Staring out the window in the back of the car, my breathing became easier.

“Well, I’m sure that really made an impression on my brother.” He gripped the steering wheel a little tighter.

“He wanted to know how I felt so I told him.”

Rolling down the window, I inhaled deeply. The air was crisp and filled with apple tree blossom scent. Staring at the white blossoms whizzing by, I tried to stay, well…calm.

“Yeah, you told him, but you mixed up Islam with politics again.”

Turning his head left, he mistakenly shifted into third gear. The car cried in pain until rescued by fifth gear. His breathing became shallow as he tried to pretend he didn’t hear me. Coming from a family of lawyers, I could never let anything rest, It just seemed too passive. Breathing deep I said ‘Bismillaah’ in my mind before starting deposition questioning.

“Yeah, but he baited you and you fell for the trap; hook, line, and sinker.”

Rolling his eyes back he lifted his chin to stretch his tight neck.

“He wanted to know why Islam condoned terrorism, so I told him what I felt of the New World Order.”

Fumbling with my shirt button, I turned to him.

“That really made an impression.”

“Well, its true isn’t it?” he said, tightening his grip on the stick shift. Breathing deep I tried to get off my soapbox. Laying my hand on the dashboard I tried to read his eyes.

“You know that I agree with you, but the only winner today was Shaitan (Satan), when you got angry he ran through your blood. He did everything to keep you off track from discussing Islam like the Prophet (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) did. Shaitan live to make Islam a big negative political debate.”

He turned his head quietly towards me.

“But Islam is politics, it doesn’t live in a vacuum cleaner.” Running my hand along the edge of the window, I turned to him.

“I know, but as soon as you got upset, he closed down and stereotyped you as another extremist.”

I said to myself: “He hasn’t experienced the world like you. He has only read what the media wanted him to read about Islam.”

Straightening up in the seat I pinched my eyelids softly,

“You know, before I was Muslim, I thought the same way. It’s hard to believe you are blinded when you have taken four years of college history and read the newspaper everyday. All we can share is our love for Allah and the insight of Prophet Muhammad’s (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) manner when speaking about Islam.”

It is imperative that Muslims discuss Islam in the most respectful manner. The Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) have taught us the exact manner in which to do this. Allah said: “Invite mankind to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and discuss with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is Best Aware of those who are guided.” (Qur’an 16:125)

How we communicate Islam is extremely important. “Wisdom” is the keyword here. Each interested person in Islam we come into contact with is drawn to Allah in different ways. Maybe that magnetism is coming from a person with a strong Christian background. I know at least four women whose fathers were Ministers who became Muslim. They had the deep love of God in their hearts but intellectually could not make sense of fundamental Christian concepts like: Trinity, interpretation of the Prophet Jesus’ birth and intercession/forgiveness through confession. These people already have the deep love for God inside them. Many times they only need clear answers, a copy of the Qur’an and directions to the local Mosque.

A Muslim never needs to “sugar coat” an answer. Islam stands on the firmest foundation. If a person is really serious about seeking the truth they will cling to Islam and reject falsehood. A few Surahs about the Oneness of God and showing the importance of Tawheed may only be needed. The Qur’an states: “Ibrahim was not a Jew nor yet a Christian, but he was a true Muslim, and he joined not gods with Allah.” (Qur’an 3:67)

And he said: “Or were you witness when death approached Jacob? When he said unto his sons: “What will you worship after me?” They said: “We shall worship your God and the God of your fathers Ibrahim, Ismail, and Ishaq, the one God and to Him we submit.” (Qur’an 2:133)

‘They should always keep in view of two things “wisdom” and “excellent admonition”. “Wisdom” implies that one should use discretion in the work of propagation and should not do this blindly like foolish people. Wisdom demands that one should keep in view the intelligence, capability and circumstances of the addressees and convey the message in accordance with the requirements of the occasion. Moreover, one should refrain from applying one and the same method to each and every person or group but should first diagnose the real disease of the addressee and then cure it by appealing to his head and heart.’ (Commentary from the The Meaning of the Qur’an, Vol. 6 page 106, by S. Maududi)

What about excellent admonition (advice)? I’ve seen some Muslims doing more damage than good while trying to encourage ‘new’ Muslim converts and interested friends. Islam naturally appeals to human nature. It was blown into our very souls by an Angel sent by Allah. It is important to be rational and levelheaded. Putting down another person’s culture, religion, or country is not going to show your love and interest in them.

The person making da’wah needs to be sincere. People are instinctual by nature. At least 85 to 90% of the information communicated will be through non-verbal communication. No matter how much a person knows about Islam, the da’wah will be useless if he or she is doing it for self-recognition. The average person can sense the intention immediately. The Prophet (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah does not go after your bodies and appearances, but He scans your hearts.” (Sahih)

The second aspect of giving excellent admonition or advice is to understand the culture and language of those with whom we are speaking. Many Americans I know have been completely turned off by simple keywords that are considered ‘loaded’. Of course if the person making da’wah doesn’t know enough about the language, he or she may sabotage his own efforts without knowing. Excellent advice is just what it says.

Not taking the time to understand another culture is like taking a history test without going to class or picking up a textbook. Most probably the person would fail because he or she did not study or take the time to go to class. Just because the student was interested in history is no reason why he or she should pass the test without first educating ones self. Of course ‘botching’ a da’wah session has much more grave consequences, because this may be the only chance that person has to hear about Islam (of course only Allah knows).

When speaking with an interested person – and I emphasize interested- it is important not to decide what the listener wants to hear and ramble on. In all of my da’wah efforts, a simple down to earth short introduction followed by question and answer is the best format I have found. Since there is no compulsion in religion, if nothing else, the most critical piece of information a Muslim can ever leave a non-Muslim with is: “There is only One God.”

The Holy Qur’an says: “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for your faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Allah loveth those who are just.”(60:8)

Of course not all people have to have a masters in Western culture to share the beauty of Islam. I have seen many Muslim women who have made da’wah just based on their light shining from their never dying love and fear of Allah and putting it into practice. In America, many people have become interested in Islam, become Muslim or a friend of Muslims by a Muslim woman cooking for a sick neighbor. Simply returning to a department store after she was undercharged for her d’s dress to pay the difference, the look on the clerk’s face is mixed between confusion and awe. A warm smile and opening a door for an elderly person is like a charity. The Prophet (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do not consider even the smallest good deed as insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.” (Muslim)

As Muslims, our job is not to judge, humiliate, or criticize, it is simply to “Invite mankind to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching and discuss with them in a way that is better…” (Qur’an 16:125) Be truthful: “O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are truthful.” (Qur’an 9:119) Be patient: “And you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you, and from those who worship partners besides Allah, but if you persevere patiently, and be pious, then that indeed is a matter of great resolution.” (Qur’an 3:186) Be fair and just: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. That is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)