This marks my first write-up on our dawah visit to Africa, and more will follow in a series covering the events and programs that took place during our five-month-long international Dawati mission. Our journey took us to Senegal (West Africa), where the mission focused on revitalising Islamic values, Masjid development (Masjid ki Abadi), and addressing the growing temptation of apostasy.
Under the esteemed guidance of Markaz Nizamuddin, Delhi, the work of dawah has spread far and wide, connecting people to the oneness of Almighty Allah. The focus remains strong on “Tameer-e-Masjid” and building spiritual and physical connections through mosques, similar to the example of Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW).
Senegal, around 13,000 km from India, welcomed us warmly when we arrived on November 25, 2025, at 9:00 pm. Exhausted but hopeful, we were hosted by the respected authorities at Markaz Fass Mbao, Dakar 2. The next morning, our Ameer Sahab, Lateef Ahmad Shah, called for an urgent mashwara (consultation) to distribute dawah responsibilities (Amoor) among the group (sathis). We invoked Allah’s help to restore the once-strong Islamic foundation in Senegal — a country that was nearly 97% Muslim just a century ago.
The local authorities expressed deep concern: social evils and conversion to Christianity are alarmingly rampant. They urged us not to leave early, emphasising that reversing this tide would require sustained and expanded efforts. Brother Mohammad Jalal Uddin, our translator, highlighted the urgency, saying that the poor are being targeted for conversion, making the mission even more crucial.
In response, we echoed the directives of Markaz Nizamuddin, focusing on:
- Regular meetings (Mulakkats) with the community,
- Tameer-e-Masjid (Revival and usage of mosques).
We travelled across Senegal, inspired by the mission of Hazrat Uqba bin Nafa (RA), who once reached the edge of Dakar and declared his willingness to cross the Atlantic to spread the message of Islam.
Senegal comprises 7 zones and 54 halqas, supported by hundreds of sathis serving in various durations (4 months, 40 days, etc.). Zones like Ziganchor, Kirmosa, Dakar, and Pikin are currently more active. On our first Shab-e-Jumah (Thursday), we interacted with senior workers and conducted on-spot tashkeel, resulting in 17 sathis for 4 months and 4 for 40 days of kharooj.
On November 29, we were sent to Zone 1 (Dakar 1) — one of Senegal’s busiest areas. We spent 5 days conducting mulakkats, and on December 01, we held a grand mashwara attended by 10 sathis and representatives from only 7 of the 200 local masjids. Led by Zimadar Ibrahim Saho, the mashwara was structured and powerful, addressing all essential Amoor including:
Worker reports (karguzari),
5 Aamaal,
Weekly taleem,
Gashte (outreach),
Tashkeel for kharooj,
Masjid revival strategies
Ibrahim Saho, a determined dai, committed 8 hours daily to his masjid (Point E), exemplifies dedication. During tashkeel, he volunteered for 2 months in Nizamuddin (Feb 2025), along with Malik Fall, Mohammad Hussain, and Kisam Mango, who are ready for 4 months in India and 2 months in Nizamuddin (June 2025). Additionally, a masturat jod is planned for 21 December, with several women prepared for a 10-day kharooj.
In Dakar 1:
1 Aalim has committed for 1 year,
2 Aalims for 4 months,
20 sathis for 4 months,
6 masturats for 10 days,
8 masturats for 3 days,
Weekly taleem active at 3 places.
At Masjid-e-Rehman, we stayed for 5 days; 4 jammats formed for 4 months of kharooj and more for 40 days. One jammaat is ready for 3 days by 5th December.
Interestingly, Dakar 1 differs from Dakar 2: Masjids here are consistently full for all 5 daily prayers, and many worshippers attend even for Tahajjud. Around 80% of the namazis regularly recite 3–4 paarahs of Qur’an after each prayer, and some are memorising the Quran. Many carry tasbih (rosaries) and engage in long sessions of zikr, even napping during the process.
However, the colonial impact of French rule lingers. French replaced Arabic as the official language, and Wolof became the local tongue. Many Senegalese recite the Qur’an casually, legs stretched, resembling reading a newspaper — a direct result of cultural dilution. The working lifestyle, especially of women, has also transformed due to Western influence.
We appeal to the Zimadaran and sathis of Markaz Shareefabad, Tral, and all our supporters, relatives, and friends to pray for our safety and for the success of this dawah effort — so we may protect fellow Muslims from drifting away from Islam.
Senegal holds immense potential for dawah. If dedicated effort continues, inshaAllah, its people will not only revive their own Islamic roots but also emerge as torchbearers of Kalima to the world.
Note: In Senegal’s outskirts, many have already left Islam. Let us not fail them.
The writer is a Fass Mbo, Senegal (West Africa)
Dr Sheikh Arshid Ahmad
sh*************@***il.com