Fatima Khan

1. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST BENEFICENT, THE MOST MERCIFUL.IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST BENEFICENT, THE MOST MERCIFUL.
THE OBLIGATION OFTHE OBLIGATION OF
DA’WAHDA’WAH
By Fatimah KhanBy Fatimah Khan
‫الدعوية‬ ‫المفكرة‬
www.dawahmemo.com

2. Allah [swt] says in the Qur’an,Allah [swt] says in the Qur’an,
““Invite all to the way of your lord [i.e. Islam] with wisdomInvite all to the way of your lord [i.e. Islam] with wisdom
and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in a way thatand beautiful preaching, and argue with them in a way that
is better”. [Surah Nahl -125]is better”. [Surah Nahl -125]
““And who is better in speech than he who invites to AllahAnd who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah
and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of theand does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the
Muslims.” [Surah Ha-Mim-33]Muslims.” [Surah Ha-Mim-33]
Calling people towards Allah also means completing our ownCalling people towards Allah also means completing our own
worship, the reason for which we are created. It is one of theworship, the reason for which we are created. It is one of the
noblest acts that entails a high reward.noblest acts that entails a high reward.

3. Do we really believe that Da’wah is ourDo we really believe that Da’wah is our
obligation?obligation?
Reflect over this Surah which we reciteReflect over this Surah which we recite
everyday? [Al Asr]everyday? [Al Asr]
By the time,By the time,
Verily, man is in loss,Verily, man is in loss,
Except those who believe [in Islamic monotheism]Except those who believe [in Islamic monotheism]
andand do righteous deeds,do righteous deeds,
andand recommend one another to the truth [to perform all kind of goodrecommend one another to the truth [to perform all kind of good
deeds; Al Maroof which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kindsdeeds; Al Maroof which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds
of sins and evil deeds Al Munkar, which Allah has forbidden]of sins and evil deeds Al Munkar, which Allah has forbidden]
andand recommend one another towards patience [for the sufferings, harmsrecommend one another towards patience [for the sufferings, harms
and injuries which one may encounter in Allah's cause during preachingand injuries which one may encounter in Allah's cause during preaching
this way of life of Islamic monotheism or jihad].this way of life of Islamic monotheism or jihad].

4. Did you reflect?Did you reflect?
Did you noticeDid you notice WhyWhy the word “the word “AndAnd” has been repeated so many” has been repeated so many
times in the Surah?times in the Surah?
If fulfilling just one of the criteria was enough for us, theIf fulfilling just one of the criteria was enough for us, the
repeated word would have been “repeated word would have been “OrOr”.”.
This implies that fulfilling each criteria is aThis implies that fulfilling each criteria is a mustmust to hope forto hope for
JannahJannah. [or we will be one of the losers]. [or we will be one of the losers]
So, apart from believing, and doing righteous deeds, we should alsoSo, apart from believing, and doing righteous deeds, we should also
call one another to the truth, and towards patience, i.e., docall one another to the truth, and towards patience, i.e., do
Dawah.Dawah.
Do we hope for Jannah, without fulfilling our obligations?Do we hope for Jannah, without fulfilling our obligations?

5. There are also many related Ahadeeth:There are also many related Ahadeeth:
‘‘ConveyConvey what you have received from me, even if it is onewhat you have received from me, even if it is one
verse’. [Bukharee].verse’. [Bukharee]. Conveying a message therefore does not require aConveying a message therefore does not require a
high level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and everyhigh level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every
Muslim, according to his or her ability.Muslim, according to his or her ability.
‘‘Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with theWhoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the
branding iron from the hellfire’. [Ahmed]branding iron from the hellfire’. [Ahmed]
‘‘If one of u sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand, andIf one of u sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand, and
if he is unable then with his tongue, and if he is unable thenif he is unable then with his tongue, and if he is unable then
with his heart. And that is the weakest of faith’.with his heart. And that is the weakest of faith’.
‘‘Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a rewardWhoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward
similar to the one who performs it’ [Saheeh Muslim]similar to the one who performs it’ [Saheeh Muslim]

6. Some Muslims say:Some Muslims say:
We areWe are
practicingpracticing
MuslimsMuslims
but,but,
Da’wah isDa’wah is
not ournot our
responsibiliresponsibili
ty.ty.
““Allah commanded Jibrael to destroy a cityAllah commanded Jibrael to destroy a city
because of the evildoers therein. Jibrael said,because of the evildoers therein. Jibrael said,
“O Allah, there is a person in the city who has“O Allah, there is a person in the city who has
never disobeyed you. Allah said, destroy him asnever disobeyed you. Allah said, destroy him as
well, because he was not offended by theirwell, because he was not offended by their
evildoing”evildoing”
If there were people committing sins and peopleIf there were people committing sins and people
who had the power to stop them, but did not dowho had the power to stop them, but did not do
so, then Allah would punish both parties beforeso, then Allah would punish both parties before
their death.their death.

