The truth of the matter is da’wah can be delivered in a number of different ways. There is not 1 specific way to invite people to Islam.When inviting people to Islam we must use wisdom, holy teachings, and conduct ourselves in a respectable manner. With that being said, every person and every community should look at their strengths and use them to their advantage. We should also be well informed about our audience, as different methods work with different peoples. Nevertheless, there are some proven methods which are all found in the Qur’an and the sunnah.
Invite people to the deen with the Book of Allah (The Qur’an)
The Qur’an is the only book on earth which is flawless. Therefore, anything you quote from it is the truth. Throughout history many people have been touched by the beauty of the Qur’an. This beauty which transcends space, time and culture has led many people to say “There is no deity besides Allah and Muhammad (S) is the Messenger of Allah
Tell people about the life of Muhammad (S)
Unfortunately many people in America know nothing about Prophet Muhammad (S) or they have misinformation. Certain communities still believe (in large numbers) that Prophet Muhammad (S) refers to Elijah Muhammad. Others get all there information from non-Islamic news outlets. This is a great injustice. Muhammad (S) who is ranked my numerous historians to be the most influential person to walk the earth is still not known in this country. If we tell people about his life, his kindness, his miracles, and the legacy which he left behind people will come to Islam in droves, inshaa Allah.
Debate with the people
This debate is not the one when both parties are yelling, everybody is angry, and no wisdom is being displayed. This debate is the one which was used by Ibrahim (S). Ibrahim (S) invited people by appealing to their intellects, gently showing them the mistaken ways in their thinking with signs from the universe.
Help the community and those who cannot help themselves
Feed the poor, clean the streets, cloth the less fortunate and provide medicine to the sick. Being involved with the everyday life of the people around you has a profound impact and is a practice of our pious predecessors. Allah (SWT) says: “It is not rightful conduct that you turn your faces towards the East or the West; But it is righteousness-To believe in Allah, and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the messengers; To spend from your own wealth, in spite of your love for it, for your kin, orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves…” (2:177)
Live your life as a Muslim
“Indeed you have a beautiful pattern of conduct in the messenger of Allah” Acting in accord with the ideals found in the Qur’an and the sunnah such as forgiveness, justice, fair dealing, belief in the unseen, retribution from Allah, hospitality and so forth are sure to affect the greater society in a positive way.
Donating to efforts which support da’wah
As the old saying goes, “Show me the money and I’ll show you your priorities.” If da’wah is a priority, like it should be, a portion of our wealth would be going into da’wah projects especially if we are not among the individuals or groups who literally go out and do the da’wah.
by Chris Brown
Al Furqaan Foundation has placed the English translation of the Quran in over 40 hotels across the nations.
While this is a major feat it is only a drop in the ocean. We will not be satisfied until all the hotels which carry bibles also carry Qurans. Unfortunately we are limited in regards to the hotels which we can cover in person.
However, you can help!
1) If you are a hotel owner we are asking you to allow us to place English translations of the Quran in all the rooms of your fine establishment as a free service. The Qur’an is a gift to humanity from Allah (SWT). Unfortunately, all of humanity is not even aware of the gift or believes the gift is for Muslims only. By giving thousands of people the opportunity read the words of Allah (SWT) you may be securing your spot in Jannah. Remember, we are not asking you to force others to read the Quran. We are merely requesting they be given a chance to read the most beautiful words ever composed.
2) If you know a hotel owner we are asking you to talk to him/her about having the Quran placed in his/her hotel as a free read for all guest. Let them know it will not cost them a dime and they are not forcing anybody to read the English translation of the Quran. Do your best to encourage them to make dawah an integral part of their personal and business life. Remember with Allah there is enough reward to go around. There will be hasanat for you, us, and them.
Brothers and sisters there is so much to be done. We have to work together to increase dawah efforts across the nation. By joining the Quran Project you are placing yourself in the front lines of dawah.
There is no telling how many people will read a single translation in one room. This project has the potential to touch thousands across the nation in such a subtle yet effect manner.
The power of the Quran cannot be imagined or contained. The person reading it is forced to think and contemplate about creation, stereotypes, his/her purpose, God and so much more.
