Islam is a missionary religion, and Da‘wah (the call to Islam) is a divine commandment. In common terms, Da‘wah invites people to Islam. An individual who engages in da’wah, either as a religious professional or as a volunteer within a community, is referred to as a dā‘ī (plural du’at).
In the realm of Islamic theology, the objective of da‘wah is to extend an invitation to individuals, encompassing both Muslims and non-Muslims, to comprehend the principles of Islam, its beliefs, and its application.
The Qur’ān has laid down the boundary within which a dā‘īhas to work, and that boundary is enshrined in the following verse:
“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.” (Qur’an)
The Qur’an lays emphasis upon the use of wisdom and tact while conveying the message of Islam. This verse (16:125) has remained a guiding force for all dā’īs to balance knowledge against compassion and eloquence. The dā’ī, or person inviting others to Islam, has always been a very important one. In a world in which globalisation has spread rapidly, new technologies have been discovered, and socio-political challenges mounted, the dā’ī is more indispensable.
A dā’ī in contemporary pluralistic society needs to know both his Islamic teachings and the cultural, intellectual, and social realities of modern life. In his book Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm ad-Dīn, Imam Al-Ghazali categorically states that the way to guide others is by first purifying oneself spiritually. Such a person cannot present the message of Islam without personal integrity and piety.
Another vital function of a dā’ī in the contemporary period is the removal of myths about Islam. False information and negative reporting by the media increase the need for presenting well-balanced truth. Certainly, The Fundamentals of Islamic Da’wah by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan places considerable importance on the rational and peaceful approach to da’wah to be taken, as it is stated there that the most used abusive methods chase away those who are being tempted instead of winning them over.
Added to the task of the dā’ī are the solutions to problems peculiar to modernity, such as secularism, atheism and moral relativism. Dr Jamal Badawi in his works on da’wah points to an engagement with modern-day concerns like environmental degradation, human rights, and social justice, showing that the Islamic teachings have broad enough solutions for these problems.
The internet and social media networks, for instance, allow the dā’ī to reach far-flung audiences across geographical and cultural divides. Still, as Dr. Bilal Philips highlights in The Fundamentals of Tawḥīd, the dā’ī should guard against the message getting confused or falsified in the din and confusion of the virtual world.
Dā’īs can use Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the perfect model of da’wah. His approach toward people was one of mercy and patience while maintaining a very deep respect for others irrespective of their backgrounds. According to Fiqh al-Da’wah, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi highlighted that da’īs must emulate the method of the Prophet by forming bridges with the people and fulfilling their needs, longing, and demands today with compassion and cognizance.
The role of a dā’ī in the modern world is multifaceted, requiring deep knowledge, wisdom, and a compassionate approach. By staying grounded in Islamic principles and being aware of contemporary issues, the dā’ī can effectively convey the message of Islam and serve humanity.
The writer is pursuing an MA in Islamic Studies at the Department of Religious Studies, Central University of Kashmir
By Shafiya Rasool