7. Some Muslims say:Some Muslims say:
First, we shouldFirst, we should
improve our ownimprove our own
community, andcommunity, and
then tell others.then tell others.
Prophet MuhammadProphet Muhammad
[saw] couldn't convince[saw] couldn't convince
his only uncle, Abuhis only uncle, Abu
Talib. But it did notTalib. But it did not
stop him from doingstop him from doing
Da'wah to others !Da'wah to others !
It is much easier to tell Muslims, as they don’t retaliate much [e.g., when
we tell them about hijab, salah, beard etc]. But we are afraid that if we
tell Non-Muslims, they will retaliate, ask questions, argue ! We don’t
want to do our homework, make effort etc, and make excuses to escape
the obligation and still hope for Jannah?

8. Some muslims say: [contd.]Some muslims say: [contd.]
““LakumLakum
deenukum,deenukum,
wali ya deen”.wali ya deen”.
‘To u is your‘To u is your
way, to me isway, to me is
mine ‘ [Surahmine ‘ [Surah
Al Kafirun]Al Kafirun]
This is quoted out of context toThis is quoted out of context to
again escape from our obligation.again escape from our obligation.
This Surah is referring to thoseThis Surah is referring to those
who reject faith. The question ofwho reject faith. The question of
rejecting faith arises only whenrejecting faith arises only when
we have delivered the message inwe have delivered the message in
the first placethe first place
So, whom are we deceiving?So, whom are we deceiving?

9. Some muslims say: [contd.]Some muslims say: [contd.]
““La ikrahaLa ikraha
fi deen”.fi deen”.
“There is no“There is no
compulsioncompulsion
In Religion”.In Religion”.
[Al Baqarah[Al Baqarah
-256]-256]
Of course No Compulsion. But only afterOf course No Compulsion. But only after
first delivering the message. On the dayfirst delivering the message. On the day
of judgment, the Mushrik will say –of judgment, the Mushrik will say –
these were our neighbors, our colleagues,these were our neighbors, our colleagues,
our friends who were Muslims - they didour friends who were Muslims - they did
not inform us, so how are we to blame?not inform us, so how are we to blame?
So, we too will have to followSo, we too will have to follow
them to hell.them to hell.

10. Now, if we are convinced of theNow, if we are convinced of the
obligation of Da’wah, lets move to someobligation of Da’wah, lets move to some
Qualities we need to have as a Daa'ieQualities we need to have as a Daa'ie
KnowledgeKnowledge:: to call the people to the way ofto call the people to the way of
Allah with Knowledge, and not with ignorance.Allah with Knowledge, and not with ignorance.
Lets beware of giving Da’wah while being in aLets beware of giving Da’wah while being in a
state of ignorance. Some pious people have said,state of ignorance. Some pious people have said,
“Give knowledge [of Deen] everything you have,“Give knowledge [of Deen] everything you have,
it will give you some of what it has”.it will give you some of what it has”. Lets askLets ask
ourselves, how much will it give us, if we onlyourselves, how much will it give us, if we only
give it our spare / leisure time?give it our spare / leisure time?

11. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
SinceritySincerity:: it is waajib upon the Daa’ie toit is waajib upon the Daa’ie to
havehave IkhlaasIkhlaas for the sake of Allah [swt]. He /for the sake of Allah [swt]. He /
She should not be desiring to show the people, orShe should not be desiring to show the people, or
to have a good image, nor should he desire theto have a good image, nor should he desire the
praises and rewards of the peoplepraises and rewards of the people

12. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
 The beautiful style of speechThe beautiful style of speech :: thethe Daa'ieDaa'ie isis
responsible for acquiring a respectable level of languageresponsible for acquiring a respectable level of language
proficiency, to effectively convey the message. It is worthy toproficiency, to effectively convey the message. It is worthy to
note that all evil channels of communication convey itsnote that all evil channels of communication convey its
mischief, deceit, delusion, and falsehood through adornedmischief, deceit, delusion, and falsehood through adorned
speech. The Daa’ie is more entitled to use this, to call for thespeech. The Daa’ie is more entitled to use this, to call for the
truth.truth.
 Brevity and eloquenceBrevity and eloquence in conveying the Message.in conveying the Message.
 Use parables and similitudeUse parables and similitude to make it more interesting.to make it more interesting.
 Clarity and repetitionClarity and repetition when necessary.when necessary.
 Gestures & visual aidsGestures & visual aids definitely make an impact.definitely make an impact.

13. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
 AkhlaaqAkhlaaq:: Be gentle and patient, and moderateBe gentle and patient, and moderate
in Da’wah, while dealing with people. Beware ofin Da’wah, while dealing with people. Beware of
harshness , as it will make them distant, notharshness , as it will make them distant, not
close, and causes separation, not unity. Ourclose, and causes separation, not unity. Our
words need to have an affect on their hearts.words need to have an affect on their hearts.
 The best believers are those with theThe best believers are those with the bestbest
character.character.
 Don’t favourDon’t favour a group of people over others.a group of people over others.

14. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
PerseverancePerseverance:: Dawah will test us in manyDawah will test us in many
situations [situations [afflictions, temptations, and obstacles]afflictions, temptations, and obstacles] that try tothat try to
lure us off from our mission. A Daa’ie should have alure us off from our mission. A Daa’ie should have a
praiseworthy personality and an excellent behaviour,praiseworthy personality and an excellent behaviour,
calling to patience. A Daa’ie should be sincere incalling to patience. A Daa’ie should be sincere in
Da’wah, and strive in spreading truth amongst theDa’wah, and strive in spreading truth amongst the
people, and keep them away from falsehood. And withpeople, and keep them away from falsehood. And with
that, we should supplicate for guidance for them .that, we should supplicate for guidance for them . [May[May
Allah guide u, grant u the ability to accept the truth.Allah guide u, grant u the ability to accept the truth.
May he help u with acceptance of the truth. [hidaakMay he help u with acceptance of the truth. [hidaak
allah wa faqak allah li qubool al haqq aanak allah alaaallah wa faqak allah li qubool al haqq aanak allah alaa
qubool al haqq]qubool al haqq] The Daa’ie should not despair, or haveThe Daa’ie should not despair, or have
hopelessness, or say anything except that which is good.hopelessness, or say anything except that which is good.
He should not say a statement which might causeHe should not say a statement which might cause
aversion to the truth.aversion to the truth.

15. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
Practice what we preachPractice what we preach:: We shouldWe should
not call to something and then not do itnot call to something and then not do it
ourselves, which are the conditions of theourselves, which are the conditions of the
losers.losers.

16. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
Deliver the Message, and leave the restDeliver the Message, and leave the rest
to Allahto Allah.. We must remain firm in ourWe must remain firm in our
expectation, and hope for the good. We shouldexpectation, and hope for the good. We should
not despair in the effect of our call, nor about thenot despair in the effect of our call, nor about the
guidance of people we call to. We should notguidance of people we call to. We should not
despair about the aid and the help of Allah, evendespair about the aid and the help of Allah, even
if a long time passes.if a long time passes.

17. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
We need to use wisdom and tact,We need to use wisdom and tact,
especially when informing someone notespecially when informing someone not
to continue in a prohibited act.to continue in a prohibited act. This isThis is
not easy today, as people have come to regardnot easy today, as people have come to regard
some prohibited acts as simply ordinary, andsome prohibited acts as simply ordinary, and
cannot understand the objection to it. Hikma iscannot understand the objection to it. Hikma is
required to make people see the error of theirrequired to make people see the error of their
ways.ways.

18. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
We shouldWe should find out the interests of the peoplefind out the interests of the people,,
and make conversation with them around theirand make conversation with them around their
interests.interests.
We should provide literature according to theirWe should provide literature according to their
interests. E.g.interests. E.g.
A doctor could be given Maurice Bucaille’s “TheA doctor could be given Maurice Bucaille’s “The
Bible, The Qur’an, and Science]Bible, The Qur’an, and Science]
A lawyer could be given books on Islamic Law,A lawyer could be given books on Islamic Law,
etc.etc.

19. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
We shouldWe should win the hearts of the peoplewin the hearts of the people with thewith the
light of Islam, by simple measures such aslight of Islam, by simple measures such as
Inviting them to our home, preparing food forInviting them to our home, preparing food for
them, being polite, and well mannered etcthem, being polite, and well mannered etc..

20. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
We shouldWe should be constant in Da’wahbe constant in Da’wah. Results often. Results often
take place only after some time, and so we shouldtake place only after some time, and so we should
be aware of the stamina, efforts, and thebe aware of the stamina, efforts, and the
patience that is requiredpatience that is required..

21. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
Strong will and confidence:Strong will and confidence: It’s desirable toIt’s desirable to
exhibit a strong will, positive self-confidence,exhibit a strong will, positive self-confidence,
and the capacity to control emotionsand the capacity to control emotions..

22. Some Qualities we need as a Daa'ieSome Qualities we need as a Daa'ie
[contd.][contd.]
Posing questionsPosing questions:: This will often stimulateThis will often stimulate
thought and sharing of ideas. Rewarding thethought and sharing of ideas. Rewarding the
right answers will encourage eager participationright answers will encourage eager participation..

23. Realize that:Realize that:
People learn in different ways.People learn in different ways. Researchers confirmResearchers confirm
that some people learn from what they see, somethat some people learn from what they see, some
learn from what they hear, while some prefer tolearn from what they hear, while some prefer to
read. People’s acceptance of a concept alsoread. People’s acceptance of a concept also
depends on their scope of intellect, culturaldepends on their scope of intellect, cultural
background, or their field of operation. All thesebackground, or their field of operation. All these
diverse factors call for various methods ofdiverse factors call for various methods of
Da’wah dissemination - that appeals andDa’wah dissemination - that appeals and
stimulates peoples interests, senses and needsstimulates peoples interests, senses and needs..

24. ALWAYS REMEMBER!ALWAYS REMEMBER!
Guidance is from Allah.Guidance is from Allah. Our job is only to conveyOur job is only to convey
the message in a clear way. We should not worrythe message in a clear way. We should not worry
if people do not agree or listen to us. Shaytaanif people do not agree or listen to us. Shaytaan
will use this fact to establish resignation andwill use this fact to establish resignation and
hopelessness in our hearts, and make it appearhopelessness in our hearts, and make it appear
that we could funnel our efforts elsewhere.that we could funnel our efforts elsewhere.
BewareBeware !!

25. Remember the priorityRemember the priority
Da'wah should start with fundamental issues,Da'wah should start with fundamental issues, before proceedingbefore proceeding
with those that are less central. The oneness of Allahwith those that are less central. The oneness of Allah
[Tawheed][Tawheed] is the beginning and the end. Each deed should beis the beginning and the end. Each deed should be
connected with it. Muslims argue over subsidiary matters,connected with it. Muslims argue over subsidiary matters,
and give more attention to some voluntary forms of worship,and give more attention to some voluntary forms of worship,
neglecting those that are obligatory. This neglect with regardsneglecting those that are obligatory. This neglect with regards
to priorities has resulted in muslims losing their faith, theto priorities has resulted in muslims losing their faith, the
source of their strength. The present weakness is used by thesource of their strength. The present weakness is used by the
enemies of Islam to further prolong the current state ofenemies of Islam to further prolong the current state of
affairs. The only form of Islam encouraged by the enemies ofaffairs. The only form of Islam encouraged by the enemies of
Islam, and the secularists to practice is the one which onlyIslam, and the secularists to practice is the one which only
celebrates occasions, involves in bidah, etc.celebrates occasions, involves in bidah, etc. So PrioritizeSo Prioritize..

