Assalam O Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,
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1. click to Read .....DAWAH FOR UMMAT REVIVAL SEEKING ALLAH HELP AND STRENGTHING OUR EMAAN (Faith)
This question itself looks strange that Dawah is needed for Muslims or NonMuslims?.
Da‘wah or Dawah (Arabic: دعوة) usually denotes the preaching of Islam. Da‘wah literally means "issuing a summons" or "making an invitation",In Islamic theology, the purpose of Da‘wah is to invite people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the worship of Allah as expressed in the Qur'an and the sunnah of the Prophet S.A.W.,
Invitation may be of
Those who are raising to Dawah to Muslims/Non Muslims are simply confusing General Muslims on different terminologies.
DAWAH............TALEEM...........ISLAH........TABLIGH
So differentiating these term and confusing Muslims are simply handiwork of Iblees. Unfortunately some Muslims are becoming tools for spreading confusion and misunderstanding about the blessed effort of Dawat o Tabligh and Islah being done by Tablighi Jamaat
May Allah save all of us.
Some Examples of Dawah Among Muslims.
1.Allah Talla Himself give Dawah to Muslim in Quran. Both these Ayats are for Muslim.
YA AIUHAL LAZINA AMAnud khulu fissilme Kaffah........................
O the believer enter into deen completely
Ya Aiuhallazina Amanu Aminu.............
O the believer,believe..........
1. Adhan is five time Dawah for Muslim that has been called as Dawatut Tammah.(Complete Dawah). It is not for Non Muslim but Muslims.
2. Masab Bin Umair R.A. was sent for one year for those who accepted Islam.Rather they requested it.
4. 70-80 % Muslims (at some places) are not even performing the foremost command Salat/Namaz.................and others command....
So it is much needed now a days that Dawah work with all might and effort to be done Both among Muslims and Non Muslims.
Please Share this article/blog it if you are convinced. If not agreed Please comment and suggest the mistakes and correction.
May Allah help you.
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalāmu ῾alaykum wa Rahmatullāhi Wabarakātuh
May Allah Ta‘ālā accept your noble intention and quest to bring complete deen into your life. Āmīn. Indeed, complete success lies in complete deen.
The embodiment of deen was, without a doubt, the life of the Prophet (s.a.w.). He was a walking Qur’an and our role model of how to please our Creator. Therefore, anyone seeking to implement complete deen into their life cannot do so unless they follow the way of the Prophet (s.a.w.).
One major aspect of the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) life was invitation and calling towards Allah (da‘wah and tablīgh). Allah Ta‘ālā commanded the Prophet (s.a.w.) in the Qur’an saying:
قُلْ هَذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَى بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي
“Say to them, O Prophet: This is my way. I call to Allah based on clear revealed proof—I and whoever follows me.” –Sūrah Yūsuf: 108
It is clear from this verse that one major aspect pertaining to the way of the Prophet (s.a.w.) is calling towards Allah (da‘wah), with the condition that it is done based on clear, revealed proofs. This calling towards Allah is inclusive of inviting both Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is not restricted to one or the other. Allah the Exalted says:
وما أرسلناكَ إِلاَّ كافَّةً للنَّاس
“And thus it is, O Prophet, that We have sent you to all humanity” –Sūrah Saba’: 28
Allah the Exalted also states:
وما أرسلناكَ إِلا رحمة للعالَمين
“For We have sent you, O Prophet, as none other than a mercy to all the people of the world.” –Sūrah al-’Anbiyā: 107These are general verses showing that the prophetic teachings are for all humanity. Other verses illustrate that Allah Ta‘ālā is specifically inviting Muslims to inculcate complete deen and to remain steadfast on deen. Allah the Exalted says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً
“O you who believe! Enter into peace, all of you together. –Sūrah al-Baqarah: 208
The great Followers (Tabi‘ī) and scholars of Qur’an, Qatādah and Mujahid explain that Allah is addressing the Muslims and enjoining them to bring complete deen into their life.Allah the Exalted also says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا آَمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ عَلَى رَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي أَنْزَلَ مِنْ قَبْلُ
“O you who believe! Believe steadfastly in Allah, and His Messenger, and the Book that He has, indeed, sent down to His Messenger—and every revealed Book that He has sent down before. –Sūrah al-Nisā: 136
The great Follower, Hasan al-Basrī, explains that Allah is commanding the Muslims, who are already believers, to believe. Therefore what is meant from Allah’s command to believe is to remain firm and steadfast on their deen.
In the light of these verses and their commentary,
we understand that calling towards good (da‘wah) can also be done amongst Muslims, as Allah himself calls the Muslims towards good acts.
This is even more pertinent in our time now since Muslims are lacking the desire to practice complete deen and are no longer remaining steadfast on even the most basic injunctions. The importance that da‘wah has in general can also be observed from the aforementioned verses, playing a significant role in adopting complete deen.
With that being said, da‘wah is something that can be performed by anyone at anytime, be it at school, at home, or at the workplace. It is not a requirement that one must be a scholar, but whatever one calls toward should be based on sound knowledge. We should constantly keep a close relationship with scholars in order to verify what we know and seek to find answers for that which we do not know, steadily increasing our knowledge of deen and then calling towards it.
Additionally, it is advisable to join with other brothers in a guided effort in calling towards good. In this manner, one can work more efficiently and experience more barakah (blessings) in their endeavors. At the same time, in a collective effort you will be able to feed off one another and support each other during times of struggle. The most effective collective effort, easily accessible to all Muslims regardless of where they may live, in South Africa or out of South Africa, is the noble effort of da‘wah and tablīgh. This effort was revived by Mawlana Ilyās Kandehlawi (r.a.) and in line with the teachings of our righteous predecessors.
Therefore, I would advise you or anyone else interested in involving their self in da‘wah work to join with brothers when they go in jamā‘at, or religious retreats. Effort is primarily made amongst the Muslims, visiting them and reminding them of our duties as Muslims. However, as was already previously mentioned, this mode of da‘wah, namely calling other Muslims towards good, is also acceptable and established in our deen.
May Allah Ta‘ālā grant you the success to implement the noble act of da‘wah into your life and use you as a means of guidance for all of mankind. Āmīn.
