lessons, one gains a deeper understanding of the religion and strengthens their faith, thus making one less susceptible to the influence of evil forces.
– Being Successful in the Hereafter
As Muslims, we are responsible for guiding people toward the right path and preventing them from straying onto the wrong one.
We firmly believe that we will be held accountable for all of our actions on the Day of Judgment, including how we raised our children, managed our wealth, fulfilled our religious obligations, and spread the message of Islam.
Therefore, we must fulfill our duty of dawah (inviting people to Islam) with utmost sincerity and awareness.
The Prophet, Peace be upon him, said: “Whoever is asked about some knowledge that he knows, and then he conceals it, he will be bridled with a bridle of fire.”
[Tirmidhi]
The Rewards of Dawah:
Inviting people to Allah is a noble act that reaps immense rewards. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “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]
The rewards of dawah (inviting people to Islam) are confined to this world and carry over to the Hereafter.
Muslims are encouraged to participate in dawah with sincerity and patience, knowing that their efforts will be rewarded by Allah.
Types of Dawah:
Dawah is of three types:
1- Improving oneself and one’s life according to the teachings of Allah and
His Prophet (peace be upon him) is called “dawah to oneself.”
This process involves purifying and changing one’s thoughts to align with Islamic principles, eliminating inequalities, acquiring practical knowledge of Islam, developing a trustworthy and honest character, and demonstrating Islamic values in all aspects of life – including behavior, personal dealings, and responsibilities.
By doing so, one can become a positive role model for the Islamic way of life, and that is where dawah starts.
2- It is important to spread the teachings of Islam to your family and ensure
that they are saved from eternal punishment.
To do this, you must lead by example and follow the commands of Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him).
The family unit is a crucial aspect of spreading the message of Islam, as having a family that upholds Islamic values, shows love and respect to others, honors the elderly, and is committed to their relatives can inspire others.
By striving to create a positive family environment, you can set an example for future generations, local communities, and friends.
3- As Muslims, we believe that we must spread the message of Islam to society.
This means that we should strive to live our lives as good examples of the Islamic way of life and encourage others to do the same.
We cannot consider ourselves true Muslims if we neglect the wider society around us, which may be full of negative influences and materialistic values.
Therefore, we must actively engage with people and promote Islam as a better way of living to positively impact our community.
