The Dawah Practice Q&A

[Seeking Allah's Mercy]

Asalamo`Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Baraakaatuh,

Hope everyone is in the best of health and Imaan.

Inshaa'Allaah, I'm starting this thread with the intention of getting good answers for those questions that are usually asked and are helpful in Dawah talks, debates. The questions could be those from Athiest, Christians, Hindus, or even deviant groups, or ignorant and stubborn family members.

Let's make this thread some place we can refer to anytime we need a quick looking-into for a much repeated question, or a question we don't know a solid an answer to. Inshaa'Allaah we can save a lot of time this way, instead of searching on Shaykh Google and filtering the deviant from the authentic etc. . .

Rules:

a) It is preferred that the one who poses the question, should know the answer to it. If someone doesn't know the answer he/she can still pose a question.

b) If the Person knows the answer, and sees that the answers are missing something worth mentioning, he/she should post it.

c) Another question should not be posted till the one before it is answered. Post ONE question at a time.

d) Avoid useless posts.

e) Avoid copy- pasting links, or heavy articles. Write to the point articles which will best answer the questions.

That's all I could think of right now, if I feel there is a need for addition of something else, or some more 'rules' or 'ideas' came to me. I'll add Inshaa'Allaah.

BaraakAllaahu feekum.

 

[Ershad]

Walaikkum Assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

May Allah reward you for your initiative and effort. I just had a suggestion. I see there are lot of threads regarding answering some common questions and there are some beautiful articles posted by moderators. Maybe, you (& others) could link them here to avoid redundancy. So, we could find other new questions that must be answered.

Baarakallahu feekum.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

wa 'alaikumassalam warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuhu,

Masha'Allah tabarakAllah very nice initiative.May ALlah reward you and accept from you.Ameen
I agree with what brother Ershad said,we can link up faqs answered by mods and in sha' Allah pose our new questions.

BarakAllahu feek.

 

[Seeking Allah's Mercy]

Walaikkum Assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

May Allah reward you for your initiative and effort. I just had a suggestion. I see there are lot of threads regarding answering some common questions and there are some beautiful articles posted by moderators. Maybe, you (& others) could link them here to avoid redundancy. So, we could find other new questions that must be answered.

Baarakallahu feekum.

wa 'alaikumassalam warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuhu,

Masha'Allah tabarakAllah very nice initiative.May ALlah reward you and accept from you.Ameen
I agree with what brother Ershad said,we can link up faqs answered by mods and in sha' Allah pose our new questions.

BarakAllahu feek.

Jazaakum Allaahu khayraa both of you. Well yes of course, Inshaa'Allaah we can do that. And/or read all the answers provided and jumble them up into one to have an answer with all important beneficial and beautiful points.

I suppose we should begin with what is the actual aim of the thread. Let's begin with something really simple and Basic, Inshaa'Allaah we should have a strong and solid answer for this.

Question :1

What is Islam? Or How would you explain to a non muslim what is Islam?

 

[Hajjerr]

Walaikkum Assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

May Allah reward you for your initiative and effort. I just had a suggestion. I see there are lot of threads regarding answering some common questions and there are some beautiful articles posted by moderators. Maybe, you (& others) could link them here to avoid redundancy. So, we could find other new questions that must be answered.

Baarakallahu feekum.

salam aleikum wa rahmatulahy wa barakatuh

Indeed dear brother, there are the sticky ones posted, especially at the beginning of islamic-discussions section.
Inchallah can be usefull for everyone to read them because not all members make search on site... if we can direct them there easier...

For your question dear sister i advice this to be read, inchallah:

http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1975

May Allah guide us.

:salam2:

 

[Ershad]

Question :1

What is Islam? Or How would you explain to a non muslim what is Islam?

:salam2:

Baarakallahu feekum. I have heard scholars saying that Dawah should be given with knowledge and more importantly, wisdom. What I mean is this same question can be answered in different ways depending on what the "non-muslim" is.

For example, if it is a Christian, His major concern and beliefs would be revolving around Esa (Alayhi salam). So, we tell him that Islam is the only religion that God accepts and it is also the religion of Jesus (Peace be upon him). We tell him that Islam calls for worship of the God that Jesus worshipped.