And Allāh Ta῾āla Knows Best
Wassalāmu ῾alaykum
Ml. Musa Sugapong,
Student Dārul Iftā
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Dārul Iftā, Madrasah In῾āmiyyah
OWNER OF A NIGHT CLUB
I came to the United States from the Middle East in the 70's. I already had two of my brothers living in America so naturally I wanted to join them and live 'the good life.' I remember being so excited that I would have a chance to make it rich; unlike the simple, poor life that I had been accustomed to. I come from a large family and although there was much love and happiness in the home, I was young and wanted the wealth to buy material things. So, I came to Denver, Colorado and worked hard and saved my money.
I eventually opened a big night club in Denver called Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. I was on top of the world with my new business. I excitedly remodeled my nightclub, spending a great deal of money to include a huge dance floor, a stage for belly dancing, a bar, and a restaurant.
Business was doing very well and my nightclub attracted many people from the Middle East.
FULLY DROWNED IN MATERIALISM AND SINS
Once, a very wealthy Middle Eastern was organizing a private party and requested that Nagwa Fouad, a popular Egyptian singer, be brought over to perform for him. I told him he must be crazy; that would take a lot of money to do that. He told me that money was no object and that he would pay to see this singer perform live. Sure enough she, along with her entire group which consisted of 12 dancers, 35 musicians and singers, a choreographer, a costume designer, and a makeup stylist/hairdresser were brought from Egypt for this one grand party.
To be perfectly honest, I was quite happy with my lavish lifestyle. I was married, happy, and making a very good living. I was not thinking about my Islamic responsibilities, nor was I thinking about what I should be doing to gain Allah's pleasure.
A GROUP OF MEN in ISLAMIC DRESS CAME TO MEET IN NIGHTCLUB
So, I was going about my busy life preparing for another evening at my nightclub. To my shock, a group of men, who were all dressed in long, Islamic-styled clothing, came into my nightclub. Even though they didn't look like the kind who would come to a nightclub, I told them that the club wasn't opened yet and to come back later. They told me that they did not want to come to the nightclub but instead were here to see and talk to me. I couldn't imagine what they had wanted to speak to me about; there was nothing I wanted to talk to them about. Who told them about me or how they came to know of me was anyone's guess. Anyway, they came to my night club and I was literally shocked. It was the first time I had encountered men dressed in long, white flowing robes. I mean, this was America, not the Middle East. The way they were dressed was overwhelming. And they came with a strong message. Of course they spoke to me about Islam, a Muslim's duties to Islam, the importance of prayer, etc. Although all of the Brothers were so inviting and kind, I really did not feel comfortable talking to them.
I mean, I knew what they wanted to talk to me about and I really did not want to listen. I remember one brother, Sheikh Mabruk, Allah Yarhamhu (May Allah have mercy on his soul), who did most of the talking. Anyways, he could tell that I was a bit uncomfortable so he invited me to go to the masjid with them. I said fine, that after closing tonight, I would meet them there. Frankly, I really didn't want them hanging around the nightclub because I thought it wouldn't be very good for customers to see these guys hanging around the place. I didn't want these guys ruining my business.
HE KEPT PROMISE TO VISIT THE MOSQUE...and ....ALLAH GAVE HIDAYAH
After closing the nightclub at 3 or 3:30 am, like I had promised, I went straight to the masjid, which was not a masjid but a small house. I didn't think anyone would be awake. When I walked in the room, I remember seeing Sheikh Mabruk reading a book. When I said "Assalamu Alaikum," he got scared and dropped his book. Sheikh Mabruk was so happy to see me; he hugged me. He made tea for me and we proceeded to drink tea and talk about many things. Soon it was time for Fajr salah. He did not ask me to join the salah, but instead told me to finish drinking my tea and that he would come back to join me after salah. Sheikh Mabruk led the prayer and about 20 people came to pray. I still remember the first ayah which was read many years ago:
"Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Ouran 25:70)
I had never experienced anything like it before. In front of me, I saw a restroom and made wudu. I then joined the prayer. In the second rakat, the ayah was so powerful:
Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is Forgiving, the Merciful." (Quran 39:53)
When the Sheikh finished his salah, he saw that I had prayed. A big smile came across his face. I too felt very good inside. After so many years, this was the first time I prayed. As I was driving home, I was pondering over what had happened. Tears began streaming down my face. I went home and tried to go to sleep but I was still thinking. This experience left a huge imprint on my life.
My passion for my business had begun to diminish. I no longer was feeling the same drive that I had once felt and I had begun to lose interest. I felt heaviness in my heart and a nagging feeling of different emotions, like sadness, guilt, and anxiety. My wife saw me in this distressing condition and she thought I was sick.
Probably the most shocking was that I no longer was interested in ways on how to boost my business. For example, I used to have a Happy Hour in my nightclub, typically in the late afternoon between 4 PM and 7 PM; I no longer wanted to go. I had also been the one who was always in charge of everything at the nightclub. From making sure the speakers were working, the lighting was all set, the stage was looking good, the music was ready, the dancers well versed, I was the one who made sure that everything was running on schedule. I no longer enjoyed my work, nor did I feel in the mood to even show up at work.
ALLAH CHOSE SPECIAL WAY FOR giving him HIDAYAH........ALLAHU AKABAR
About two weeks after that visit to the mosque, I was in my nightclub staring out the window. The restaurant was slow that afternoon and there were only a few who were dining on lunch. Suddenly, I see 20 police cars surrounding my place. They rushed in and what seemed like a matter of seconds, the police officers handcuff two the men, arrest them, and take their briefcases. I was in shock as to what was happening before my eyes. Later, I learn that one of the men had 2.5 million dollars in cash in his briefcase and the other had almost the same amount in heroin.
During the 80's, this was one of the biggest drug busts ever. The police then asked for the owner of the club. I told them that I was the owner, all the while scared to think of what was going to happen next. The police then ordered me to come with them. They informed me that my nightclub had to be permanently closed.
Everything after this was happening like one big blur. I had to go to court and try to keep my nightclub opened. No matter how hard I tried, though, Allah always knows better. He knew that I was ready to make a change and lead my life as a practicing Muslim.
As it says in the Holy Quran,
"But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not." (Quran 2:216)
MUBARAK CONTINUED THE VISIT........
During this time, Brother Mabruk and the others still came to visit me. And I had begun frequenting the masjid more often. I still would not say that I was a perfect Muslim, but I was getting better.
Occasionally I would accompany the brothers when they went to visit other Muslims.