The Quran Project is unique in nature and scope. It is the General of dawah in North America. No other project has shown the potential to touch so many people in the long and short term, especially non-Muslims.
The prophet (S) said: “The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it to others.”
Please continue to support the Quran Project by donating, informing others, purchasing from Furqaan Bookstore, and allow us to visit your local masjid.
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Click here to donate to Al-Furqaan’s dawah project.
by Chris Brown
“And hold fast, all of you together by the Rope which Allah (stretches out to you), and do not be divided among yourselves (being Muslims); And remember with thanks Allah’s favor on you; For you were enemies and He joined your hearts together in love, so that by His Grace you became brethren; And you were once on the brink to the Pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided.” (3:103)
Da’awat-ul-Islam (Calling people to Islam) changes society one person at a time.
Many times we find ourselves frustrated at the “apparent” results of our personal dawah efforts, the dawah efforts of the masjid, and the dawah efforts of national organizations. However, we should not lose hope, fall into despair or stop our support of dawa efforts made around the country.
Dawah should be seen as a dual investment, long term and short term. Despite what we may see or believe thousands of people are accepting Islam every year. One by one people are coming to the truth because we are taking the time to give dawah.
A perfect example is the above picture. Each of them is Muslim because someone took the time to tell them about Islam with words and actions.
Before Islam these brothers were lost in the wilderness of dunya. Some of them maybe would be enemies to each other. Others of them would never hang together because they share so little in common.
Now they are united under the banner of “laa ilaha illallah. Muhammadar rasul Allah.” Not only are they Muslims but they are all active members of their different communities’, married to Muslimahs and productive citizens of society.
Kenyatta is a certified HVAC technician. Qasim is a Graphic Design major at Daley College and the manager of Furqaan Dawah Center located on 7950 S. Kingston Ave. in Chicago, IL. Dawud is a jack of all trades and working for a Fortune 500 company. Habibullah is a recent graduate of Devry University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and works for a small biomedical company. Abdullah works at a manufacturing plant and has plans to begin a major real estate endeavor. Abdulshakur has just graduated from Governors State University with his degree in Communications and is currently the Manager of Communications at Furqaan Academy. And Jibreel , while only entering the 8th grade, has had the opportunity to study Arabic in Egypt and is thankful his parents accepted Islam so he doesn’t have to deal with smoking and drinking at home.
These brothers are not exceptions to the rule. On the contrary, they are the rule when Islam enters the heart of an individual.
Giving up on dawah is equal to giving up on people. Supporting dawah and giving dawah to others is following the path of the prophets (peace be upon all of them) and helping change society for the better.
All of us can take part in changing the lives others. It doesn’t matter if we know them or not. Nor does it matter if we are aware of the positive change taking place. Allah (SWT) is not unaware of who benefits from your dawah even though you may have no clue.
Remember the Prophet (S) said: “By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (through you) that will be better for you then the red camels.”
by Chris Brown
The Quran project hits Chicago with full force.
This summer Al-Furqaan Foundation will be delivering free English translations of the Quran in the 60619 zip code. This is no insignificant task and small dawa project. On the contrary this is an enormous task which will take plenty of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and help from Allah (SWT).
As of date over 4,500 non-Muslims have already received the Quran in that zip code. However, this is only a dip in the ocean. Before the job is complete Al-Furqaan Foundation will have to distribute an additional 12,000 Qurans at bare minimum. There are over 20,000 houses and apartments in the 60619 zip code and our goal is to make sure each house receives nur (light) from the Nobel Word of Allah (SWT).
The response from the community has been positive over all. According to Bro. Qasim, who supervises the distribution, some people request extra copies for family members, others ask questions about the Quran, and a small minority inquire about visiting a masjid. One special lady has even called to give us a donation because she and her husband were exceptionally pleased with the Quran as a gift.
Out of the 4,500 people who have received the free Quran less than five people have completely rejected it or asked for it to be picked up from their house.
Inshaa Allah, Al-Furqaan Foundation will complete the entire 60619 zip code before Ramadan. Yet, the mission of the Quran Project will not be complete. Therefore, when one zip code ends another will begin.