I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through me.(John 14:6)

Islam is the way Jesus preached, the way of Muhammad (Salallahu alayhi wassalam). and that Jesus performed miracles with the power God gave him as it is in the Bible:

•...All power is GIVEN unto me in heaven. Mat 28:18

•I cast out devils BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD... Mat 12:28

•I can of mine OWN SELF do nothing... John 5:30

All the miracles performed by Jesus have parallels in the Old Testament. For example:

•Fed the Multitudes: II Kings 4:42-44

•Healed the lepers and blind: so did others I Kings 5:14; 6:17,20;

•Acts 3:7; 5:15-16)

•Brought the dead to life: So did others: I Kings 17:22; II Kings 13:21; Ezek 37:1-14)

•Rose from the dead: So did others Ezek 37:1-14

Or if it is a Jew, we tell them about Moses and the religion of Moses is Islam and tell them how Allah refutes them in Qur'an.

Or if it is an Atheist, maybe he can be adviced with logic and call to ponder about creation.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

Question :1

What is Islam? Or How would you explain to a non muslim what is Islam?

:salam2:

I agree with brother Ershad,that it depends on the person's psyche,how we answer them and we have to use knowledge as well as wisdom.
We can give them the basic definition for Islam ,which means to submit our wills,egos,desires,etc to Allah.
Then we can tackle the question according to the psyche of the person,as brother Ershad posted for a Christian.
A person asked us what is the wisdom in Islam.Many neo-intellectuals are looking for things to feed their egos.A question that arose in my mind for him was,what was he looking for?
1)Something to feed his ego and inflate it? 2)Something to reduce his ego and humble it?
If it was first,he would not find the answers in Islam,for Islam is not about being proud and arrogant,it's about being humble and having humility,if it was the second,then Islam is the only way for him.

 

[Ershad]

Yes, true. It is because some people have attachment or preferences towards something and misconception towards something else. So, we have to approach them in a way they understand things. For e.g., I heard in a lecture, the sufis in Africa would listen if you said Imam Ahmad Rahimahullah said this and this. But, if you say Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Rahimahullah said this and that, they would call you Wahabbi and run away. But, basically both the Imams said the same thing. And what I have noticed with most non-muslims is that their doubts in Islam pertains to things like polygamy, death punishment etc. and they are not interested in the fundamentals of the religion. And without fundamentals, it would be difficult to explain things of jurisprudence. I usually avoid such discussion totally because I do not know how to approach.

 

[Itqan Ullah]

Asslamaliekum warahmatullahi wabrakatu,
I am attaching a pdf of translation of book "Kayfa Yajibu 'alaynaa an Nufassir al-Qur'aan-al-Kareem" (How are we Obligated to interpret the Noble Qur'an) by sheikh albani (rahimullah), It answers some questions raised by hadeeth rejectors and non-Muslim critics.

 

[helpinghumanity]

Question :1

What is Islam? Or How would you explain to a non muslim what is Islam?

Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullah

So here comes the second question.

What is the purpose of our life? Is it just to go to colleges/universities, get a degree, get a job, get married, have children etc. Or is it beyond that?

This is the questions that I ask first before saying anything.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullah

So here comes the second question.

What is the purpose of our life? Is it just to go to colleges/universities, get a degree, get a job, get married, have children etc. Or is it beyond that?

This is the questions that I ask first before saying anything.

Wa 'alaikumassalam warahmatullahi ta'ala wabarakatuhu,

Yes akhee,that is a good question,we often ask everyone,but there are a few who do not believe that life has any purpose ,like few believe in existentialism,that we simply exist for no purpose at all.So we establish that first have to establish,that we do have a purpose.

For that I put forward example of things around us and us.Like,we see everything in the environment around us is in some manner or another is supporting the environment and following the laws of nature,in complete harmony with the environment.Whilst the only species,exploiting the environment and causing havoc are human beings.

In other words,everything is in someway this whole cosmos is subservient to human beings,so why do human beings exist inspite of all the things he is doing and keeps on growing in number.
In short fine tuning of life and fine tuning for scientific discoveries.

Then we quote Qur'an verses about :
1)How everything submits to Allah
2)How everything in the heaven and the earth has been made subseriant to us.
3)What is our ultimate purpose in life.

 

[ilyas_eh]

wa `alaykkum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh

Nice initiative sister Seeking...

This was the question (infact first question) asked by an European to me and it took me by surprise. I didnt have a good answer that time and I appreciate anyone giving a wise answer.

"Do you believe that you have virgins in paradise? come on man.. you can't be serious.."