DURING MULAQAT .....someone....Spitteded ON THE FACE .......PROPHET SUNNAH REPEATED in the work of Dawah
Once, I accompanied Sheikh Mabruk and a few other brothers who went to visit a Muslim grocery store owner. That day, the grocery owner, who was apparently in a bad mood, lost his temper and said, "Why are you bothering me?" and spit in Sheikh Mabruk's face. I was so mad, I wanted to punch him. But the sheikh held me back and cleaned the spit with his hand. He did not use a napkin. The Sheikh told the owner Jazakullah khair that Allah has blessed me with a brother who has 'la illahah illalah' in his heart and we left. Those words had actually had an impact on me. It was heart whelming to actually see and witness how important it is for Muslims to visit and remind other Muslims of the importance of salah and other Islamic duties. My life changed after that visit. You can never know what simple act you may do that will affect another person's life.
Sheikh Mabruk had the best personality; I have never met a person who had such qualities like him. In fact, whenever I hear stories of the Sahabah, I always think of him.
Mubarak Returened and did Dua for person who spitted on Face........Allah brought him to mosque and asked forgiveness.............Allah arrangment of Hidayah......
When we returned to the masjid I was still mad. I saw the Sheikh making dua, and was thinking to myself, "Good, the Sheikh is making dua that the man's grocery business fails or something terrible."
At maghrib time, the store owner came and was looking for Sheikh Mabruk. When I saw him, my blood was boiling. I said this is my chance to take care of him, but Sheikh Mabruk stopped me. What happened next made me realize that there is hope for each of us. The man kissed the Sheikh's head and told him to please forgive him for what he did.
The Sheikh told the grocery owner that he had been making dua for his guidance. As the grocery owner was leaving, he could not find his shoes. Sheikh Mabruk found them, then bent down and placed them on the man's feet. What a beautiful thing that happened before my eyes. To make a long story short, the grocery owner sold his business and moved to Toronto. He now lives a very pious and religious life.
How he started Giving Dawah around the globe....................
How I began joining and traveling around with these brothers to give dawah was purely accidental. Once I went to the masjid to offer my salah. Visiting there was a group of brothers from Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Mabruk was there, too, along with some of the local brothers. He told me that they were spending forty days traveling around the United States. Traveling around doing what, I asked? He explained to me that these brothers came from Saudi Arabia to help remind the Muslims of their Islamic responsibilities.
All the way from Saudi Arabia, I thought. Now, that was a bit silly. I'm sure they could have found people a lot closer to have done that. Anyways, was there even a need to do this? Wow, what a serious waste of time, money, and loss of work. Something I would never do.
Sheikh Mabruk said to me, "Why don't you spend time with them?" I told the sheikh, "There is no way I can spend forty days." He said that they needed brothers to help drive so how about 3 days. They were going to travel from Denver to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and then San Francisco. So I told him that I would drive these brothers a portion of the trip, to Las Vegas. My hope was that after driving them, I would stop and do a little gambling. My intention was not to spend time with them but to gamble.
I called my wife and told her that I would be gone for about 3 days–that I would be driving a group of brothers to Las Vegas. To my surprise, she was fine with it. On our way from Denver, one brother sitting behind me was reading Surat Yasin from the Quran the entire way.
After arriving in Las Vegas, we prayed fajr, ate breakfast, and rested in the masjid. At dhuhr time, one of the local brothers came and invited us to rest in a room of a local motel. The owner was a Muslim and he had a motel connected to a small casino. Many of the customers were Middle Eastern. Many times, Muslims have forgotten Islam. I sincerely and wholeheartedly wish hedayah would come to every Muslim. I wish that Muslims would realize the Power of Allah, the connection that one could have with Allah and the feeling of imam (faith) in his/her heart. This is something that every Muslim needs. As practicing Muslims, we should also be well-wishers for the entire humanity. As Muslims, more than anybody else, we should realize that they have a treasure in their hands (Islam) and they should take advantage of it.
So, I went with two of the brothers to visit the Muslims in the casino. Before going in, one of the brothers told me to listen only. Since I was new, and not knowing what to do, I just stood there watching and listening. I was so involved watching a man gamble, I had not noticed that the brothers had moved on to talk to another person. Anyways, while watching this man play cards, the dealer dealt an initial hand of two cards and the guy I was standing behind had a total of 16, so I told him nam nam (stand), "Take no more cards." He turned and looked at me; I was wearing a white thobe like the rest of the brothers. So he told the dealer, "One more card." He ended up losing. I told him, "Didn't I tell you 'nam nam'?"
The man played another turn and took 2 cards. This time his total was 15. So I told him "Take another card," but he refused and would not take another card. His next card was a two. He ended up losing to the dealer. So I asked him, "Why didn't you listen to me?" He said, "La hawla wa qwata illa billah." (Expression said by a Muslim when he is struck with calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control). The man asked me, "Are you a sheikh or a professional gambler?" So I told him, "Do you want to win?" He answered "yes." So I said, "Come and talk to 2 brothers about Islam. Then I swear to you that you will come back and win." Instead of telling this man that gambling is prohibited in Islam, I'm telling him to go back in and he will win. The man then joked with me that whatever place I play at, he will make sure to not play against me. When I think about my early days and how far I have come in my religion, sometimes I blush from embarrassment.
After returning to our room, some of the brothers had prepared lunch for the entire group. Another brother brought me coffee the way I liked it, with a splash of milk. They told me that I had a long drive back to Denver, so they wanted to make sure that I ate well. It was at this moment that I felt a complete change in my entire being–a feeling of humbleness engulfed me. I went outside, called my wife and told her I was going to spend 40 days with the brothers. When the brothers wanted to see me off, I told them I wanted to spend forty days with them. They were very happy about this and I had a different intention before I came to Las Vegas, but subhanallah it changed.
We continued on our journey; stopping in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and beautiful San Francisco. I started growing a beard, and the brothers commented that my face had so much light. My entire life changed because of these 40 days spent. I now felt peace and tranquility.
When I came back home, my wife was surprised by how I looked, for I had grown a beard. But even more surprising than that were my actions. She couldn't believe that I had changed so dramatically. I was a better husband, more compassionate and caring.
