DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR A THEORETICLE FIELD. ADVICE TO THE DA’EE. DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORTICLE FIELD… Abu Muhammad Abdullaah Flaming St. Fleur DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORETICLE FIELD 2 Da’wah1 is a main theme found throughout the Qur’an and the sunnah (prophetic tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) Hence da’wah is a duty upon all Muslims in general based on one’s capacity. With Islam being one of the world’s fastest growing religion with 1.9 billion adherents, the propagation of Islam has certainly cultivated as more scholars, preachers, students are calling to Islam in their communities, their books, videos, lectures, public speaking events, schools, universities, etc. As Muslims a foundation have been set for us regarding giving da’wah, however if we are to explore every da’wah organization, team or group we would find diverse concepts of methodology. From observing many Muslims in the act of giving da’wah, calling to Islam, one question arise is, to acquire da’wah a practical or a theoretical field? When asking the da’ee2 is da’wah something they have studied or was it practical, I.e., learnt through experience? The replies came in various forms, with various answers which can cause alarm for the one in search for a clear answer. They’re many Muslims today more than ever, motivated to give da’wah and make a positive impact in their society sincerely for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa’ Ta ala. However, such question, whether da’wah is acquired 1 Daw’ah- “invitation” or to invite or call. In Islam refers to propagating, teaching, promoting Islam, inviting to Islam, and/ or conveying the message of Islam. 2 Da’ee- the one who engages in da’wah, conveying the message of Islam, or teaching Islam. The caller who call [or invite] to Islam. DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORETICLE FIELD 3 practical or theoretical? is a question needing an answer for clarification of the path of those who desire to give da’wah. Depending on the answer, it maybe of enormous benefit giving clarity to the matter or perhaps cause great failure triggering confusion, loss of aspiration or even worse weakening in imaan (faith). Today da’wah is learnt in many different forms. There are students of knowledge who attend universities, madrassas, intensive da’wah courses, seminars, workshops etc. who learn how to give da’wah from the classroom setting. Then there are those who have not attended any intensive learning courses, seminars, semesters in universities etc. however learned directly through real life practice and experience. In fact, one of the world’s biggest da’wah organizations in Islam, Tablighi-Jamaat is known for taking Muslims on khuruj3 from out their homes into the mosques to encourage Muslims to return to their religion and various rituals, one of them being giving da’wah. Though it is highly debated if what they are doing is considered 3 Tablighi Jamaat members and followers are encouraged to participate in spending time out of the home into the environment of the mosque (at times visiting) and its locality. During this stay at the mosque which ranges from 3 days, months to 1yr members are devoted to giving da’wah, visiting local neighborhoods of the mosque of stay, inviting Muslims to the mosque to connect them back to Islam rituals and daily practices and listen to sermons by elected Tablighi members. DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORETICLE FIELD 4 da’wah, or Islah4 there methodology is bringing one to the realm of the mosque for several days (even weeks, months) so the Muslim may learn their beliefs, rituals, dress, behavior, speech, from daily practical routine. So, their approach is the practical form where one learns as they are in the field itself. Some of us may call it “learn as you go” basically learning the field as you commence it over time. Now if the questioned is posed is da’wah or why is da’wah a practical field and not a theoretical one? Or vice-versa why is da’wah a theoretical one and not a practical one? My response to both questions would be in the negative. Everyone may hold an opinion, strategy or methodology of giving da’wah which may or may not have worked for them in the pass or even up until today. Da’wah is a form of worship however it is not restricted to a particular form, and one may implore methods outside of revelation if it is not comprising that which is prohibited. Neither should implore the means of da’wah by indulging in that which is detested. However, there is no doubt amongst us Muslims that the best da’ee, the best exemplary model is our beloved Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abd al- 4 Islah is to reform Muslims, so their practice of Islam may improve, and prosper to being at a level where able to practice Islam properly. To revive and make better a Muslim’s level of faith through proper practice and understanding of the religion. Islah is often achieved through correction, education, training and self-development while removing iniquity and that which is harmful for growth etc.. DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORETICLE FIELD 5 Muttalib (Peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, in order to comprehend the utmost way of giving da’wah, is to investigate the sunnah to get the ideal way of the Prophet himself. In the sunnah is ample examples of not only how he himself performed da’wah but also how he instructed to give da’wah. While recognizing our beloved Prophet Muhammad as the exemplary model for the da’ee, we must also consider the verse, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta ’ala mentioned in surat l-qasas (meaning of the ayah) “Verily! You (O Muhammad) guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided. “(Al-Qasas, 28;56, Mohsin Khan) Allah Jalla Wa ‘ala alone is the one who guides whom He pleases. Therefore, it is incumbent that the da’ee also examines the noble Book of Allah to get a broad scope of the matter. As many of our scholars, teachers and companions would often say, its referring matters back to the Book of Allah (Al-Qur’an) and the authentic Sunnah, and the understanding of our righteous salaf of this religion (may Allah have mercy upon them all). I would argue da’wah for us today is both theoretical and practical. The da’ee who fails to understand this point is more likely to fall into major error possibly causing more harm than good, though he or she is sincere in their effort. It is essential that the da’ee not only know but also comprehends da’wah is both practical and theoretical and unraveling why, will aid him or her in their endeavors of calling to Islam. DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORETICLE FIELD 6 Da’wah A theoretical Field What is crucial to the caller to know is that da’wah does have a theoretical side to its field. Da’wah is theoretical as the caller must first comprehend the methodology of giving da’wah according to that which was revealed by revelation (wahy). Another reason da’wah is theoretical is because the da’ee must be well grounded upon firm knowledge (of the religion). If the da’ee is not well grounded upon firm knowledge of the religion, at bare minimum, should at least encompass knowledge of the matter at hand in its entirety. Therefore, how can one call to what he does not possess? How can one call to Islam without an accurate understanding of Islam itself? The question can be posed to the da’ee where or with what (topic) does the da’wah starts with (if the da’ee is in position to choose)? What is the first thing one is to call to? On what basis or strategy do we address whom we are speaking to? Is da’wah given to one person the same manner given to all persons? Such questions may seem intimidating to someone who happen to leap into giving da’wah in a practical format, face to face dialogue with no theoretical foundation. In fact, the da’ee may begin to answer such questions from his or her own whims and desires or perhaps more likely to guess some random responses. This form of approach is incorrect as it may give the wrong impression of Islam or even lead to telling lies about Islam. The severity of telling lies is mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah and the believer should be ever mindful before speaking on matters without knowledge. Allah Ta ‘ala mentions (meaning of DA’WAH A PRACTICLE OR THEORETICLE FIELD 7 the ayah) “…Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper.” (An-Nahl, 16:116, Mohsin Khan) In surat hud lying is linked with the zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, oppressors, etc) and the curse of Allah. “And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah. Such will be brought before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, "These are the ones who lied against their Lord!" No doubt! the curse of Allah is on the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, oppressors, etc.).” (Al- Hud, 11:18, Mohsin Khan) It also comes in a hadith sahih narrated by Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘Do not tell lies about me, for telling lies about me leads to Hell (fire).” (Ibn Majah, 32) In another sahih hadith, Abdullah reported Allah’s Messenger (Peace be and blessings be upon him) as saying: “Truth leads one to Paradise and virtue leads one to Paradise and the person tells the truth until he is recorded as truthful and lie leads to obscenity and obscenity leads to Hell, and the person tells a lie until he is recorded as a liar.” (Muslim, 6307) Examining the Qur’an and Sunnah one is to see we have been given instructions and advice in the method of giving da’wah.