الدعوة الإسلاميّة Islamic Propagation

الدعوة الإسلاميّة | Islamic Propagation

رائد الإرشاد والإسعاد | Raodotul Irshad wal Is’ad Institute, Nigeria

This module equips students with theological, methodological, and ethical tools to propagate Islam (daʿwah) effectively in multicultural societies. Rooted in Quranic principles and the Prophetic model, it addresses modern challenges while preserving the essence of Islamic teachings.

Core Principles of Islamic Propagation

1. Quranic Foundation:

   • [Quran 16:125]: "ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ..."
     ("Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction...")
   • Prioritize clarity (bayān) and compassion (raḥmah) over polemics.

2. Prophetic Methodology:

   • Study the Seerah (Prophetic biography) for contextual strategies:
     • Gradual revelation in Mecca vs. institutional daʿwah in Medina.
     • Dialogue with non-Muslim tribes (e.g., Treaty of Hudaybiyyah).

3. Maqāṣid Alignment:

   • Ensure propagation preserves the five higher objectives of Sharia:
     Faith, life, intellect, lineage, and property.

Methodologies for Contemporary Daʿwah

1. Scholarly Rigor

• Comparative Theology Workshops:
  • Train students to address common misconceptions (e.g., "Islam oppresses women") using Quran 4:1 and historical examples like Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.
  • Develop counter-narratives to extremist ideologies through wasatiyyah (moderation) frameworks.

2. Community Engagement

• Grassroots Initiatives:
  • Nigerian Case Study: Mobile daʿwah caravans to rural areas, offering:
    • Free medical camps with Quranic ethics seminars.
    • Conflict resolution between farmers and herders using Islamic arbitration.
  • Urban Strategies:
    • Podcasts in Hausa and Yoruba on Islamic finance and family ethics.
    • Interfaith iftars during Ramadan with Christian communities in Lagos.

3. Digital Propagation

• AI-Driven Solutions:
  • Chatbots: Programmed with Maliki fiqh to answer FAQs (e.g., "How to pray in space?").
  • Virtual Reality: Simulate Hajj experiences for non-Muslims in Abuja’s tech hubs.
• Social Media:
  • Short-form content debunking myths (TikTok fatwas under 60 seconds).
  • Collaborative campaigns with Nigerian influencers on environmental stewardship (khalīfah).

Challenges & Ethical Guidelines

1. Cultural Sensitivity:

   • Adapt daʿwah to Nigeria’s 250 ethnic groups without compromising creed (ʿaqīdah).
   • Example: Incorporate traditional Yoruba proverbs into sermons on Tawhid.

2. Anti-Daʿwah Narratives:

   • Counteract Boko Haram’s distortion of jihad through theological workshops.
   • Partner with the Nigerian Army to train chaplains in authentic Islamic teachings.

3. Intra-Muslim Dialogue:

   • Mediate Sunni-Shi’a tensions via joint Quranic literacy programs.
   • Publish trilingual (Arabic, English, Hausa) pamphlets on shared theological grounds.

Curriculum Structure

• Stage 1: Foundational Training

  • Quranic exegesis of daʿwah-centric verses.
  • Rhetoric (balāghah) and logic (manṭiq) for effective communication.

• Stage 2: Applied Fieldwork

  • Simulation Labs:
    • Role-play scenarios: Responding to atheists in university debates.
    • Crisis management: Addressing mosque attacks in Plateau State.
  • Capstone Project:
    • Design a 12-month daʿwah plan for a specific Nigerian demographic (e.g., Igbo Muslim converts).

Outcomes & Impact

• Certification: Diploma in Islamic Propagation accredited by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
• Community Metrics:
  • Track conversion rates and mosque attendance in target regions.
  • Publish annual reports on reduced sectarian violence through daʿwah interventions.
• Global Networks:
  • Student exchanges with Al-Azhar University and the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Vision: To cultivate ambassadors of Islam who embody the Prophet’s ﷺ gentleness, intellectually revitalizing Muslim communities while fostering harmonious coexistence in Nigeria’s pluralistic society.