After returning home to Denver, there was a group of brothers who were planning to spend 4 months abroad, visiting India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They asked me to join them. I was a bit hesitant, not knowing what to expect, but after discussing it with my wife, we both agreed that it was something good for me to do. So, I spent the next 4 months of my life visiting Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
These were the best 4 months of my life! I was able to work on perfecting my Islamic qualities and especially becoming punctual with my salah. This was also the time that I reflected on my purpose of life and I became more God-conscious. The atmosphere allowed me to become a better Muslim; all the while contemplating on ways to become a better husband and father. In addition, the Islamic environment enabled me to totally work on bettering myself, listening to the lectures of the different scholars, and very importantly, sharing, talking and learning from my fellow Muslim brothers. The time that I was spending abroad was whizzing by and I had a lot of things to learn. Even though I was aware of many things before, I never really understood my Islamic duties nor did I realize that we, as Muslims, are responsible for the entire Ummah.
Looking back on my life, I am thankful to Allah (SWT) that He has blessed me with His Guidance. For without Allah, we are nothing. After returning from my trip, I became even more successful in business. My two brothers became my business partners and Allah has blessed us with a successful and halal business. Guidance has also come to my two brothers; one of them became more religious than all of us. Alhamdullilah. Since I took Islam back, I feel like Allah (Suhanahu wa Ta'ala – Who is High and Glorious) is in control of my life…. my life feels in control again. I feel like I have Allah's (Suhanahu wa Ta'ala) help now.
It has been many years now since I've found my way back to Islam. Sometimes when people are born Muslim, we tend to take it for granted everything that Islam has to offer.
When I now read different stories of converts and how they came to Islam, I get very touched by their stories. There are so many Muslims today who do not realize the beauty and peacefulness of this religion. We are so eager to search elsewhere and find happiness in other things–whether it be friends, partying, music, drinking, etc. Sometimes it takes something very small; in my case a much needed 'wake-up' call from some Muslim brothers who really cared about helping and reaching out to their Muslim community.
Instead of division into separate groups, we should remember that we are all one Muslim Ummah (community). Each of us has a responsibility of reviving the effort of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and reminding the Muslims of their responsibilities and good qualities.
That is why when I am now asked to give motivational talks to our Muslim youth, my message to them is to "fear Allah". By choosing to practice a non-Muslim lifestyle, you are setting a bad example for Islam and Muslims. If the lifestyle you are living is an un-Islamic one, you are paying the price of hurting not just your own life, but you are also paying the price of blocking the hedayah for non-Muslims in this country.
Living my life as an American, I feel obligated to stand up for Islam, and I would hope that other Muslims feel the same way, too. In a Muslim country you are able to kick back; you are a spectator, rather than a person who wants to take charge of things and take the initiative.
America has been a blessing from day one. It gives us freedom of religion, and freedom to practice Islam and to prosper in Islam. America was created by immigrants from Europe who had escaped religious persecution. This is the same scenario for many of the Muslims in America today. They also had to escape their Muslim countries because of fear and persecution. And they found opportunity, compassion, and acceptance in America.
To me, there is no such thing as a foreign country or this and that…everything is created by Allah and everything belongs to Allah. So it is not an ownership, nor a citizenship; wherever I land as a Muslim, it is my country and I work and strive to make a positive difference. I hope that September 11th has not changed that and that there is not a backlash; I hope that it doesn't change the compassion that this country has.
It is important for every Muslim to do their share to spread peace, love, and compassion in the world. Remember the words of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Remember the kindness that one should have towards human beings and all living things. Every Muslim, regardless of where they are, should carry this message.
I cannot conclude my story if I do not give full credit to where credit is due. Of course, nothing happens without the will of Allah. And I know that Allah is the best of planners. However, I am also indebted to Sheikh Mabruk (May Allah have mercy on his soul) who so tirelessly and patiently affected so many Muslims lives. I for one would not be the Muslim man I am today without his efforts (and other brothers such as him).
It had always been his dream to be buried in Medina. While performing the Hajj, Sheikh Mabruk died in Mecca and was buried in Medina. May Allah have mercy on him.
Following Articles are here.
1. Work of Dawah essential duty for All Muslims.
2. Dawah is Essential
A.
For Ummat
Revival
B.
Strenthening
of our Emaan (Faith) and
D.
For Allah
Help
3.[Clearing A
MISCONCEPTION] Dawah is not for Muslims.
(Some foolish even claim that Dawah to Muslim is Bidah)
A. Azan a
complete Dawah is for Muslim
B. An answer by
Great Scholar Mufti Ibraheem Desai
C. An answer by
Daee e Islam Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui related
to Tablighi Jamaat work among Muslims.
(Kaleem Siddiqui sb
is Famous Daee )
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A1: Why Da'wah (call /invite people towards Islam)?
Islam is the perfect and complete religion for all mankind (Al-Maida:3).
Allah has guided the believers to the truth (Al-Baqara:213).
It is the only religion acceptable to Allah (Al-Imran:85).
It is Important for Muslims to give Da 'wah only for Allah's pleasure for the following reasons:
Allah has guided the believers to the truth (Al-Baqara:213).
It is the only religion acceptable to Allah (Al-Imran:85).
It is Important for Muslims to give Da 'wah only for Allah's pleasure for the following reasons:
1.Da'wah is a commandment from Allah (Al-Baqara:21): Allah enjoins the Muslims to invite mankind to Islam. He commands: Invite to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious, for your Rabb knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receiveguidance. (An-Nahl: 125).
2.. Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallamis the last messenger: He is the Last Messenger till the last day ofthe world, he is Rahmatullil Alamin - Allah has sent him as Rahmat for the entire universe (Al-Anbiya:107). As his followers, it is the responsibility for Muslims to give Da'wah to every human being wherever s/he can.
3. Dawah is the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger Muhammad Allah sent His Messenger as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, a warner, as one who invites mankind to Allah by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light (Al-Ahzab: 45-46).
Allah says in Quran: Say (0 Muhammad ;I): This is my way; I do invite unto Allah with certain knowledge, I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah! And I am not ofthe polytheists. (Yusuf: 108).
4. Da'wah is one of the best ways of serving Allah: Allah praises those Muslims who invite people to Islam. He says: You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind. You enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah. (Al-Imran:11O).
Who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says I am ofthose who bow in Islam. (Fussilat:33)
.
Abdullah bin Masud narrated that Allah's Messenger said: Donot wish to be like anybody except in two cases: The case of a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way; and that of a man whom Allah has given religious wisdom (Quran and Sunnah); and he gives his verdicts according to it and teaches it to others. (Bukhari).
