Dāiyah
Dawah
Da’wah (دعوة)
What is Da'wah?
Da’wah means calling to something, or inviting. It also means to make people true worshippers of Allah.
تدعو means ‘to call’
Da’wah is also a way to develop people around you; to help them become better in practice and understanding of the religion and in their manners, and their dealings.
In the Qur’an, it is called Da’wah and sometimes it is referred to in the form of commanding what is good and forbidding the evil.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good,enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104)
Note: The word Da'wa with no 'h' at the end (in Arabic) means lie, so ensure you always use Da'wah.
Virtues of Da'wah
1. Da'wah is the Best of Speech
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says 'I am of those who bow in Islam'" (41:33)
2. It is the way of the Prophets
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“We sent aforetime our messengers with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice..” (57:25)
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allâh (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Tâghût(all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Tâghût besides Allâh)." Then of them were some whom Allâh guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth).” (16:36)
3. It is the way of the Prophet (SAW) and those who follow him.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
Say (O Muhammad SAW): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted is Allâh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh)." (12:108)
This is my way: It means Da’wah or Islam
4. There is great Reward in it.
“Verily the one who guides(someone) to good, is like the one who does it (in reward)” (Saheeh Al Tirmidhi)
“For Allah to guide one person through you is better for you than the red camels.” (Bukhari)
Commentary: "Better for you than red camels'' is an allegory for everything that is better than anything else. Red camels used to be precious in Arabia, and their reference here is to highlight the value of guidance. Thus, this Hadith brings into prominence the importance of calling people towards Allah. But before calling others to the path of Allah, one must himself know it, and for this purpose, the knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith is essential because one cannot provide any guidance in this respect without this knowledge.
5. It is one of the reasons why we were favored over other nations.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith it were best for them; among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.”(3:110)
6. It is also a sign that Tawheed is complete and Iman is strong in the heart: You would not call others to something unless you know it and have no doubt in it. So, Da’wah is part of Tawheed. One of the meanings of Shahadah is to inform others.
7. It strengthens Iman: Many people make the mistake of waiting for their Iman to increase before they go and cal people to Allah. The truth is, giving da’wah is itself an action that increases Iman.
The Ruling on Da`wah
In general, Da’wah is obligatory upon every Muslim; he/she has to somehow participate in Da’wah because it is part of Iman and the Shahadah. This can be among your Muslim fellows or with Non-Muslims.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth, best who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” (16:125)
More specifically…
“The Believers men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” (9:71)
Some Scholars argue that Da’wah is obligatory on all Muslim. While other Scholars argue that Da’wah is obligatory only on the Learned Scholars.
“The religion is sincere advice” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated ‘ABDULLAH bin 'Amr: The Prophet (SAW) said, "Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single sentence..”(Bukhari)
In His (SAW) farewell khutubah the Prophet (SAW) gave his message and then said:
“…let those who are present convey (the message) to those who are absent.”(Bukhari)
Da’wah can be done at two levels:
Basic Level: Under this level, all Muslims are obligated to give Da’wah. Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is the basic level of doing Da’wah. If we stop somebody from doing any bad deed, it is Da’wah. If we guide somebody to do good deeds, it’s Da’wah.
Higher Level: Under this level, only the Learned Scholars or part of the ummah is obligated to do Da’wah. For example:
- Educating people is the job of the scholars
- Issuing fatawah is the job of the Mufti
- There are certain levels of enjoining good and forbidding evil that are only for those appointed by the Imaam/Governing body. Example, policemen, etc.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104)
“Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).” (9:122)
Recommended Material:
The Da’wah to Islam
The Qur’anic Message (Da’wah Booklet) | الرسالة القرآنية
Science in the Qur’an [Da’wah Booklet]
Muhammad (ﷺ) in the Bible [Da’wah Booklet]
3 Reasons For God [Da’wah Booklet]
Qur’an: A short Journey [Da’wah Booklet]
Islam and far Eastern Religions
Holy Qur’an in Hindi || हिन्दी में पवित्र कुरान
The Holy Qur’an in Tamil || தமிழ் குர்ஆன்
