“ Inspiration and Motivation – the driven force” Presentation by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail For Youth Leadership Seminar Theme: Da’wahpreneur: “Incubating Social Initiatives” 15 May 2005 RELC International Hotel Singapore ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail .

Theme: Da’wahpreneur: “Incubating Social Initiatives” Reflecting the Theme ……point to ponder…..! What are we incubating? “ Social initiatives in Da’wah or Da’wah in Social initiatives?” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Reflecting the Theme ……point to ponder…..!

What are we incubating?

“ Social initiatives in Da’wah or Da’wah in Social initiatives?”

Inspirational for Da’wah Truth and Beauty of Islam The model of our Prophet s.a.w. “ Rah-matan lil- ‘aa-la-meen ” Exemplary personalities in Islamic history Personal encounters ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Truth and Beauty of Islam

The model of our Prophet s.a.w.

“ Rah-matan lil- ‘aa-la-meen ”

Exemplary personalities in Islamic history

Personal encounters

Motivational for Da’wah “ .. Shu-hadaa-a ‘alan-naas ” Shahadahtain – self-activation “ .. ma-’aas-Saa-diqeen ” - peers and like-minded Muslims My teachers and our own Ulama’ Appreciating our history ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ .. Shu-hadaa-a ‘alan-naas ”

Shahadahtain – self-activation

“ .. ma-’aas-Saa-diqeen ” - peers and like-minded Muslims

My teachers and our own Ulama’

Appreciating our history

Motivational for Da’wah IMPORTANT LESSONS : Knowledge – “parable of the circle” . ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail. Black line indicates our encounter with knowledge which we now realize we do not know; Which motivates us to acquire them. The green area represents whatever Knowledge that we have. White space represents Infinite Knowledge “ We don’t even know that we don’t know them” The beginning of Wisdom is when you realize you do not know!

IMPORTANT LESSONS :

Knowledge – “parable of the circle” .

Motivational for Da’wah IMPORTANT LESSONS : Knowledge – “parable of the circle” . ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail. When new knowledge gain, the circle expands. But with this expansion the circumference, black line, also increases. Remember : Black line indicates our encounter with knowledge which we now realize we do not know The green area represents whatever Knowledge that we have. White space represents Infinite Knowledge “ We don’t even know that we don’t know them” “ The more we know, the more will we encounter aspects of knowledge which we do not know. And only realization of this which motivates us to grow in learning”

IMPORTANT LESSONS :

Knowledge – “parable of the circle” .

Motivational for Da’wah IMPORTANT LESSONS: What I learn from the ways of my teachers: “ Sometimes a way to motivate action in students is to tolerate their childish fantasy in regard to their having high sense of self-esteem; but do not overlook to remind them of Adab* ” * “Adab” – sense of proportion and knowledge of placing things in their rightful place. Absence of which indicates injustice (zulm). ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

IMPORTANT LESSONS:

What I learn from the ways of my teachers: “ Sometimes a way to motivate action in students is to tolerate their childish fantasy in regard to their having high sense of self-esteem; but do not overlook to remind them of Adab* ”

* “Adab” – sense of proportion and knowledge of placing things in their rightful place. Absence of which indicates injustice (zulm).

Motivational for Da’wah IMPORTANT LESSONS : “ Da’wah has 3 pillars: - ‘ilm (knowledge); tarbiyyah / ta’dibiyyah (training/education); and Jihaad (striving with utmost).” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

IMPORTANT LESSONS :

“ Da’wah has 3 pillars:

- ‘ilm (knowledge);

tarbiyyah / ta’dibiyyah (training/education); and

Jihaad (striving with utmost).”

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِ‌ۖ وَجَـٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۖ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ ( Q: an-Nahl : 16 : 125 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail .

ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ وَٱلۡمَوۡعِظَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةِ‌ۖ وَجَـٰدِلۡهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۖ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ

( Q: an-Nahl : 16 : 125 )

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. “ Call thou (all mankind) unto the way of Thy Lord, with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the most kindly manner: for behold, thy Lord knows best as to who strays from His path, and best knows He as to who are the right-guided” ( Q: an-Nahl : 16 : 125 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail .

“ Call thou (all mankind) unto the way of Thy Lord, with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in the most kindly manner: for behold, thy Lord knows best as to who strays from His path, and best knows He as to who are the right-guided”

( Q: an-Nahl : 16 : 125 )

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. Conditions: With Wisdom, With goodly exhortation, If argument must be in the must kindly manner. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Conditions:

With Wisdom,

With goodly exhortation,

If argument must be in the must kindly manner.

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. لَقَدۡ جَآءَڪُمۡ رَسُولٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَنفُسِڪُمۡ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيۡهِ مَا عَنِتُّمۡ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيۡڪُم بِٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ ( Q: at-Tawbah : 9 : 128 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

لَقَدۡ جَآءَڪُمۡ رَسُولٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَنفُسِڪُمۡ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيۡهِ مَا عَنِتُّمۡ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيۡڪُم بِٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

( Q: at-Tawbah : 9 : 128 )

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. “ Indeed, there has come unto you (O mankind) a Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) from among yourselves: heavily weighs upon him [the thought] that you might suffer [in the life to come]; full of concern for you [is he, and] full of compassion and mercy towards the believers” ( Q: at-Tawbah : 9 : 128 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ Indeed, there has come unto you (O mankind) a Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) from among yourselves: heavily weighs upon him [the thought] that you might suffer [in the life to come]; full of concern for you [is he, and] full of compassion and mercy towards the believers”

( Q: at-Tawbah : 9 : 128 )

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. مُّحَمَّدٌ۬ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُ ۥۤ أَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى ٱلۡكُفَّارِ رُحَمَآءُ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۖ تَرَٮٰهُمۡ رُكَّعً۬ا سُجَّدً۬ا يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا‌ۖ سِيمَاهُمۡ فِى وُجُوهِهِم مِّنۡ أَثَرِ ٱلسُّجُودِ‌ۚ ( Q: al-Fath : 48 : 29 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

مُّحَمَّدٌ۬ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُ ۥۤ أَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى ٱلۡكُفَّارِ رُحَمَآءُ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۖ

تَرَٮٰهُمۡ رُكَّعً۬ا سُجَّدً۬ا يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا‌ۖ سِيمَاهُمۡ فِى وُجُوهِهِم مِّنۡ أَثَرِ ٱلسُّجُودِ‌ۚ

( Q: al-Fath : 48 : 29 )

“ Da’wah” – what it means to me…. “ Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger; and those who are [truly] with him are firm and unyielding towards all deniers of the truth, [yet] full of mercy towards one another. You can see them bowing down, prostrating themselves [in prayer], seeking favor with Allah and [for His] goodly acceptance: their marks are on their faces, traced by prostration” ( Q: al-Fath : 48 : 29 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger; and those who are [truly] with him are firm and unyielding towards all deniers of the truth, [yet] full of mercy towards one another. You can see them bowing down, prostrating themselves [in prayer], seeking favor with Allah and [for His] goodly acceptance: their marks are on their faces, traced by prostration”

( Q: al-Fath : 48 : 29 )

The title or appellation of “Da-’i” – a reflection ………….. PROPHET MUHAMMAD s.a.w. : the (exemplary) DA-’I (par excellence) “ … ad-Daa-’iyan ilaAllaaha bi-idz-nihi….” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD s.a.w. :

the (exemplary) DA-’I (par excellence)

“ … ad-Daa-’iyan ilaAllaaha bi-idz-nihi….”

“ Da-’i” – title indicating a high station in the hierarchy of ranks amongst ‘ulama’ of Islam. title accorded with certain criteria. “ the title or appellation of a “Da-’i” should not be carelessly used just because a Muslim is doing or helping in work of Da’wah” The title or appellation of “Da-’i” – a reflection ………….. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ Da-’i” – title indicating a high station in the hierarchy of ranks amongst ‘ulama’ of Islam.

title accorded with certain criteria.