5. Dayee (person invites) will receive highest rewards: Allah assures the Dayee as the one to attain felicity (AI-Imran: 104), and promises unlimited rewards to them. Allah says: And he who has brought the truth (the Quran) and he who confmns it; those are the pious and righteous persons. They shall have all that they wish for, with their Rabb. Such is the reward of those who do good, so that Allah will remit from them the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best ofwhat they have done. (Az-Zumar:33-35) Sahl bin Sad. narrated that Allah's Messenger ili said: Be patient till you face them (the infidels) and invite them to Islam and inform them of what Allah has enjoined upon them. By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (through you) that will be better for you than the red camels. (Bukhari)
Abu Masud Al-Ansri .., narrated that Allah's Messenger said: One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer. (Muslim).
Khuraym bin Fatik • narrated that Allah's Messenger said: If anyone makes a contribution towards Allah's path, 700 times as much will be recorded to his credit. (Tirmidhi. Nasai).
6. Da'wah is religious dUty tor Muslims: Muslims enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong: The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another; they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil. (At-Tauba: 71).
Abdullah bin Arnr. narrated that the Prophet ;I said: Convey (my teachings) to the people even ifit were a single sentence. (Bukhari).
Abu Said Al-Khudri • narrated: I heard Allah's Messenger as saying: He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with his hand; and if he has not enough strength to do it, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not enough strength to do it, then he should abhor it from his heart and that is the least of faith. (Muslim).
1. click to Read .....DAWAH FOR UMMAT REVIVAL SEEKING ALLAH HELP AND STRENGTHING OUR EMAAN (Faith)
Few Words and Examples
(By Blogger)
Da‘wah or Dawah (Arabic: دعوة) usually denotes the preaching of Islam. Da‘wah literally means "issuing a summons" or "making an invitation",In Islamic theology, the purpose of Da‘wah is to invite people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the worship of Allah as expressed in the Qur'an and the sunnah of the Prophet S.A.W.,
Invitation may be of
- Islam for those who have not accepted Islam
- Person Having Emaan will be given Dawah to strengthen it and of Amal e Saliha.
Those who are raising to Dawah to Muslims/Non Muslims are simply confusing General Muslims on different terminologies.
DAWAH............TALEEM...........ISLAH........TABLIGH
So differentiating these term and confusing Muslims are simply handiwork of Iblees. Unfortunately some Muslims are becoming tools for spreading confusion and misunderstanding about the blessed effort of Dawat o Tabligh and Islah being done by Tablighi Jamaat
May Allah save all of us.
Some Examples of Dawah Among Muslims.
1.Allah Talla Himself give Dawah to Muslim in Quran. Both these Ayats are for Muslim.
YA AIUHAL LAZINA AMAnud khulu fissilme Kaffah........................
O the believer enter into deen completely
Ya Aiuhallazina Amanu Aminu.............
O the believer,believe..........
1. Adhan is five time Dawah for Muslim that has been called as Dawatut Tammah.(Complete Dawah). It is not for Non Muslim but Muslims.
2. Masab Bin Umair R.A. was sent for one year for those who accepted Islam.Rather they requested it.
4. 70-80 % Muslims (at some places) are not even performing the foremost command Salat/Namaz.................and others command....
So it is much needed now a days that Dawah work with all might and effort to be done Both among Muslims and Non Muslims.
Please Share this article/blog it if you are convinced. If not agreed Please comment and suggest the mistakes and correction.
May Allah help you.
NOW THE QURANIC Guidance and Fatwa....................
By Mufti Ibraheem Desai.
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalāmu ῾alaykum wa Rahmatullāhi Wabarakātuh
May Allah Ta‘ālā accept your noble intention and quest to bring complete deen into your life. Āmīn. Indeed, complete success lies in complete deen.
The embodiment of deen was, without a doubt, the life of the Prophet (s.a.w.). He was a walking Qur’an and our role model of how to please our Creator. Therefore, anyone seeking to implement complete deen into their life cannot do so unless they follow the way of the Prophet (s.a.w.).
One major aspect of the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) life was invitation and calling towards Allah (da‘wah and tablīgh). Allah Ta‘ālā commanded the Prophet (s.a.w.) in the Qur’an saying:
قُلْ هَذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَى بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي
“Say to them, O Prophet: This is my way. I call to Allah based on clear revealed proof—I and whoever follows me.” –Sūrah Yūsuf: 108
It is clear from this verse that one major aspect pertaining to the way of the Prophet (s.a.w.) is calling towards Allah (da‘wah), with the condition that it is done based on clear, revealed proofs. This calling towards Allah is inclusive of inviting both Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is not restricted to one or the other. Allah the Exalted says:
وما أرسلناكَ إِلاَّ كافَّةً للنَّاس
“And thus it is, O Prophet, that We have sent you to all humanity” –Sūrah Saba’: 28
Allah the Exalted also states:
وما أرسلناكَ إِلا رحمة للعالَمين
“For We have sent you, O Prophet, as none other than a mercy to all the people of the world.” –Sūrah al-’Anbiyā: 107These are general verses showing that the prophetic teachings are for all humanity. Other verses illustrate that Allah Ta‘ālā is specifically inviting Muslims to inculcate complete deen and to remain steadfast on deen. Allah the Exalted says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً
“O you who believe! Enter into peace, all of you together. –Sūrah al-Baqarah: 208
The great Followers (Tabi‘ī) and scholars of Qur’an, Qatādah and Mujahid explain that Allah is addressing the Muslims and enjoining them to bring complete deen into their life.Allah the Exalted also says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا آَمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ عَلَى رَسُولِهِ وَالْكِتَابِ الَّذِي أَنْزَلَ مِنْ قَبْلُ
“O you who believe! Believe steadfastly in Allah, and His Messenger, and the Book that He has, indeed, sent down to His Messenger—and every revealed Book that He has sent down before. –Sūrah al-Nisā: 136
The great Follower, Hasan al-Basrī, explains that Allah is commanding the Muslims, who are already believers, to believe. Therefore what is meant from Allah’s command to believe is to remain firm and steadfast on their deen.
In the light of these verses and their commentary,
we understand that calling towards good (da‘wah) can also be done amongst Muslims, as Allah himself calls the Muslims towards good acts.
This is even more pertinent in our time now since Muslims are lacking the desire to practice complete deen and are no longer remaining steadfast on even the most basic injunctions. The importance that da‘wah has in general can also be observed from the aforementioned verses, playing a significant role in adopting complete deen.
With that being said, da‘wah is something that can be performed by anyone at anytime, be it at school, at home, or at the workplace. It is not a requirement that one must be a scholar, but whatever one calls toward should be based on sound knowledge. We should constantly keep a close relationship with scholars in order to verify what we know and seek to find answers for that which we do not know, steadily increasing our knowledge of deen and then calling towards it.
Additionally, it is advisable to join with other brothers in a guided effort in calling towards good. In this manner, one can work more efficiently and experience more barakah (blessings) in their endeavors. At the same time, in a collective effort you will be able to feed off one another and support each other during times of struggle. The most effective collective effort, easily accessible to all Muslims regardless of where they may live, in South Africa or out of South Africa, is the noble effort of da‘wah and tablīgh. This effort was revived by Mawlana Ilyās Kandehlawi (r.a.) and in line with the teachings of our righteous predecessors.
Therefore, I would advise you or anyone else interested in involving their self in da‘wah work to join with brothers when they go in jamā‘at, or religious retreats. Effort is primarily made amongst the Muslims, visiting them and reminding them of our duties as Muslims. However, as was already previously mentioned, this mode of da‘wah, namely calling other Muslims towards good, is also acceptable and established in our deen.
May Allah Ta‘ālā grant you the success to implement the noble act of da‘wah into your life and use you as a means of guidance for all of mankind. Āmīn.
And Allāh Ta῾āla Knows Best
Wassalāmu ῾alaykum
Ml. Musa Sugapong,
Student Dārul Iftā
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Dārul Iftā, Madrasah In῾āmiyyah
A live discussion ON THE ISSUE........
Most of you must be knowing Famous Daee ilallah Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui Sb from India.
Who is doing great effort of Dawah among non Believers trying to save mankind from hell and to send everyone to paradise.
Once he was delivering a talk at Aligarh (India) at Masjid Rahmat Banoo Zakaria Market Medical Road Aligarh after Maghrib.
He concluded his bayan and dua also and Crowd was about to disperse.
There was no question answer Session Planned....but unexpectedly one Brother asked a question that.......
Q. You are telling to do the work among non believers and Tablighi Jamaat is doing among believers only. Which one is correct????????
After this first Maulana called the dispersing Mob vigrously. He called everybody to come and sit and listen and make their thoughts clarified..............
Then He asked a question ??????????????
What is necessary in the human Body
Eyes...........OR .......EAR
Head .........OR........Leg
Then he replied Both are necessary and complimentary. Every one has important Role to play .......
Then he explained at length that Both work are necessary and both are immensely important. After giving Scholary talk on the issue......................
He told many Instances where he personally encountered ............that by birth muslims have left Islam and become NON BELIEVERS
Slowly and slowly they remained cut from Islam and no one reached to them and ultimately it happened.........................
He praised work of Tabligh in this regard. He already send the new commer to Islam in Tablighi Jamaat for strengthening faith and Amaal e Saliha.
Muslims Finding Islam in America
(Story of a Arab muslim who was a club owener in america whose life was changed by Allah through blessed work of dawah and tabligh.Emphasise the importance of Daily Mulaqat (meeting brothers for sake of deen).May Allah give us taufeeq to do the work of dawah for our Islah.
Taken with thanks http://www.islamicbulletin.com/newsletters/issue_26/islam.aspx
A karguzari that will fill your heart with joy and tears eyes with tearsOWNER OF A NIGHT CLUB
I came to the United States from the Middle East in the 70's. I already had two of my brothers living in America so naturally I wanted to join them and live 'the good life.' I remember being so excited that I would have a chance to make it rich; unlike the simple, poor life that I had been accustomed to. I come from a large family and although there was much love and happiness in the home, I was young and wanted the wealth to buy material things. So, I came to Denver, Colorado and worked hard and saved my money.
I eventually opened a big night club in Denver called Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. I was on top of the world with my new business. I excitedly remodeled my nightclub, spending a great deal of money to include a huge dance floor, a stage for belly dancing, a bar, and a restaurant.
Business was doing very well and my nightclub attracted many people from the Middle East.
FULLY DROWNED IN MATERIALISM AND SINS
Once, a very wealthy Middle Eastern was organizing a private party and requested that Nagwa Fouad, a popular Egyptian singer, be brought over to perform for him. I told him he must be crazy; that would take a lot of money to do that. He told me that money was no object and that he would pay to see this singer perform live. Sure enough she, along with her entire group which consisted of 12 dancers, 35 musicians and singers, a choreographer, a costume designer, and a makeup stylist/hairdresser were brought from Egypt for this one grand party.
To be perfectly honest, I was quite happy with my lavish lifestyle. I was married, happy, and making a very good living. I was not thinking about my Islamic responsibilities, nor was I thinking about what I should be doing to gain Allah's pleasure.
A GROUP OF MEN in ISLAMIC DRESS CAME TO MEET IN NIGHTCLUB
So, I was going about my busy life preparing for another evening at my nightclub. To my shock, a group of men, who were all dressed in long, Islamic-styled clothing, came into my nightclub. Even though they didn't look like the kind who would come to a nightclub, I told them that the club wasn't opened yet and to come back later. They told me that they did not want to come to the nightclub but instead were here to see and talk to me. I couldn't imagine what they had wanted to speak to me about; there was nothing I wanted to talk to them about. Who told them about me or how they came to know of me was anyone's guess. Anyway, they came to my night club and I was literally shocked. It was the first time I had encountered men dressed in long, white flowing robes. I mean, this was America, not the Middle East. The way they were dressed was overwhelming. And they came with a strong message. Of course they spoke to me about Islam, a Muslim's duties to Islam, the importance of prayer, etc. Although all of the Brothers were so inviting and kind, I really did not feel comfortable talking to them.
I mean, I knew what they wanted to talk to me about and I really did not want to listen. I remember one brother, Sheikh Mabruk, Allah Yarhamhu (May Allah have mercy on his soul), who did most of the talking. Anyways, he could tell that I was a bit uncomfortable so he invited me to go to the masjid with them. I said fine, that after closing tonight, I would meet them there. Frankly, I really didn't want them hanging around the nightclub because I thought it wouldn't be very good for customers to see these guys hanging around the place. I didn't want these guys ruining my business.
