How do Muslims proselytize* in non-Muslim areas?
Muslims approach proselytization in non-Muslim areas through several key principles derived from the teachings of the Qur'an and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A fundamental aspect of this effort is to share the message of Islam with kindness and wisdom.
The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet, who was unlettered and is described in previous scriptures. The verse states: Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.
7:157 This verse indicates that the message of Islam is one of guidance, relief, and moral clarity, which should attract followers.
Additionally, when sending envoys to non-Muslims, the Prophet ﷺ instructed his followers to be gentle and clear in their message. For example, when he sent Mu'adh ibn Jabal to Yemen, he advised him, saying: Go in the name of God and by God and for the cause of God, following the way of the Messenger of God; do not commit treachery, mutilation, or betrayal; do not kill an old man, a child, or a woman; do not cut down trees except if you are forced to.
Al-Kafi 1:30 This guidance highlights the importance of compassion and respect for the existing communities while sharing the message of Islam.
Furthermore, the approach to proselytization includes inviting people to bear witness to the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ, as well as teaching them the fundamental practices of Islam, such as the five daily prayers and the obligation of charity. This manner of inviting others emphasizes understanding, respect, and the shared values among different communities.
In summary, proselytization in non-Muslim areas is rooted in the principles of kindness, moral guidance, and respect for others, aligning with the teachings of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Sources
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7:157 · Al-A'raaf
7:157 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلرَّسُولَ ٱلنَّبِىَّ ٱلْأُمِّىَّ ٱلَّذِى يَجِدُونَهُۥ مَكْتُوبًا عِندَهُمْ فِى ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَٱلْإِنجِيلِ يَأْمُرُهُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَىٰهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْخَبَٰٓئِثَ وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَٱلْأَغْلَٰلَ ٱلَّتِى كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَٱتَّبَعُوا۟ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُۥٓ ۙ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.
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Al-Kafi 1:30
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 30
Whoever possesses in me a single attribute of the good qualities, I endure him for that and forgive his deficiencies, but I do not forgive the loss of intellect and faith, for abandoning religion is abandoning security. One cannot enjoy life with fear. Losing intellect is losing life, and no comparison is made except with the dead. — OR — I said to Abu Abdullah, 'Those in whom faith is inscribed in their hearts, do they have any deed corresponding to what is written in their hearts?' He said, 'No.' — OR — I asked him about a rope made from pig hair used to draw water from a well. Should one perform ablution with that water? He said: No harm. — OR — The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) said: "Give in charity, for charity increases wealth abundantly. Give in charity, may God have mercy upon you." — OR — The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) whenever he intended to send out a detachment, called them and made them sit before him, then said: "Go in the name of God and by God and for the cause of God, following the way of the Messenger of God; do not commit treachery, mutilation, or betrayal; do not kill an old man, a child, or a woman; do not cut down trees except if you are forced to." Then he added: "Any Muslim, whether the least or the best among you, who looks at a polytheist man is a guest until he hears the word of God. If he joins you, he is your brother in religion; if he refuses, then deliver him safely and seek God's help against him." — OR — He said: Whoever wishes to have children should pray two units (rak‘ahs) after Friday prayer, prolonging the bowing and prostration. Then he should say: "O Allah, I ask You by what Zakariya (peace be upon him) asked You, O Lord, do not leave me alone without offspring, and You are the best of inheritors. O Allah, grant me from Yourself good and pure offspring. Surely, You are the Hearer of supplication. O Allah, by Your name I make it lawful and in Your protection I take it. So if You decree a child for her womb, make him a blessed, pure boy, and do not let Satan have any share or portion in him.” — OR — I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about the deceased making a bequest to an heir. He said, "Yes," or "It is allowed for him." — OR — I was told by a man from our companions from al-Hakam ibn Utaybah who said: While I was with Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) and the house was full of its people, an old man approached leaning on a goat until he reached the door of the house. He said, 'Peace be upon you, O son of the Messenger of Allah, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.' Then he was silent. Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) said, 'And upon you be peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings.' Then the old man turned his face to the people of the house and said, 'Peace be upon you.' He remained silent until the people replied and returned the greeting. Then he turned back to Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) and said, 'O son of the Messenger of Allah, come closer to me, may Allah sacrifice me for you. By Allah, I love you and I love those who love you, and by Allah, I do not love you or those who love you for the world. By Allah, I hate your enemy and disassociate from him, and by Allah, I neither hate him nor disassociate from him except for a weighty matter between us.' By Allah, I make lawful your lawful things, forbid your forbidden things, and await your command. Do you hope for me?
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