We’ve all heard the word Da’wah before. For some it raises questions and for others it might cause worry, “How do I give da’wah? Do I have enough knowledge about Islam to give Da’wah? What do I do if I’m faced with a question I can’t answer?”
Da’wah is an opportunity to share with others what you know about Islam. A hadith reported in Jaami’ Tirmidhi states “Whoever directs someone to do good is like one who has do it”. It is an amazing way to honor the living tradition of the Prophet (SAW).
Interested in Dawah Crew? Look out for applications in the fall and sign up to help revive the sunnah of the Prophet (SAW)! Teach others what you know, and learn from everyone around you! Build valuable communication skills and confidence in your abilities!
What is Da’wah in Islam?
Da’wah is to invite anyone, Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand how the worship of Allah (God) is described in the Quran & the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and how that is practiced in Islam. Giving Da’wah entails that a person gives advice & guidance on making good choices and how to live an Islamic lifestyle.
“Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.”
(16:43)
Who can give Da’wah?
The idea that you need to be a top-class scholar with 10+ years of experience to be able to give Da’wah isn’t entirely accurate. As long as what you teach is correct (i.e. is a verified verse, narration or ruling), anyone can teach whatever they’ve learned. We’ve developed this idea in Islam that unless you go the scholarly route – you cannot teach others about Islam. The Prophet himself informed us that if all you can teach an individual is the only verse in the entirety of the Quran that you know, then share that knowledge, because something is always better than nothing.
Nobody, no matter how far they climb the scholarship ladder, will NEVER learn enough. Everybody can always learn something new. There will always be something more to learn. Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him), said, “It is not befitting for anyone with knowledge to give up learning.” [Jami Bayan al-Ilm 423]
“Above every possessor of knowledge, there is someone more knowledgeable.“
(12:76)
How can I get involved with Da’wah on campus?
Da’wah Crew is a sector of MSA that deals with giving da’wah on campus. We host a variety of events & activities where we give da’wah to Muslims and non-Muslims alike! Do you need any experience giving Da’wah to apply? Absolutely not! Anyone interested can apply to be a part of the crew! Here is a general list of roles and responsibilities of a Da’wah Crew member:
Da’wah Crew Roles & Responsibilities
- Be an Islamic role model in your personal life
- Act respectfully & kind with others
- Be willing to learn & grow
- Do not force your views upon others
- Have faith dialogues, not monologues
- Attend & represent at MSA events
- Present Islam through an understandable angle
- Help setup and takedown tables for da’wah
- Be a resource for those interested in learning more
- Interact & engage with people of different faiths
Introducing our Female Da’wah Coordinator for 2023-2024!
Darartu Elemo
Major: Psychology
Graduation Year: 2024
وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ١٠
And the foremost ˹in faith˺ will be the foremost! (56:10)
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبُونَ ١١
They are the ones nearest ˹to Allah˺ (56:11)
اَلسَلامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اَللهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ
My name is Darartu and I will MSA’s Female Da’wah Coordinator this year! I am exited to meet you all In Shaa Allah! I am a Senior at the University of Minnesota majoring in the Science of Psychology and minoring in Biolgy. I am on a Pre-Physician Assistant track.
My intentions this year is to spread the message of Islam to as many non-muslims and muslims. Da’wah an obligation that Allah SWT ordained us and is something that will be asked of us. I also want my brothers and sisters in humanity to learn the beauty of Tawheed and understand the intricate teachings of our beloved prophet Muhammed SAW by Allah SWT. I want everyone to truly have a glimpse of the sweetness of this deen and the comfort that it places on the soul. I chose to pursue this role as a means of Sadaqatul Jariyah on my behalf In Shaa Allah and hope for it to be a path which will guide others and for me to attain ajr.
My goal this year is to have more people come to the Da’wah Table and have genuine good conversations. I want to expand it to other locations on campus and to increase Da’wah online as well. Guidance are in the hands of Allah Azawajal, and I would love to become a means for more people to come to Islam this year In Shaa Allah. Overall, my goal is for myself, the team, and people to understand the teachings of Islam and to become interested, and if not at least to be informed.
I can’t wait to serve you all In Shaa Allah and please come stop by our table! 🙂
Introducing our Male Da’wah Coordinator for 2023-2024!
Khadar Abdulkadir
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2024
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction”. [16:125]
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Al-as (RA) reported that the prophet (PBUH) convey from me even one verse.
As-salamu alaykum everybody! This year I have the honor and privilege of being your Male Da’wah Coordinator InshaAllah. I pray that Allah allows all of us to benefit from the programs that the MSA will be hosting throughout the year! Additionally, I hope we are able to continue bettering ourselves; whether that be religiously, academically, or personally.
My personal mission is to be the best servant of the Most High that I can be, and to reach my potential bi’idniLlah in this world and the hereafter. I joined MSA because I see it as a tremendous opportunity to do good for the Muslims on campus as well as a great platform to share Islam with the greater UMN community. My goal this year as your male da’wah coordinator is to create a safe space for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to ask as many questions as possible, and to meet your curiosities and needs. I believe that knowledge is the solution to ignorance. Without healthy dialogue, many misunderstandings can be left on the table unaddressed. I hope to educate and clear up any misconceptions anyone might have about Islam.
I want everyone to know that it’s okay to say “I don’t know”, or “I’ll get back to you on that”. Nobody is expecting anyone to be an expert, because this is a learning experience for all of us! We are not here to debate or argue about anything. Rather we want to create a rich and open dialogue between everyone. In doing so, we are able to come to a better understanding of one another and appreciate the differences that exist within our own student body (let alone humanity as a whole). I hope you all will be able to benefit from me as much as I will from you and look forward to speaking and working with everyone.Have a blessed year, and stay safe, and healthy!