26. Prioritizing in differentPrioritizing in different
situationssituations
 Keep the situation in mindKeep the situation in mind :: While there is a needWhile there is a need
to warn people against the deviations of the nation ofto warn people against the deviations of the nation of
Islam in North America, that is really of little importanceIslam in North America, that is really of little importance
in Bosnia, or Pakistan. Similarly, there are differentin Bosnia, or Pakistan. Similarly, there are different
shirk-Practices in different places that need to beshirk-Practices in different places that need to be
corrected.corrected.
 Da’wah also depends upon whether the people beingDa’wah also depends upon whether the people being
addressed are Atheists, Polytheists or the People of theaddressed are Atheists, Polytheists or the People of the
Book.Book.
 Previously, people had to be called towards Monotheism,Previously, people had to be called towards Monotheism,
away from idolatry, now a days, there is more need toaway from idolatry, now a days, there is more need to
invite people to the existence of Allah, as Atheism andinvite people to the existence of Allah, as Atheism and

27. Ask yourselfAsk yourself
How do our efforts compare with those of the prophet [saw]How do our efforts compare with those of the prophet [saw]
and his companionsand his companions??
How many good deeds have we prepared for the day ofHow many good deeds have we prepared for the day of
judgmentjudgment??
What did we , as individuals and communities, do forWhat did we , as individuals and communities, do for
IslamIslam??
Were we distracted by our money and our children from theWere we distracted by our money and our children from the
obedience of Allah and jihad for his sakeobedience of Allah and jihad for his sake??
““O you who believe! Let not your money or your childrenO you who believe! Let not your money or your children
divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act asdivert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act as
such, then surely they are the losers.”[Al-Munafiqun – 9such, then surely they are the losers.”[Al-Munafiqun – 9[[

28. Remind yourselfRemind yourself
The prophet saw said, “No servant will be let go on the dayThe prophet saw said, “No servant will be let go on the day
of judgment until he is asked about the 4 matters: hisof judgment until he is asked about the 4 matters: his
lifetime, and how he spent it, his knowledge and what didlifetime, and how he spent it, his knowledge and what did
he use it for, his money, where did he gain it from andhe use it for, his money, where did he gain it from and
where did he spend it. And his body, in what way did hewhere did he spend it. And his body, in what way did he
wear it away. [at tirmidheewear it away. [at tirmidhee[.[.
Have we used our bodies for fasting, praying, enjoining goodHave we used our bodies for fasting, praying, enjoining good
and forbidding evil, or have we used them up byand forbidding evil, or have we used them up by
succumbing to our desiressuccumbing to our desires??
The prophet [saw] said, “By Allah, if Allah guides a man [toThe prophet [saw] said, “By Allah, if Allah guides a man [to
Islam] thru you, it is much better for you than beingIslam] thru you, it is much better for you than being
blessed with the best pleasures of this worldblessed with the best pleasures of this world”.”.

29. MeansMeans
The means of any mission must serve itsThe means of any mission must serve its
objectives.objectives. There are muslims who stoop toThere are muslims who stoop to
unimaginable levels to promote their projects andunimaginable levels to promote their projects and
ideas. It is the norm to see the funding of schools,ideas. It is the norm to see the funding of schools,
books, etc, coming from interest moneybooks, etc, coming from interest money..
Some allow mixed gathering to encourage participationSome allow mixed gathering to encourage participation..
The result will be identical. Anything that does notThe result will be identical. Anything that does not
operate within the framework of Islam will inevitableoperate within the framework of Islam will inevitable
failfail..
So we should be wary of the means we useSo we should be wary of the means we use..

30. Continuous ImprovementContinuous Improvement
We should try to be aWe should try to be a dynamicdynamic individual whoindividual who
commits to building up our skills and developingcommits to building up our skills and developing
our talents continuouslyour talents continuously..

31. ConclusionConclusion
Our prophet Muhammad [saw] conveyed theOur prophet Muhammad [saw] conveyed the
message, fulfilled the trust, counseled themessage, fulfilled the trust, counseled the
Ummah, and then passed awayUmmah, and then passed away..
OurOur duty is to safeguard that trustduty is to safeguard that trust handedhanded
down to us through generations of thedown to us through generations of the
Muslim UmmahMuslim Ummah..

32. DuaDua
And finally to close from a DuaAnd finally to close from a Dua –– “O Allah, I seek“O Allah, I seek
refuge in You from a Science which gives norefuge in You from a Science which gives no
benefit, a Heart that does not fear You, a Soulbenefit, a Heart that does not fear You, a Soul
which is not satisfied, and a Call which is notwhich is not satisfied, and a Call which is not
heard or answered by Youheard or answered by You..

33. May Allah Show us theMay Allah Show us the
straight path, and guidestraight path, and guide
us all through the wayus all through the way