“Dawah in Islam is something that is so essential and the mission of all the prophets and messengers of Allah (SWT)” (Sh. Hussain Yee – International Speaker)
Now we believe telling people about Islam is a virtuous act and we hope as Muslims, Almighty Allah will reward us greatly for it. But, is telling people about Islam (lets use the word Dawah), actually important or something that would be good if we did to earn extra rewards?
Our opinion here really doesn’t count for a lot so lets go back to the source which we follow as Muslims: the Glorious Qur’an, and see what our Creator has to say about inviting others towards the straight path.
“And who is better in speech than he who (says: ‘My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and) invites (men) to Allah (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims.'” (Qur’an, Fussilat: 33)
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are successful.” (Qur’an, Al-Imran: 104)
“Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.” (Qur’an, an-Nahl: 125)
The above verses illustrate the high status with Almighty Allah of those who convey the message and engage in Dawah.
Also, you will find many sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding Dawah:
“Convey from me, even if it is one verse.” (Bukhari).
This shows us you are not required to be a scholar before giving Dawah but each person should give Dawah according to their capacity and knowledge they hold.
“By Him in Who’s Hands is my soul, you will enjoin the good and prohibit the evil or (else) Allah will soon send upon you a punishment from Him, then you will call upon Him and He will not answer you”. (Ahmed, Tirmidhi).
When we abandon our religious obligation of enjoining the good and forbidding evil, we are liable to witness disasters and calamities (which is what we see today) and at that point, we will surely make Dua to Almighty Allah. However, this hadith shows us the great danger of our Dua not being answered.
Therefore, a great way of ensuring our Dua’s are answered is by giving Dawah.
“Whoever hides knowledge, Allah will brand him with the branding iron from the hellfire.” (Ahmad).
This can be knowledge about the Islam Almighty Allah has blessed you with. This highlights the importance of sharing Islam with others because of the severe consequences in the hereafter for not doing so.
“Whoever guides (another) to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it.” (Muslim).
This illustrates the great rewards for engaging in Dawah and it should InshaAllah inspire us to keep inviting towards Islam until we meet our Lord.
“By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you it would be better for you than the best type of camels.” (Bukhari, Muslim).
This is a further illustration of the reward in store for those who give Dawah and find somebody guided through them. (“Best type of camels” has been identified as something extremely valuable which today could be compared to a Ferrari, Lamborghini etc. And Allah knows best.
We can conclude from the above Qur’an verses and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that Dawah is an integral part of a Muslim’s life. Giving Dawah does not require you to be a scholar so having little knowledge of Islam should not put you off giving Dawah.
We can also understand not giving Dawah and abandoning this great responsibility can lead to grave consequences for us not only in the next life but this life too.
However, the rewards for giving Dawah are immense as Almighty Allah says,…”And it is they who are successful” (Qur’an, Fussilat, 33).
In addition, Almighty Allah has promised His help to those who continue to help others, as we learn from the hadith,
“…Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on helping his own brother (or sister)” (Muslim).
What better way to help a person than to invite them towards the mercy of Almighty Allah. Through helping others finding the straight path, we can always remain hopeful of the Almighty’s help and assistance.
May Almighty Allah make us all from those who convey the message and call to the straight path, Ameen.
Dawah in Islam 