Plans are already underway for the next zip code. Between now and the blessed month of Ramadan we plan to distribute about 17,000 Qurans door-to-door and place the Quran in at least 2 new hotels.
Support from you is needed to keep this unique and gigantic da’wa project alive. Do not miss out on the opportunity to guide people to Islam. With as little as $20 we can deliver 10 Qurans on your behalf. Image the possible results you may see in the grave.
May Allah give you and us success.
Support the Quran distribution project by donating here.
Here is the latest Hotel to place our Quran translations in each of its rooms.
Above: A copy of the Quran translation placed in one of Ramada’s hotel room.
Above: Regional Manager Shahriyar Ali (left) presenting a copy of the Quran translation to Br Ariff (right) of Ramada Glendale Heights.
Here is one lecture session of Allamah Syed Salman Nadwi’s recent Chicago Tour produced by Furqaan Studios for the Furqaan Institute of Quranic Education. For the complete series of lectures, click here.
The truth of the matter is da’wah can be delivered in a number of different ways. There is not 1 specific way to invite people to Islam.
When inviting people to Islam we must use wisdom, holy teachings, and conduct ourselves in a respectable manner. With that being said, every person and every community should look at their strengths and use them to their advantage. We should also be well informed about our audience, as different methods work with different peoples. Nevertheless, there are some proven methods which are all found in the Qur’an and the sunnah.
Invite people to the deen with the Book of Allah (The Qur’an)
The Qur’an is the only book on earth which is flawless. Therefore, anything you quote from it is the truth. Throughout history many people have been touched by the beauty of the Qur’an. This beauty which transcends space, time and culture has led many people to say “There is no deity besides Allah and Muhammad (S) is the Messenger of Allah
Tell people about the life of Muhammad (S)
Unfortunately many people in America know nothing about Prophet Muhammad (S) or they have misinformation. Certain communities still believe (in large numbers) that Prophet Muhammad (S) refers to Elijah Muhammad. Others get all there information from non-Islamic news outlets. This is a great injustice. Muhammad (S) who is ranked my numerous historians to be the most influential person to walk the earth is still not known in this country. If we tell people about his life, his kindness, his miracles, and the legacy which he left behind people will come to Islam in droves, inshaa Allah.
Debate with the people
This debate is not the one when both parties are yelling, everybody is angry, and no wisdom is being displayed. This debate is the one which was used by Ibrahim (S). Ibrahim (S) invited people by appealing to their intellects, gently showing them the mistaken ways in their thinking with signs from the universe.
Help the community and those who cannot help themselves
Feed the poor, clean the streets, cloth the less fortunate and provide medicine to the sick. Being involved with the everyday life of the people around you has a profound impact and is a practice of our pious predecessors. Allah (SWT) says: “It is not rightful conduct that you turn your faces towards the East or the West; But it is righteousness-To believe in Allah, and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the messengers; To spend from your own wealth, in spite of your love for it, for your kin, orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves…” (2:177)
Live your life as a Muslim
“Indeed you have a beautiful pattern of conduct in the messenger of Allah” Acting in accord with the ideals found in the Qur’an and the sunnah such as forgiveness, justice, fair dealing, belief in the unseen, retribution from Allah, hospitality and so forth are sure to affect the greater society in a positive way.
Donating to efforts which support da’wah
As the old saying goes, “Show me the money and I’ll show you your priorities.” If da’wah is a priority, like it should be, a portion of our wealth would be going into da’wah projects especially if we are not among the individuals or groups who literally go out and do the da’wah.
Ali Asadullah Ibn Mann
The great Western powers look down on Muslims and consider us the greatest threat to civilization today. Our brothers and sisters are being oppressed and killed overseas. Our private schools are having difficulties keeping their doors open because they lack the necessary finances. More Muslim children attend secular public schools than those with Islamic environments and teachings. Domestic violence runs rampant in our own homes, where women should be treated with equal rights and respect. Most converts to Islam in America de-convert within the same year. Countries where we are the majority suffer from dwindling resources, civil unrest, occupation, and corruption. We cry for the martyrs as the nightly news portrays more casualties. We become outraged when we hear that one of our own has been added to the terrorists watch lists or become a victim of the latest hate crime. We murmur about how our children are becoming more secular, losing their religion day by day. We live in the past nostalgia of our spiritual ancestors when we hear their names mentioned during a Khutbah, praying that one day we will live again in the “Golden Age” of Islam.
None of this is shocking, however, because we’ve heard it all before. We hear it echoing through our minds on a daily basis. These are not new statistics or problems, but realities we have known about and are constantly reminded of. We’ve been told time and again at various Halaqas and Jummahs that the solutions rests within our own community; that we cannot continue to point fingers at the West, laying blame on past grievances. The question is then: Why do we still have these problems?
Muslims, especially in America, have sold themselves into servitude to a new master. We have emancipated ourselves from the guidance of Allah (swt) only to believe that we can create our own paradise here on Earth. We have become slaves to the world. It is because of this that our Ummah and the future of our children, are in jeopardy. Only by understanding this enslavement will we be able to reprioritize our lives, our families, our finances, and most importantly, our faith.
Working for Nothing
One of the obligations from a follower of Islam is to offer charity. While some Muslims show exemplary service to this duty, many either give very little or misdirect their earnings towards over worldly affairs or ineffective causes. It seems that cultural heritage and the need to succeed financially has trumped the importance of worshiping Allah (swt) and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (saws). Take for instance the large sums of money that are dedicated each year to the construction of lavish Masjids. While this used to be a sign of a wealthy and sophisticated Islamically governed state, which held beauty and worship as mutual, it is not a necessary or even practical in our time when Muslims across the world are in more need of education and basic necessities, such as food and shelter. The Prophet (saws) remarked that such use of charity was a signal of the time prior to the Day of Judgment: ’The Hour will not come until people show off in building Masjids.” (Ahmad). The repulsion from the Prophet (saws) for this sort of activity is evident, yet Muslims in America invest millions of dollars a year in the construction and aesthetic renovation of extravagant places of prayer. Likewise, we seem to forget that the Prophets (saws) Mosque, at one of the earliest points in Muslim history, was nothing more than open walls of mud bricks and a palm tree canopy situated in the middle. While the Prophet (saws) was not opposed to beauty, he never compromised practicality or the needs of others.
Another point where our cultural and worldly ties overtake our religious obligations is in the Sunnah of marriage, which in our community has lost much of what makes it Sunnah to begin with. While we should always want what is best for our children, the best doesn’t always mean “the most expensive”. Aside from some of the questionable practices that occur at these weddings, parents from certain backgrounds will spend on average of 20-60 thousand dollars on just one ceremony. Calculate that with the hundreds of marriages that take place each year and you will be shocked as to how much money is being spent on mere exuberance. Of course, other factors contribute to these ghastly amounts, such as the need for some families to “outmatch” others in showing how classy or rich they really are. There is an inherent feeling of shame that comes over some Muslims when they learn that their neighbor’s daughter had a dress or centerpiece that costs twice as much as their own. It seems to elude us that the Prophet (saws) did not approve of this behavior when he clearly stated that, “The most blessed marriage (nikah) is the one with the least expenses” (al-Bayhaqi). In addition, some families tend to ask for mahrs that are unquestionably superfluous even though the Qur’an states explicitly that the mahr should be about making provisions for the wife, “…according to his [the rich] means and the poor according to his – this is the duty for those who do good.“ (2:236). The Prophet (saws) further stated that, “the best woman is the one whose mahr is the easiest to pay” (al-Haythami). The fact that we are not following these Sunnahs should make it apparent as to why there are such a great number of unhappy marriages, high divorce rates, and a growing number of domestic violence issues within our community.
In general, however, the focus on personal wealth is perhaps the greatest contributing factor to the lack of support for some of the most basic necessities of the Muslim community. While many first generation Muslim Americans valued strong work ethics and education, their children inherited a much different interpretation of these virtues. Though parents have a right to be concerned for their children’s wellbeing and future success, the reluctance of allowing them to step outside only a few careers may be proving a detriment to the Muslim community at large. Parents often think that the only careers that guarantee stability (even in an economy facing recession) are medical doctors, engineers, and lawyers. For those students who have ever dreamed to become teachers, journalists, or scientists, it is seen as almost universally unacceptable within the American Ummah. This sort of mentality carries with it heavy burdens, however. One of the greatest of these burdens is that it robs our youth of their capacity to assist our community. While doctors, engineers, and lawyers are certainly needed, we require more successful teachers to teach our youth, instructing them with the principles of Islam, so that they do not have to fall under the negative influence of secular institutions. We need influential journalists who are willing to change the negative perception of Muslims in the media. We need people trained in the sciences of biology and physics so that we can excel in these fields and bring more contributions to science and recognition to the Muslim world. Certainly, these fields may not pay as much as the three previously mentioned, but they are still necessary. One day we are going to be wondering why we have so many doctors to heal the sick, but not enough teachers to heal the ignorant.
Another burden comes with the growing amount of Riba within our society. While we are training these higher professions we are also accumulating mass debt with interest as we send them to professional schools. Medical school alone, after completion, can costs up to half a million dollars. This is an extraordinary amount that can and has afflicted our youth in a monumental way. Besides the fact that they are incurring sin from holding this debt, it also limits them in that they are more focused on having to pay if off than giving their money in Zakat or Sadaqa.
Finally, we cannot forget how this mentality can actualize the potential for inordinate greed. With money comes responsibility that most of our youth are unable to bear, often times exceeding their necessities and overspending. We must remember that this sort of behavior will never satisfy a person: “I asked the Prophet (for some money) and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave me and he then said, “This wealth is (like) green and sweet (fruit), and whoever takes it without greed, Allah will bless it for him, but whoever takes it with greed, Allah will not bless it for him, and he will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied. And the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (taking) hand” (Bukhari). It is because we focus more on the rewards of the Dunya that we are not educating our children in the Deen and allowing them to succumb to such diseases as greed.
Misdirected Fundraising
We were all horrified by the recent events in Haiti, Chile, and Turkey, where massive earthquakes toppled the foundations of over populated metropolises, killing thousands. We are still overcome with shock at the conflict that transpired for three months during the winter of 2008 to 2009 in Gaza Strip, when nearly 1500 innocent Palestinians were massacred by the uncompromising lawlessness of the Israel government. And we are still struggling with the daily hate crimes and bigotry of Islamophobia in the western world.
By necessity of moral conscious for our fellow man and our Islamic duty, we send aid overseas, either in the form of money or supplies. These are admirable solutions and great examples of what our faith teaches and encourages. The problem, however, is that for many of the issues that we face in this world today as Muslims, we are approaching them in the wrong manner. While it is perfectly fine and justified to send aid overseas, it is only a temporary remedy to the many ailments in the world. The victims of earthquakes do need money, but what they need most is manpower to assist them in clearing rubble, rebuilding homes, acquiring medical attention, and much more. The victims of Israel’s oppression do need money and supplies, but sending these essentials over to them are but in vain, as the Israelis blockade our efforts, not allowing for anything to cross over Palestinian borders. What the Palestinians really need is a combined effort of those citizens under the collective states of the United Nations to change policies so as to prevent Israel from committing any more injustices and violations against human rights. And what the Muslims living in the West need most importantly, is not money to fund lawyers to defend the rights of those being oppressed, but more people to ally with so that these injustices are recognized and prevented at the highest level of government, ensuring that equal rights and protection are guaranteed for all persons living therein. How is it possible to accomplish these goals when we as Muslims are so dispersed throughout the globe, being one of the smallest minorities living in the major world powers? We are outnumbered and do not have enough allies to rally to our cause. Even though we boast about Islam being the fastest growing religion in the world, this is simply not the case. For the most part, our numbers are growing because of our high birth rates. One must not mistake the quantity of believers with their quality, however, as many of these children are being raised in homes that see culture as superior to religion. Further, while it appears that there are a growing number of converts in the West, the reality is that many of them leave Islam within the first year of their taking of the Shahada. Of all the converts to Islam in America alone, 60% leave, never to return. This is not a sign of progress nor is it something to proud of, but a significant blow that brings to light a great deficiency in our community. Why are these converts leaving? Why is that we cannot gain the support necessary to relieve our fellow brothers and sisters from the bigotry of others? Why is it that we cannot function as a unified group, enough to show that we are doing our part to help rid the world of its many evils? The answer to all these dilemmas should be apparent by now. The reason Muslims in America are struggling is because we have our priorities mixed up; we value temporary pleasures and temporary remedies. Our priorities should be focused more on educating our children and informing the non-Muslim world of our beliefs and who we are. Only with these two things will we have a strong enough foundation to begin changing things for the better.
Freedom From Our Oppression
Avveroes Academy, an Islamic private school in Northbrook, IL, closed its doors in 2008, leaving nearly 70 students without a proper education all of which are now either not attending school, are commuting much longer distances for their education, or have been assimilated into a public secular institution. Avveroes is hoping to reopen by 2011. Another school, Furqaan Academy of Bolingbrook, IL, is situated in a small Mosque, which can barely contain its 60 plus students. The academy has, for a year now, desperately tried to purchase a new facility for its growing student body to no avail.
Avveroes Academy and Furqaan Academy both lack the needed funds to function optimally. They are not there as showpieces or for mere convenience, but for the sake of our children and their futures. Illinois is home to perhaps one of the largest Muslim populated communities in America, where some near 1,000,000 live. Why then are we allowing these schools to struggle? If we truly wish to succeed in the West, we need adequate educational facilities, teachers, and good environments, yet it seems our money is being channeled towards lesser priorities. We should be reminded that Allah (swt) makes it clear the status of education over everything else: “And say: Can you put on equal footing those who are learned with those who are not learned?” (39:9).
Likewise, Dawah organizations such as GainPeace and Al-Furqaan Foundation suffer from lack of volunteers and sufficient funds. GainPeace functions as a large Dawah networking service, providing information on Islam through several different mediums, including but not limited to call centers and one on one interaction via presentation tables and personal exchanges on the streets of Chicago. Al-Furqaan Foundation attempts to distribute Qur’ans to individual homes, hospitals, hotels, and retirement homes across America. Both also offer their own classes on Islam and Arabic for non-Muslims, new Muslims, and born Muslims alike. Their goals are admirable and are the precise direction that the Ummah should be moving towards for the sake of the Deen and our futures, yet these organizations are fighting to gain a foothold in the American culture. Are the 6-7 million hardworking Muslims nationwide really unable to assist in these noble endeavors? How many more converts do we have to lose or how many more of our children have to abandon their religion before we realize something has to be done?
No longer can we avoid our primary responsibilities towards our families and our community. No longer can we push in directions that yield little to no positive results, but merely waste our limited and precious resources. While temporary bandages seem to have an immediate affect, true change takes time and lasts longer. We must save our schools from becoming extinct, we must save our children from the negative influences of western society, and we must educate the non-Muslim world with the truth of Islam. We can only do this once we realize and accept our flaws, working together to no longer recollect the Golden Age of Islam, but to relive it.
Throughout the ages, the personality of Christ (Peace Be Upon Him) has been the center of much controversy. Some have called him a false prophet and a liar while some others worship him as God or son of God who came to earth in human form. Similar controversies linger around his mother, the Virgin Mary. Islam on the other hand, considers Christ as a mighty prophet of God, from among His near ones and his mother as an embodiment of piety, chastity and righteousness. Unfortunately, this high reverence of Islam to Christ and the Virgin Mary is often ignored by the mainstream western intelligentsia and largely unknown to the common western populace. This well researched book describes the status of Jesus in divine Islamic texts and will enrich the knowledge of its readers and enlighten them about the true Islamic position on Christ Jesus – The Son of Mary.
Author: Adil Nizamuddin Imran
Publisher: Book of Signs Foundation
in collaboration with
invites you to the first annual
October 30th – November 1st, 2009
Holiday Inn, Skokie, IL
Promotional Video
For every $100 you contribute, we will distribute 50 copies of the Quran. We accept check, money order, PayPal, credit cards and wire transfer. Click button below for more information.
