Narrated Ibn Umar (Ral) : Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Sal) said : Islam is
based on the following five (principles)
1.To testify L� il�ha ill-All�h wa anna Muhammad-ar-Rasul All�h ( none has the
right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger)
2.To perform Iq�mat-as-Sal�t (performance of Sal�t [prayers])
3.To pay Zakat
4.To perform Hajj (i.e. pilgrimage to Makkah)
5.To observe Saum (fast) during the month of Ramad�n
The Da'wah (invitation) to Allah is the duty of the Muslim Ummah. "Da'wah" literally means invitation: It is the word Muslims use when referring to proclaiming, passing on and spreading the word of Islam (with wisdom and kind exhortation). Every Muslim is charged with this mission, as Allah (s.w.t) says: "Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is Ma'rouf (right) and forbidding what is Munkar (wrong). And it is they who are the successful." [3:104]. The fulfillment of this mission on the individual level however varies with the capacity of the Muslim, including their linguistic abilities, confidence, and knowledge. The successful Da'ee will need to consider many aspects of Islamic knowledge, the condition of the environment he is working in, his resources and means, and what he wishes to accomplish.
Without Da'wah, the people fall into ignorance and misguidance. The absence of Da'wah means the absence of a force to prevent the spread of evil and injustice on the earth. Our Prophet (s.a.w) has warned us of the consequences: "At a time when people become indifferent to the spread of evil, they incur Allah's punishment." [Ahmad, 1/9]
The Prophets are the first callers, proclaimers of Islam. Almighty Allah created us, the earth for us to live upon and the means for our sustenance. However, He did not leave us without any clues as to why we are here. Allah sent clear guidance and revelation in order that we may lead a life that is wholesome and which will, if we succeed, lead us to paradise.
Allah communicated this message to us via men of good character, chosen from amongst us. These men, Prophets and Messengers had one duty on this earth as Allah clearly states:
"And our (prophets) duty is only to proclaim the clear message." (Surah Yaseen: 17)
The responsibility of Da'wah was not just left to the Messengers and Prophets. However, once any person has grasped an understanding of Islam, there comes the responsibility to share that knowledge and truth.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) has said:
"You shall not attain Imaan (faith) until you love for others what you love for yourself." (Bukhari, Muslim)
Now we know that Da'wah is the responsibility of each and every Muslim, the big question is,
"How to go about it?"
First, we have to learn from authentic sources before we can pass on knowledge. Seeking knowledge is a duty of every Muslim. The blueprint for an Islamic life is laid down in the Holy Quraan and Sunnah.
When we start to follow the blueprint we will be a living example to all those around us. Whether we like it or not people will judge Islam by what they see of us. If people only ever see hypocrisy, fighting each other, debating and cheating each other they will dismiss Islam out of hand because of the Muslims. They won't stop to think that "Muslims", who are after all only human, may not always be "Islamic!" Nevertheless, if they see us in our Islamic dress, humble, decent, hardworking, striving to bring in our lives firstly the blueprint, they may stop and think in consequence make enquires about Islam.
Almighty Allah says:
"Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people and forget (to practise it) yourselves." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 44)
"O you who believe! Why say you that which you do not (practise)?" (Surah As-Saff: 2)
This is a warning about merely paying lip service to Islam, an attitude which can quickly undermine any Da'wah effort. Remember the proverb: "Practice what you preach."
16:125 - Invite all to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kindly exhortation, and reason with them in the most curteous manner. For your Lord knows best those who have strayed from His path and those who are rightly guided.
2:28 - O disbelievers! How can you deny Allah when you were dead, and He gave you life? Then He will cause you to die and then restore you life and you will return to Him (to give an account)?
2:77 - Do they really not know that Allah has full knowledge of all they hide and all that they reveal.
2:147 - This is the truth from your Lord, therefore don't be of those who doubt.
2:268 - Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you towards immorality. But Allah promises you His forgiveness and His bounty. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing.
3:51 - Allah is my Lord, and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.
3:85 - He who seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and he will be a loser in the Hereafter.
3:149 - O you who believe! If you obey those who disbelieve, they will make you go back to your old religion, then you will turn back as losers.
4:86 - When you're greeted with a greeting, give a greeting better than it or return it. Surely Allah takes account of all things.
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