“ the title or appellation of a “Da-’i” should not be carelessly used just because a Muslim is doing or helping in work of Da’wah”

AD-DA-‘I WAD-DA’WAH (THE CALLER AND THE CALL) MUBALLIGH MUDAR-RIS WA MU-‘AL-LIM MURAB-BI’ - MU-AD-DIB - MURSHID MUS-LIH AD-DEEN WAL-UMMAH MUJAD-DID MUJAHID - DA’WAH BIL-LISAAN BIL-QALAAM BIL-HAAL BIS-SAYF QUDWAH HASANAH MUNAZARAH ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ The learned and wise among Muslims must use constant vigilance in detecting erroneous usage in language which impinges upon semantic change in major key elements and creates general confusion and error in the understanding of Islam and of its worldview.” Quote: S M Naquib al-Attas “The Concept of Education in Islam” pp. 37-38 ADVICE FOR THE LEARNED AND THE WISE ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

MEANINGS OF TERMS BETWEEN GENERAL AND DETAIL DA’AWAH – today, has been understood generally, to refer to every initiatives to call people towards adhering to every teachings of Islam, without any distinction with regards to the audience concerned (al-mad’uun). ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

DA’AWAH – today, has been understood generally, to refer to every initiatives to call people towards adhering to every teachings of Islam, without any distinction with regards to the audience concerned (al-mad’uun).

MEANING OF TERMS - BETWEEN GENERAL AND DETAIL DA’WAH – in the original sense refers to the calling of mankind (unbelievers). For Muslims, DA’WAH (the call) is still continuously done but more towards their gradual improvement and perfection in Islam. This, technically is regarded as “ ISLAH ” – to distinguish it from the original meaning of Da’wah which is directed to non-Muslims. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

DA’WAH – in the original sense refers to the calling of mankind (unbelievers).

For Muslims, DA’WAH (the call) is still continuously done but more towards their gradual improvement and perfection in Islam. This, technically is regarded as “ ISLAH ” – to distinguish it from the original meaning of Da’wah which is directed to non-Muslims.

Muslim activists’ understanding of meaning of DA’WAH should not be only the general, but must know its detail connotation, so as to be able to distinguish between: DA’WAH – directed towards non-Muslims, which primarily this term is meant for. Unfortunately this aspect has now been almost totally neglected. Some called it “ direct da’wah ” ISLAH – for every initiatives to bring about improvements towards Muslims, through calling, educating and carrying out their social duties. Those who know, regards these efforts as “ indirect da’wah ” IMPORTANT ! ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

ISLAH DA’WAH Objectives are towards our own people; we can easily determine their needs which usually are of immediate nature, short term; tends to become seasonal. Objectives are towards non-Muslims; we have to develop their need for Islam; programs usually have to be long-term and prioritize towards a long-term objective and require commitment for ‘long hauls’. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Objectives are towards our own people; we can easily determine their needs which usually are of immediate nature, short term; tends to become seasonal.

Objectives are towards non-Muslims; we have to develop their need for Islam; programs usually have to be long-term and prioritize towards a long-term objective and require commitment for ‘long hauls’.

ISLAH DA’WAH “ Clients” generally homogeneous, with many similar values and they may already be ready to receive intervention and easily supportive of program. “ Clients” are diverse with differing values and may even have ‘hostile’ attitude. Need to be sensitive and we cannot assume receptivity. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ Clients” generally homogeneous, with many similar values and they may already be ready to receive intervention and easily supportive of program.

“ Clients” are diverse with differing values and may even have ‘hostile’ attitude. Need to be sensitive and we cannot assume receptivity.

ISLAH DA’WAH Exclusive (i.e. tends to be inward looking primarily for Muslim community.) Thus activists’ knowledge, comfort level and confidence in dealing with their clients easily developed to suit their work with clients or audience. Inclusive (i.e. must look outside our community). Thus activists’ knowledge, comfort level and confidence in dealing with their clients cannot be assumed but require specific and intensive preparation, especially their knowledge of other communities. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Exclusive (i.e. tends to be inward looking primarily for Muslim community.) Thus activists’ knowledge, comfort level and confidence in dealing with their clients easily developed to suit their work with clients or audience.

Inclusive (i.e. must look outside our community). Thus activists’ knowledge, comfort level and confidence in dealing with their clients cannot be assumed but require specific and intensive preparation, especially their knowledge of other communities.

ISLAH DA’WAH Activists’ developmental needs can be only focused on the project at hand; need not have to know bigger picture. Can have different activist. Can harness their personal professional expertise, as high level of religious knowledge need not be so crucial a requirement. Activists’ developmental needs must all be focused on Da’wah and therefore require commitment for continuous training. Need to utilize same activists’ involvement in various projects. Relatively high level of religious knowledge is crucial. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Activists’ developmental needs can be only focused on the project at hand; need not have to know bigger picture. Can have different activist. Can harness their personal professional expertise, as high level of religious knowledge need not be so crucial a requirement.

