Observational Da'wah

Concerning Da'wah: My Philosophy, Observations
(In language a non-Muslim can understand)

          Da'wah is what is known in Islam as "The Call." It's spreading the message of Islam. Da'wah is the word in Arabic transliterated, so there are numerous types of spellings. I'll stick with Da'wah.
          There can be many approaches to Da'wah. Usually, when educating about Islam, people take the more formal route of listing the five pillars and six articles of faith. My approach is to head straight into Islamic beliefs: theology, perspectives and creed (aqeedah), rather than the more formal pillars approach.
          I like to give the Islamic perspective on many of those certain issues a westerner might have interest in, and if their current or previous religion was Christianity, make comparisons (without any intent to demean or give off an air of superiority). I like to cite examples and sayings of earlier, more pious Muslims, that a person might see how the idealistic Islam can and has been realized, rather than how it is currently being corrupted.

          I try to deliver the message in as objective terms as possible, allowing the receiver to make up their own mind and reflect in their own time, without having to filter through one-sided propaganda from me. I consider lies and sophistries, when used to achieve a certain result, a form of oppression. Should someone accept Islam on account of my words, I would want them to do so with a clear, sober and objective mind. If people are to accept Islam, they must do so in their right minds, and not through compulsion, under duress, or by trickery.
          While it could be argued that, "The end justifies the means," this was and is a sick sort of rationalization. Doing any of the three underhanded methods mentioned above only shames Islam. We the Muslims, if we want to be true Believers, must be on our guard against denigrating the faith.

          The job of a Muslim partaking in Da'wah is to deliver the message. I do that in the most objective, balanced way I can out of respect for the receiver, myself and Islam. I do not merely say, "Well, we believe this and this, and then that and that," and have it over with. I, and anyone in that position, should feel free to clear up any misconceptions and confusions the one receiving might have. Be interactive. Keep it interesting.
          This is why I prefer the "Islamic perspective" approach, as explained above. With this style, the receiver is able to see how the belief system (deen) is manifested in real life, rather than simply reading a neutered list of beliefs and obligations.
          And I personally prefer adding the comparative religion approach (only in the case of where the receiver was or is a Christian, or knows about Christianity, as I do). This way, the receiver may see what's related and what is different, and the two faiths can act as a foil to each other. It is also, interestingly enough, a very effective way to illustrate the subtle beauties and manifest mercies of Islam.
          Another reason I take this approach (and what a strong attraction Islam had for me) is how I see Da'wah as "passive evangelism." In Christianity, evangelists take on "aggressive evangelism" following the command, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation," as found in Mark 16:15--part of a series of verses expunged from most modern bibles as they are not found in the most ancient texts, and are considered insertions.
          With this aggressive evangelism approach, Christians see it as their duty to disseminate the "Good News" to any and all, often regardless of the receiver's interest or willingness to listen. Historically, this approach went further into compulsion, as in the case of the native "savages" of any land the Christians colonized. Their rationalization, even for the most gruesome of conversion methods, being, "It's for their own good." Saving souls, as you know, is a tough business.

          For a person with a progressive frame of mind (or an ounce of respect for humanity), this approach leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Enter Islam's Da'wah, what I christen passive evangelism. In this system, the propagator is expected to deliver the message--in the best way possible (read: informative, even)--and leave the rest to God. If the receiver accepts Islam, great! If not, that is their choice. At the very least, maybe their minds will at least be cleared up of any misconceptions. And perhaps, with their new knowledge, maybe they will say something that will cause someone else to embrace Islam, or may themselves do so at a later date. It is in the hands of God, and for Him to decide. As for the one telling: come what may. What good is having faith if you don't use it?