HE KEPT PROMISE TO VISIT THE MOSQUE...and ....ALLAH GAVE HIDAYAH
After closing the nightclub at 3 or 3:30 am, like I had promised, I went straight to the masjid, which was not a masjid but a small house. I didn't think anyone would be awake. When I walked in the room, I remember seeing Sheikh Mabruk reading a book. When I said "Assalamu Alaikum," he got scared and dropped his book. Sheikh Mabruk was so happy to see me; he hugged me. He made tea for me and we proceeded to drink tea and talk about many things. Soon it was time for Fajr salah. He did not ask me to join the salah, but instead told me to finish drinking my tea and that he would come back to join me after salah. Sheikh Mabruk led the prayer and about 20 people came to pray. I still remember the first ayah which was read many years ago:
"Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (Ouran 25:70)
I had never experienced anything like it before. In front of me, I saw a restroom and made wudu. I then joined the prayer. In the second rakat, the ayah was so powerful:
Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is Forgiving, the Merciful." (Quran 39:53)
When the Sheikh finished his salah, he saw that I had prayed. A big smile came across his face. I too felt very good inside. After so many years, this was the first time I prayed. As I was driving home, I was pondering over what had happened. Tears began streaming down my face. I went home and tried to go to sleep but I was still thinking. This experience left a huge imprint on my life.
My passion for my business had begun to diminish. I no longer was feeling the same drive that I had once felt and I had begun to lose interest. I felt heaviness in my heart and a nagging feeling of different emotions, like sadness, guilt, and anxiety. My wife saw me in this distressing condition and she thought I was sick.Probably the most shocking was that I no longer was interested in ways on how to boost my business. For example, I used to have a Happy Hour in my nightclub, typically in the late afternoon between 4 PM and 7 PM; I no longer wanted to go. I had also been the one who was always in charge of everything at the nightclub. From making sure the speakers were working, the lighting was all set, the stage was looking good, the music was ready, the dancers well versed, I was the one who made sure that everything was running on schedule. I no longer enjoyed my work, nor did I feel in the mood to even show up at work.
ALLAH CHOSE SPECIAL WAY FOR giving him HIDAYAH........ALLAHU AKABAR
About two weeks after that visit to the mosque, I was in my nightclub staring out the window. The restaurant was slow that afternoon and there were only a few who were dining on lunch. Suddenly, I see 20 police cars surrounding my place. They rushed in and what seemed like a matter of seconds, the police officers handcuff two the men, arrest them, and take their briefcases. I was in shock as to what was happening before my eyes. Later, I learn that one of the men had 2.5 million dollars in cash in his briefcase and the other had almost the same amount in heroin.
During the 80's, this was one of the biggest drug busts ever. The police then asked for the owner of the club. I told them that I was the owner, all the while scared to think of what was going to happen next. The police then ordered me to come with them. They informed me that my nightclub had to be permanently closed.
Everything after this was happening like one big blur. I had to go to court and try to keep my nightclub opened. No matter how hard I tried, though, Allah always knows better. He knew that I was ready to make a change and lead my life as a practicing Muslim.As it says in the Holy Quran,
"But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not." (Quran 2:216)
MUBARAK CONTINUED THE VISIT........
During this time, Brother Mabruk and the others still came to visit me. And I had begun frequenting the masjid more often. I still would not say that I was a perfect Muslim, but I was getting better.
Occasionally I would accompany the brothers when they went to visit other Muslims.
DURING MULAQAT .....someone....Spitteded ON THE FACE .......PROPHET SUNNAH REPEATED in the work of Dawah
Once, I accompanied Sheikh Mabruk and a few other brothers who went to visit a Muslim grocery store owner. That day, the grocery owner, who was apparently in a bad mood, lost his temper and said, "Why are you bothering me?" and spit in Sheikh Mabruk's face. I was so mad, I wanted to punch him. But the sheikh held me back and cleaned the spit with his hand. He did not use a napkin. The Sheikh told the owner Jazakullah khair that Allah has blessed me with a brother who has 'la illahah illalah' in his heart and we left. Those words had actually had an impact on me. It was heart whelming to actually see and witness how important it is for Muslims to visit and remind other Muslims of the importance of salah and other Islamic duties. My life changed after that visit. You can never know what simple act you may do that will affect another person's life.
Sheikh Mabruk had the best personality; I have never met a person who had such qualities like him. In fact, whenever I hear stories of the Sahabah, I always think of him.
Mubarak Returened and did Dua for person who spitted on Face........Allah brought him to mosque and asked forgiveness.............Allah arrangment of Hidayah......
When we returned to the masjid I was still mad. I saw the Sheikh making dua, and was thinking to myself, "Good, the Sheikh is making dua that the man's grocery business fails or something terrible."
At maghrib time, the store owner came and was looking for Sheikh Mabruk. When I saw him, my blood was boiling. I said this is my chance to take care of him, but Sheikh Mabruk stopped me. What happened next made me realize that there is hope for each of us. The man kissed the Sheikh's head and told him to please forgive him for what he did.
The Sheikh told the grocery owner that he had been making dua for his guidance. As the grocery owner was leaving, he could not find his shoes. Sheikh Mabruk found them, then bent down and placed them on the man's feet. What a beautiful thing that happened before my eyes. To make a long story short, the grocery owner sold his business and moved to Toronto. He now lives a very pious and religious life.
How he started Giving Dawah around the globe....................
How I began joining and traveling around with these brothers to give dawah was purely accidental. Once I went to the masjid to offer my salah. Visiting there was a group of brothers from Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Mabruk was there, too, along with some of the local brothers. He told me that they were spending forty days traveling around the United States. Traveling around doing what, I asked? He explained to me that these brothers came from Saudi Arabia to help remind the Muslims of their Islamic responsibilities.
All the way from Saudi Arabia, I thought. Now, that was a bit silly. I'm sure they could have found people a lot closer to have done that. Anyways, was there even a need to do this? Wow, what a serious waste of time, money, and loss of work. Something I would never do.
Sheikh Mabruk said to me, "Why don't you spend time with them?" I told the sheikh, "There is no way I can spend forty days." He said that they needed brothers to help drive so how about 3 days. They were going to travel from Denver to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and then San Francisco. So I told him that I would drive these brothers a portion of the trip, to Las Vegas. My hope was that after driving them, I would stop and do a little gambling. My intention was not to spend time with them but to gamble.
I called my wife and told her that I would be gone for about 3 days–that I would be driving a group of brothers to Las Vegas. To my surprise, she was fine with it. On our way from Denver, one brother sitting behind me was reading Surat Yasin from the Quran the entire way.