The second one is from a devout catholic..
"so you are not antichrist? if you don't believe jesus christ to be the son of God (and Allah is free of what they attribute) then you are an antichrist"
I explained him how it is an article of faith for Muslims to believe in `Eesa alayhissalaam but i'm not sure whether he is convinced... may du'a that Allah guide this person, please.

 

[ilyas_eh]

Oh i forgot, this one is asked, long time ago, by an east european (former USSR) who is a christian but had no problem in accepting that Bible is altered...

"How can you prove that Quran is unaltered"

When i went in to Uthmaan's copy and carbon dating etc, he said how can you be sure that it is authentic?...

answers to any of these question is much appreciated, jazakum Allahu khyran.

PS: i'm giving the geographic location of the question or mentioning about his faith so that we realize their way of thinking and what image they have about islaam.

 

[kalamazoo]

Oh i forgot, this one is asked, long time ago, by an east european (former USSR) who is a christian but had no problem in accepting that Bible is altered...

"How can you prove that Quran is unaltered"

When i went in to Uthmaan's copy and carbon dating etc, he said how can you be sure that it is authentic?...

answers to any of these question is much appreciated, jazakum Allahu khyran.

PS: i'm giving the geographic location of the question or mentioning about his faith so that we realize their way of thinking and what image they have about islaam.

asalaam aleykum

i think if; let us say you asked such a question i will ask you then:-

give me one verse out of the whole Kuran...to that then will begin with a PROVING Proof(s)

thank you

 

[kalamazoo]

wa `alaykkum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh

Nice initiative sister Seeking...

This was the question (infact first question) asked by an European to me and it took me by surprise. I didnt have a good answer that time and I appreciate anyone giving a wise answer.

"Do you believe that you have virgins in paradise? come on man.. you can't be serious.."

The second one is from a devout catholic..
"so you are not antichrist? if you don't believe jesus christ to be the son of God (and Allah is free of what they attribute) then you are an antichrist"
I explained him how it is an article of faith for Muslims to believe in `Eesa alayhissalaam but i'm not sure whether he is convinced... may du'a that Allah guide this person, please.

asalaam aleykum,

"Do you believe that you have virgins in paradise? come on man.. you can't be serious.


that question has been asked many many times .....
that the realty is not of virgins being there but how can one man manage with all those virgins?

answer:-

first we ought to understand that our creation at that time will be different to what we are now-But if this dosent satisfy you then let us take as here on this very planet earth How many people do attend to that DAY when a best singer will appear at a certain place? let us take there at 7 flags U.S.A
for sure it will be full if not overcrowded ....
One singer...
satisfies all attendants not only that yo can see for yourself the girls how been hypnotized and not far being nude.

What made them be like that? by One singer!!!!
if i may not go out of bounds ":If one just cuddles with another nearing to 'discharge WHY.
that it just worldly life and over there Allahs' knowledge is the best..

 

[kalamazoo]

Originally Posted by ilyas_eh View Post
wa `alaykkum assalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh

Nice initiative sister Seeking...

The second one is from a devout catholic..
"so you are not antichrist? if you don't believe jesus christ to be the son of God (and Allah is free of what they attribute) then you are an antichrist"
I explained him how it is an article of faith for Muslims to believe in `Eesa alayhissalaam but i'm not sure whether he is convinced... may du'a that Allah guide this person, please.[/quote


wa aleykum salaam.

as to my explanation would be...we should come to agreement because of that he ... Issa (aleyhisalaam) to be as a son of god then his big brother with bigger miracle is Adam(aleyhi salaam)
​

i guess he will try to avoid answering this;
to that i will go into another detail then, Can Male give birth to a baby?
...No...this will be his reply(if he is not thick head)...
will then ask him if man can not then Female can without man touching her~~
~~~he will surely said that as impossible....to that i will direct him to go back and search for the best answer to those scientist and doctors of the 'first test tube baby' to date.

Here i mean to make him realize that IF humans have reached to this level..then What do you think of the CREATOR,? ...is it because of Isaa ibn Maryam(aleyhi salaam) because of such Almighty Powers have made certain people to say as 'son of god?'

where as Adam should be bigger son then.

I pray for Allahs' help ... Ihdina sirrat L mustakiiym sirata ladhiyna an amta aleyhim ghairilmaghdhuubi aleyhim walaa dhaaliin(amin)
​

 

[Ayanle]

the easiest dawah is to not get diverted and lead the conversation, bring it back to allah and prove that allah exists, once you do that prove islam is the only religion acceptable
as simple as that

 

[Ayyub]

Assalamu Alalikoum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa barakatuh

Jazaakum Allaahu khayraa both of you. Well yes of course, Inshaa'Allaah we can do that. And/or read all the answers provided and jumble them up into one to have an answer with all important beneficial and beautiful points.

I suppose we should begin with what is the actual aim of the thread. Let's begin with something really simple and Basic, Inshaa'Allaah we should have a strong and solid answer for this.

Question :1

What is Islam? Or How would you explain to a non muslim what is Islam?

I would most likely give the same answer Mohamed salallahu alaihi wa sallam gave to Jibril alaihi assalam.

One day when we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (upon him blessing and peace), there came to us a man whose clothes were of exceeding whiteness and whose hair was of exceeding blackness. There were no signs of travel upon him although none of us knew him. He sat down knee to knee opposite the Prophet (upon him blessing and peace), upon whose thighs he placed the palms of his hands saying, “O Muhammad, tell me what is Islam (Submission)?” The Messenger (upon him blessing and peace) answered him saying, “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, to perform the prayer, pay (the charity of) Zakat, fast (the month of) Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the Holy House (Ka’ba) – if you can.” He said, “You have spoken truthfully.”

Oh i forgot, this one is asked, long time ago, by an east european (former USSR) who is a christian but had no problem in accepting that Bible is altered...

"How can you prove that Quran is unaltered"

When i went in to Uthmaan's copy and carbon dating etc, he said how can you be sure that it is authentic?...

answers to any of these question is much appreciated, jazakum Allahu khyran.

PS: i'm giving the geographic location of the question or mentioning about his faith so that we realize their way of thinking and what image they have about islaam.

Assalamou Alaikoum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa barakatuh

Well for us muslims it is enough that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala said that He will guard the Quran .
Furthermore we also have ahadith books that are the words of Muhamed sallallhu alahi wa sallam which are not even near the style of the Quran.

The inimitability of the Qur’an

The fifth question of Fatwa no. 6193
Q 5: What challenge has Allah made to those doubting that the Qur’an was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)?
A: Allah has challenged them to produce the like of the Qur’an, or ten Surahs (chapters) of the Qur’an, or even just one Surah, but they failed. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say: "If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Qur’ân, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another." And: Or they say, "He (Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) forged it (the Qur’an)." Say: "Bring you then ten forged Sûrahs (chapters) like unto it, and call whomsoever you can, other than Allâh (to your help), if you speak the truth!"
(Part No. 4; Page No. 13)
And: Or do they say: "He (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Sûrah (chapter) like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can besides Allâh, if you are truthful!"
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta'

If the Quran was altered then it should be possible for mankind to create a surah like one of the quran. But for 1500 years noone was able to do so and they won't be able to it.
Advise the one who asked to read the quran. Then he would realize that the quran doesn't contradict itself like the bible or thorat.

Besides at the time of the prophet sallahu alayihi wa sallam millions memorized the quran. So if soemone would have wanted to change it then millions would have rebelled against him/her.
Another fact is that under all the muslims no matter what sect they belong to all have one and the same quran.




Wa'alakoum Assalam wa Rahamtullahi Wa Barakatuh

 

[ilyas_eh]

^I dont know whether it was number 19 miracle thing but i didnt visit the site and probably it is not the best idea to talk to him about mathematical miracle if i want to change his mindset about Quraan.

The point is if I straight away start talking about miracles of Qur'aan without proving that it is unaltered, he is going to come up and say, probably all the miracles you mentioned are there but it is because a guy had put it in when they are discovered/proved.

What i was expecting is a logical or more scientific way to prove that it hasnt been altered. But perhaps my stand point is wrong. I want those who had first person experience to explain what they had explained.

 

[Ayanle]

^I dont know whether it was number 19 miracle thing but i didnt visit the site and probably it is not the best idea to talk to him about mathematical miracle if i want to change his mindset about Quraan.

The point is if I straight away start talking about miracles of Qur'aan without proving that it is unaltered, he is going to come up and say, probably all the miracles you mentioned are there but it is because a guy had put it in when they are discovered/proved.

What i was expecting is a logical or more scientific way to prove that it hasnt been altered. But perhaps my stand point is wrong. I want those who had first person experience to explain what they had explained.

:salam2:
brother you should ask him what created the universe, if he says nothing tell him to prove something can come from nothing, he won't be able to because it is literally impossible
also ask him to prove his religion/athiesm if he is so sure he is right and you are wrong. the owness on proof isn't only on the muslim