Women and Dawah

SISTERS MAGAZINE 2008

If you’ve always wanted to be a Da’iyah; to invite people to the Truth, but felt you don’t have time, then you better take a fresh look at Da’wah! Check out these 10 ideas and make your home a Da’wah hub.

1. Bake a cake for your neighbours
It’s amazing what effect reaching out to our neighbours can have. A simple gesture such as baking a cake for them can really change their perception of Islam and Muslims. It is those little day-to-day interactions that make people think twice about how Islam is often portrayed in the media.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O Muslim Women, do not think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a sheep’s foot”. (1)

2. Start a Blog
Even if it’s to write about an aayah of the Qur’an that has affected you, having a web presence is an effective Da’wah tool. Every time someone Googles: ‘Islam’, they are met with a plethora of links many of which misrepresent Islam. So your web presence means that people are more likely to come across correct information about Islam.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Convey (my message) from me, even if it is one aayah”. (2)

3. Phone or write to a friend
Supporting our sisters in Islam is also Da’wah because while you chat you can help renew a sisters Eaman, give her some timely advice regarding something she’s worried about, and remind her to have Sabr, which all come under ‘enjoining the good.’
Remember that Allah says in the Qur’an: “By Time, Indeed Man is in loss, except for those who Believe, and work righteous deeds, and advise one another with Truth and advise one another with Sabr (Patient perseverance).” (Suratul ‘Asr)

4. Send a cheque to a Da’wah organisation
There are plenty of organisations that print booklets or translations of the Qur’an and hold exhibitions to spread the word of Islam. By sending them a donation you will not only be participating in Da’wah, you’ll be rewarded for Sadaqah Jariyyah (ongoing charity) as your donation may cause a ripple effect, touching future generations, or it may mean someone accepting Islam and practising it.
“By Allah, if Allah were to guide just one man through you it would be better for you than red camels.” (3)

5. Call up a Radio Phone-in show
The society we live in has many social problems: poverty due to debt, absent fathers, criminal youth, abortion, sexual depravity of all kinds. By presenting the Islamic solution to society’s problems you could leave a lasting impression on millions! Islam is being discussed regularly nowadays on all major radio stations. Call up and correct a misconception someone has about Islam and be a guardian of our Deen!
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” (4)

6. Invite someone round for tea.
Whether it is the Jehovah’s Witness lady, who knocks on your door, or someone else you have met, you can invite them round for an informal chat. Let them learn a little something about Islam. You could just tell them what we believe about the Prophet ‘Isa (as) and you will have conveyed an important part of our message.

7. Write an article for a magazine or website.
There must be something you feel passionately about or an experience you’ve had, that others could benefit from. Put pen to paper and let your ideas flow. Base what you write upon the Qur’an and Sunnah and have it checked by a person of knowledge. It’ll be a chance for you to do a bit of research, increase your knowledge and it may be a valuable resource for other sisters.

8. Start a study circle
Host a small gathering of sisters for an hour every week. Present a short talk about one aspect of Islam you have looked into, or study the tafsir of a particular surah together. Invite sisters who don’t normally go to a circle. Allah will put so much Barakah in your home insha Allah!
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said in a Hadeeth Qudsi, that Allah says:
“I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it.”

9. Be your husband’s Rock
When we support our husbands’ efforts in Da’wah, we will be rewarded too. Allow him time to spend in this cause and help him in any way you can. Remember the Hadeeth, in which Asmâ bint Yazîd ibn as Sakan (RA) came to the Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) and said: “Oh Messenger of Allâh, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you. I have come to you on behalf of the women. We have believed in you. We do not go out and we remain in your homes. We are your source of physical pleasure. We carry your children. A man goes out to pray jumu’ah and jamâ’ah and follows the janazah. And if you go out fo Hajj, or ‘Umrah, or Jihâd, we look after your wealth. We wash your clothing. We raise your children. Shall we not share in the reward?”

The Prophet (sallallâhu alaihi wa sallam) turned to his companions and said: “Have you ever heard anything a woman has said better than what she has said?”
Then he said to her: “Understand O Woman, and inform the other women. Indeed a woman’s perfection of her relationship with her husband, her seeking his pleasure, and doing that which he approves of is equivalent to all of that.” Asmâ left exclaiming “La ilâha illa Allâh!” (5)

10. Teach your children
Bringing our children up to understand and love the message of Islam is our most important Da’wah project! Remember that everything you do to increase their knowledge and make them strong, righteous people is priceless and will be rewarded.
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “All of you are shepherds and are responsible for their flocks. A leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock…” (6)

1. Bukhari & Muslim.
2. Fathul Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 6/496
3. Fathul Bari (Explanation of Sahih al-Bukhari), 7/476
4. Sahih Muslim 2/22, Kitabul Iman.
5. Adh-Dhahabi related it in Siyar A'lâm An-Nubalâ (it is not 'saheeh' but Sheikh Haitham gave me ijaazah to quote it as its meaning is correct.)
6. Bukhari & Muslim