Activists’ developmental needs must all be focused on Da’wah and therefore require commitment for continuous training. Need to utilize same activists’ involvement in various projects. Relatively high level of religious knowledge is crucial.

ISLAH DA’WAH Program can have a general approach; can assume wide catchments of audience. Program must be carefully planned, specific and must be sensitive in approach; no ready audience for our program. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Program can have a general approach; can assume wide catchments of audience.

Program must be carefully planned, specific and must be sensitive in approach; no ready audience for our program.

ISLAH DA’WAH * these are just only some of the examples (not exhaustive), important to be considered ….. without which there may be possible occurrence of : over or under utilization of human resources; blurring specific/general needs into one; mismatch; etc. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

What is the real concern? - Suggestions : (A) Lack of social initiatives (B) Lack of effective Da’wah ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Themes for Social initiatives which falls under improving the lives of Muslim - “Islah” Um-matan wa-so-taa “ Building a balanced and just society” Ee-man wa -amal-Swo-li-h “ Moulding of a citizen : upon conviction and good deeds” Al-birr- wat-taq-waa “ Let us help in every good works and in piety” Al-khay-raat “ Let us compete in charity and good works” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Um-matan wa-so-taa

“ Building a balanced and just society”

Ee-man wa -amal-Swo-li-h

“ Moulding of a citizen : upon conviction and good deeds”

Al-birr- wat-taq-waa

“ Let us help in every good works and in piety”

Al-khay-raat

“ Let us compete in charity and good works”

Themes for Social initiatives which falls under improving the lives of Muslim - “Islah” Al-Ihsan “ A Society that exudes benevolence and righteous conduct” ‘ Amr ma’ruf Nahi munkar “ Vigilance through community service” Taw-Swi bil-Haqq was- Swobr “ A civil society that up hold Truth and display steadfastness with Patience.” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

Al-Ihsan

“ A Society that exudes benevolence and righteous conduct”

‘ Amr ma’ruf Nahi munkar

“ Vigilance through community service”

Taw-Swi bil-Haqq was- Swobr

“ A civil society that up hold Truth and display steadfastness with Patience.”

DA’WAH IN SOCIAL INITIATIVES A reflection and suggestions ….. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

REMINDER…. “ Whosoever has no concern for the affairs of this ummah, then he is not from amongst them .” ( Hadith reported by Abu Dawud ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ Whosoever has no concern for the affairs of this ummah, then he is not from amongst them .”

( Hadith reported by Abu Dawud )

REMINDER…. “ When the affair is given to one who is not its rightful person for it (ah-liha), then wait for the time (of its destruction).” ( Hadith reported by Bukhary ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ When the affair is given to one who is not its rightful person for it (ah-liha), then wait for the time (of its destruction).”

( Hadith reported by Bukhary )

REMINDER…. رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذۡنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوۡ أَخۡطَأۡنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡنَآ إِصۡرً۬ا كَمَا حَمَلۡتَهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلۡنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱعۡفُ عَنَّا وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَٱرۡحَمۡنَآ‌ۚ أَنتَ مَوۡلَٮٰنَا فَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذۡنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوۡ أَخۡطَأۡنَا‌ۚ

رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡنَآ إِصۡرً۬ا كَمَا حَمَلۡتَهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِنَا‌ۚ

رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلۡنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱعۡفُ عَنَّا وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَٱرۡحَمۡنَآ‌ۚ أَنتَ مَوۡلَٮٰنَا فَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

REMINDER…. “ Ya Allaah!” O our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly fall into error, O our Lord! Lay not on us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon those who lived before us! O our Lord! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear! And efface Thou our sins and grant us forgiveness, and be merciful to us! Thou art our Lord Supreme: Help us against people who deny the truth! ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.

“ Ya Allaah!”

O our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or unwittingly fall into error,

O our Lord! Lay not on us a burden such as Thou didst lay upon those who lived before us!

O our Lord! Make us not bear burdens which we have no strength to bear!

And efface Thou our sins and grant us forgiveness, and be merciful to us!

Thou art our Lord Supreme: Help us against people who deny the truth!

This is not the end ……… we must continue to discuss and exhort one another to the Truth, exhort one another towards patience and steadfastness! WaAllaahu a’-lam Wa-billaahi taufiq wal-Hidaayah Was-salaam. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail.