Da'wah with Friends
Daud Mathews

 

 

How could a Muslim convert a friend to Islam? Is there a way to help a friend convert or at least get them to listen about Islam throught the internet?

First, let me point out: Muslims do not convert anybody. Allah decides who becomes or who does not become a Muslim. All what we can do is to give information and call to Islam.

The Qur’an clarifies this in Surah 28, verse 56:

"It is true you will not be able to guide every one, whom you love; but God guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance."

As for terms of giving information on Islam, first we need to build up a relationship with the person. It seems you already have that. So, he/she knows what type of person you are; whether you speak the truth, if you are a sincere friend or not etc. Only when you have established a friendship can you start to talk about a person’s problems.

One way is to see if your friend has any problems and whether you can help. You can simply find solutions in the Qur’an and sunnah (example of the prophet).

Another way is to find out: what your friend thinks is the purpose of life? The Qur’an tells us explicitly that Man has been created to worship Allah, the Creator of existence. You can read this in Surah 51, verse 56:

"I have only created jinn and mankind that they may worship Me."

Or, how does your friend think mankind originated? Is there a Creator or not? How does one know there is a God? We cannot see God, but we can see His creation all around us. The Qur’an refers to His creation as signs of His existence and ability. So, we see Allah by His signs.

Again, what does your friend think happens after death?

The major anchor of any belief system is the object of worship. In Islam, Tawheed (the Oneness of God), is the key factor. It is usually better to start with the Oneness of God, when you talk about Islam. If a person believes in One God, then this is half of al-shahadah (the testimony of faith in Islam).

If they believe in that, then you can continue with the pillars of Islam. These are, in fact, the outward manifestation of our faith. Then, there are the six pillars of Islam; among which is our faith in the unseen, for example. However, things are unlikely to progress so fast. Then you have to explain to them the prophethood and life of Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam). You need here to approach their rational and convince them of his prophethood and that the Qur’an is the divine word, from Allah, not anyone else.

Generally, the person begins to raise various issues. If they are from a Christian background, they will raise their concept of God and of Jesus. It is better to give the Islamic concept of God, followed by the Islamic concept of prophethood before talking about Jesus in Islam.

Then, rather than listen to what they say about Jesus, ask them to read, or read to them, Surah 19 from the Qur’an. Ask them whether the Qur’anic account appeals to them more than the Biblical account? You may need to discuss the concept of original sin and that there is no inherited sin in Islam. On the contrary, Islam clearly holds to the idea of original innocence.

Personally, I do not recommend Muslims to get involved with comparative religion. This is unless they are really experienced in talking to non-Muslims. Islam stands on its own. The Qur’an and sunnah are consistent. By adhering to them, we do not get confused nor do we confuse others. Let others argue against the Qur’an and sunnah and let us see how their argument would stands up!

You can always draw their attention on some aspect of Islam through many points, among which are the following:

Now, most important: do not criticize, do not try to score points. The whole idea is to adopt the role of a doctor talking to a patient. Understand the patient, get the patient to trust you, get the patient to tell you their problems, then diagnose and give the solutions from the Qur’an and sunnah.

Be patient… Plant a seed of love for Allah. Then, create the fertile ground for the seed to grow. You need to know that it could take years…

Send one or two articles - at the most - on Islam to your friend. These can be downloaded from Islamic Internet websites.


Use the best possible and most decent language. Speak with wisdom, not with fanatic love. Make sure you answer their questions truthfully and honestly. If you do not know the answer, say so, find out and then get back to them. Make sure never to be overbearing or pushy. They need to take the decision on their own. Always remember: “It is their decision.”

Your intention has to be sincere. You are calling to Allah. You are not calling for what you think or for yourself. It is not your brand of Islam. You are following the practice of Muhammad (pbuh) and that means you are letting Allah - through the Qur’an - do the talking for you. This is as well as Prophet Muhammad, through his sunnah.

Always know that if you tell them something, which is not right, they will be able to find out. When they do, they will not trust you. Then, you will never be able to get them to believe you. Also, it does not give a positive impression when you yourself say one thing and do something differently.

Your life has to match what you are calling to. That means you have to live Islam. Here, you have to be careful who your friends are. It is obvious if you have good friends you will be seen differently than if you have bad friends.

May Allah bless your efforts in His way and help you increase your knowledge and practice of Islam. May this make you successful in this life and in the life of the Hereafter - ameen.

1