After arriving in Las Vegas, we prayed fajr, ate breakfast, and rested in the masjid. At dhuhr time, one of the local brothers came and invited us to rest in a room of a local motel. The owner was a Muslim and he had a motel connected to a small casino. Many of the customers were Middle Eastern. Many times, Muslims have forgotten Islam. I sincerely and wholeheartedly wish hedayah would come to every Muslim. I wish that Muslims would realize the Power of Allah, the connection that one could have with Allah and the feeling of imam (faith) in his/her heart. This is something that every Muslim needs. As practicing Muslims, we should also be well-wishers for the entire humanity. As Muslims, more than anybody else, we should realize that they have a treasure in their hands (Islam) and they should take advantage of it.
So, I went with two of the brothers to visit the Muslims in the casino. Before going in, one of the brothers told me to listen only. Since I was new, and not knowing what to do, I just stood there watching and listening. I was so involved watching a man gamble, I had not noticed that the brothers had moved on to talk to another person. Anyways, while watching this man play cards, the dealer dealt an initial hand of two cards and the guy I was standing behind had a total of 16, so I told him nam nam (stand), "Take no more cards." He turned and looked at me; I was wearing a white thobe like the rest of the brothers. So he told the dealer, "One more card." He ended up losing. I told him, "Didn't I tell you 'nam nam'?"
The man played another turn and took 2 cards. This time his total was 15. So I told him "Take another card," but he refused and would not take another card. His next card was a two. He ended up losing to the dealer. So I asked him, "Why didn't you listen to me?" He said, "La hawla wa qwata illa billah." (Expression said by a Muslim when he is struck with calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control). The man asked me, "Are you a sheikh or a professional gambler?" So I told him, "Do you want to win?" He answered "yes." So I said, "Come and talk to 2 brothers about Islam. Then I swear to you that you will come back and win." Instead of telling this man that gambling is prohibited in Islam, I'm telling him to go back in and he will win. The man then joked with me that whatever place I play at, he will make sure to not play against me. When I think about my early days and how far I have come in my religion, sometimes I blush from embarrassment.
After returning to our room, some of the brothers had prepared lunch for the entire group. Another brother brought me coffee the way I liked it, with a splash of milk. They told me that I had a long drive back to Denver, so they wanted to make sure that I ate well. It was at this moment that I felt a complete change in my entire being–a feeling of humbleness engulfed me. I went outside, called my wife and told her I was going to spend 40 days with the brothers. When the brothers wanted to see me off, I told them I wanted to spend forty days with them. They were very happy about this and I had a different intention before I came to Las Vegas, but subhanallah it changed.We continued on our journey; stopping in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and beautiful San Francisco. I started growing a beard, and the brothers commented that my face had so much light. My entire life changed because of these 40 days spent. I now felt peace and tranquility.
When I came back home, my wife was surprised by how I looked, for I had grown a beard. But even more surprising than that were my actions. She couldn't believe that I had changed so dramatically. I was a better husband, more compassionate and caring.
After returning home to Denver, there was a group of brothers who were planning to spend 4 months abroad, visiting India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They asked me to join them. I was a bit hesitant, not knowing what to expect, but after discussing it with my wife, we both agreed that it was something good for me to do. So, I spent the next 4 months of my life visiting Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
These were the best 4 months of my life! I was able to work on perfecting my Islamic qualities and especially becoming punctual with my salah. This was also the time that I reflected on my purpose of life and I became more God-conscious. The atmosphere allowed me to become a better Muslim; all the while contemplating on ways to become a better husband and father. In addition, the Islamic environment enabled me to totally work on bettering myself, listening to the lectures of the different scholars, and very importantly, sharing, talking and learning from my fellow Muslim brothers. The time that I was spending abroad was whizzing by and I had a lot of things to learn. Even though I was aware of many things before, I never really understood my Islamic duties nor did I realize that we, as Muslims, are responsible for the entire Ummah.
Looking back on my life, I am thankful to Allah (SWT) that He has blessed me with His Guidance. For without Allah, we are nothing. After returning from my trip, I became even more successful in business. My two brothers became my business partners and Allah has blessed us with a successful and halal business. Guidance has also come to my two brothers; one of them became more religious than all of us. Alhamdullilah. Since I took Islam back, I feel like Allah (Suhanahu wa Ta'ala – Who is High and Glorious) is in control of my life…. my life feels in control again. I feel like I have Allah's (Suhanahu wa Ta'ala) help now.
It has been many years now since I've found my way back to Islam. Sometimes when people are born Muslim, we tend to take it for granted everything that Islam has to offer.
When I now read different stories of converts and how they came to Islam, I get very touched by their stories. There are so many Muslims today who do not realize the beauty and peacefulness of this religion. We are so eager to search elsewhere and find happiness in other things–whether it be friends, partying, music, drinking, etc. Sometimes it takes something very small; in my case a much needed 'wake-up' call from some Muslim brothers who really cared about helping and reaching out to their Muslim community.
Instead of division into separate groups, we should remember that we are all one Muslim Ummah (community). Each of us has a responsibility of reviving the effort of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and reminding the Muslims of their responsibilities and good qualities.
That is why when I am now asked to give motivational talks to our Muslim youth, my message to them is to "fear Allah". By choosing to practice a non-Muslim lifestyle, you are setting a bad example for Islam and Muslims. If the lifestyle you are living is an un-Islamic one, you are paying the price of hurting not just your own life, but you are also paying the price of blocking the hedayah for non-Muslims in this country.
Living my life as an American, I feel obligated to stand up for Islam, and I would hope that other Muslims feel the same way, too. In a Muslim country you are able to kick back; you are a spectator, rather than a person who wants to take charge of things and take the initiative.
To me, there is no such thing as a foreign country or this and that…everything is created by Allah and everything belongs to Allah. So it is not an ownership, nor a citizenship; wherever I land as a Muslim, it is my country and I work and strive to make a positive difference. I hope that September 11th has not changed that and that there is not a backlash; I hope that it doesn't change the compassion that this country has.
It is important for every Muslim to do their share to spread peace, love, and compassion in the world. Remember the words of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Remember the kindness that one should have towards human beings and all living things. Every Muslim, regardless of where they are, should carry this message.
I cannot conclude my story if I do not give full credit to where credit is due. Of course, nothing happens without the will of Allah. And I know that Allah is the best of planners. However, I am also indebted to Sheikh Mabruk (May Allah have mercy on his soul) who so tirelessly and patiently affected so many Muslims lives. I for one would not be the Muslim man I am today without his efforts (and other brothers such as him).
It had always been his dream to be buried in Medina. While performing the Hajj, Sheikh Mabruk died in Mecca and was buried in Medina. May Allah have mercy on him.
