Da’wah, essentially, was the core duty of every prophet and messenger of God, from the creation of Ādam (ʿalayhi al-Salām), up until the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They were all divinely chosen to call the people to the monotheistic worship of Allah, gradually drawing them away from darkness and mercifully taking them into light, with the fundamental aim of saving humankind from Allah’s punishment and wrath.
The successful nation
The Qur’ān communicates to us the significance of this divine task, whilst encouraging all believers to emulate the Prophetic example:
وَلۡتَكُنۡ مِّنۡكُمۡ اُمَّةٌ يَّدۡعُوۡنَ اِلَى الۡخَيۡرِ وَيَاۡمُرُوۡنَ بِالۡمَعۡرُوۡفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ الۡمُنۡكَرِ وَاُولٰٓـئِكَ هُمُ الۡمُفۡلِحُوۡنَ
“And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.” [1]
The above verse makes an inseparable link between da’wah and success, thereby rendering every person involved in da’wah as prosperous.
The act of da’wah is not restricted to public preaching; it manifests in various ways, shapes, and forms. In fact, sometimes, the most effective form of da’wah is to display good character within our day-to-day interpersonal dealings, in an effort to be authentic representatives of Islam.
Action plan
Although good character is not limited to Ramadan, there is not a more ideal occasion for us to engage in self-betterment than this noble month.
So, as we come to the end of this month, let us make the intention to carry out the prophetic act of da’wah through actualising our religious values and principles.
Here are some steps we can take to implement the above:
- Maintain a good code of conduct when interacting with others;
- Introduce non-Muslim neighbours, friends, and peers to the essentials of Islam;
- Take part in local da’wah stalls to play an active role in doing da’wah.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] al-Qur’ān, 3:104