» Da`wah: Inspiring Examples from History

In the past, the Muslim Ummah was a leading nation in virtues, justice, righteousness, integrity, particularly honesty, fair dealing and tolerance. That was what attracted people to Islam in multitudes.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the best example for the whole mankind to follow. It is vital for those working in D’awah to seek guidance in his manners and methods of D’awah; how he gave D’awah to people from different races and social status; his patience, tolerance and kind treatment with his enemies. When people of the city of Ta’if rejected him and sent their children to throw stones at him until his feet were bleeding, angel Jibreel came to tell him that there were angels ready to destroy them upon his request but he refused and said, “Maybe Allah will bring from their offspring ones who will worship Him alone” (Al-Bukhari).

The Prophet’s generosity was one of the keys of his D’awah, which opened the hearts of people to Islam. His humble personality, honesty, and love for goodness to people paved the way for his D’awah to spread. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left no chance but he exploited it for the cause of D’awah.

The Sahabah (Prophet’s Companions) followed his example in inviting people to Islam. They set good example by adhering fully and completely to Prophet’s teachings. That is why they were successful in spreading Islam.

Michael Hart’s put Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the first in his “The 100 List of the most influential persons in History”. He also put ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab” (raa) the 52nd in the list. Among the reasons Mr. Hart explained for choosing ‘Umar is that under his leadership Islam spread widely not by the sword but by the virtue of its beauty, simplicity, transparency, openness. He stressed that ‘Umar truly applied the Quranic injunction “There is no compulsion in religion.” 

An other example of successful D’awah in history is that when Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) conquered Hims (a city in Syria), he collected the jizyah (taxes) from its people, who were Christians. Then he was ordered to leave the city to someplace else. Before he left, he returned the taxes back to them saying: ”We collected this money in return of your protection but now we are leaving so you take it back”. Upon seeing this they were amazed and said: ”No one has ever treated us like this, neither the Romans nor the Persians; you are similar to the disciples of Jesus (peace be upon him)”; and they all converted to Islam.

One of the reasons for the rapid growth of Islam was that many of the high-ranked religious figures from the Jews and Christians had converted to Islam. They were convinced that Islam was a continuation and affirmation of the Abrahamic faith. This made their followers accept Islam in multitudes. For example, Ardkun, the Bishop of Damascus, accepted Islam after the Islamic armies entered the city under leadership of Khalid Ibn Walid. The followers of Ardkun became attracted towards the new faith and became Muslim also. Also, the chief administrator of the city of Shata in Egypt left his town with two thousand men and went to city of Damietta, where the Muslim army had camped, and he embraced Islam with his followers.

The Caliph `Umar ibn Abdul `Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him), following the examples of the Prophet as well as the guided Caliphs, was a bright example of the just ruler. During his Caliphate, poverty was eradicated, maybe for the first time in history, and Muslims could not find poor people to give them their Zakat (charity).

At his time, because of his justice so many non-Muslims entered Islam that some of his governors complained of the lack of jizyah (tax on non-Muslims) revenue. He sent to them that Allah had sent Muhammad to mankind as a guide and mercy not a tax collector.

There are ample examples from history, still I do not claim that the Muslim nation was exemplary at all times; I know there were periods in history in which it deviated from its path. But what I want to stress is that Da`wah for Islam is vital for the well-being of the Muslim Ummah; if Da`wah declines, the entire Ummah declines. The opposite is also true; if the Ummah declines, the Da`wah will certainly decline.

Da`wah Today

At present, the Da`wah delivered by Muslim states is confined in running mosques, supervising Islamic studies, or directing and supporting various Da`wah activities in non-Muslim societies. However, Muslims efforts are not united and lacking coordination; furthermore their work in Da`wah is not adequate and focusing mainly on providing some help for Muslims minorities.

If the Muslim Ummah works hard in the right direction, it can restore its position as a Da`iah Nation in spite of the discouraging political realities of the Islamic world at present. Allah the Almighty said in Surat Al-Imran (3:110): “You are the best nation that has ever been introduced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.” 

This can only be achieved when the Muslim Ummah fully recognizes that its sole mission in this world is not only to achieve political power and economic advantages but basically to deliver Allah’s message to mankind, and be a model nation in justice, tolerance, humanitarian services, good dealings, respect of people’s rights, …etc.

The first step for the Muslim Ummah to restore its glory is to return to the true Islam as the only source of power and dignity. Islam alone can end the state of powerlessness and desperation that has swept over the Islamic world, and it alone can resurrect the spirit of faith and struggle.

The fact that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the entire world at present, in spite of the adverse conditions in the Islamic world, is one of the most reassuring signs that Muslim Ummah will succeed in restoring its position in the near future.

Muslims must Change

Muslims have to make sincere efforts to change their poor circumstances. Muslims should stop blaming the others for their weakness; their main attention should be centered on resolving the problems that led to their decline; to correct the poor political, economic, and social conditions that have afflicted all Islamic countries without exception.

Elimination of oppression, dictatorship, autocracy, tyranny, illiteracy and poverty must be our top priorities. The Muslim Ummah must apply Islam by protecting the life, wealth, honor, mind, and religion of every individual belongs to it whether a Muslim or a non-Muslim.

Successful Da`wah

Muslims have to establish a system based on the principles and teachings of Islam; a system that convinces the world of the supreme nature of Islam by translating Islamic ideals, values, practices, rules and laws, into beautiful realities.

When the non-Muslims nations see Muslims excelling in civilizations, organization, and values, and capable of providing solutions for the problems of humanity, tolerant and peaceful, as a result of applying Islam, then, multitudes of people are expected to turn to Islam and embrace it.