Dengan Nama Allah

Yang Maha Pemurah

Lagi Maha
In the Penyayang
Name of Allah,
Most Gracious, Most Merciful
SYED RAZIUDDIN ALI
from
Discover Islam-Bahrain

Presents
 NON-MUSLIM GUESTS IN

THE MOSQUE

– A New Approach in Da`wah

DTMT:
Da`wah Trough Mosque Tour
Grand Mosque
Bahrain
In other
words:
ATMT
AWARENESS THROUGH MOSQUE TOUR

Grand Mosque
Bahrain
 “Imagine going away on a
holiday with nothing else in mind
than creating new memories …
basically just having fun,
but then ending up making a life
changing decision, a decision that
not once would it have entered your
mind, definitely not mine.

Davy Mertens He made 3 visits & said

Lokeren, Belgium Shahadah

“The strange thing is I came to

visit the National Mosque in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia merely
as a tourist, to take some
pictures of the building.”
Masjid Negara
18TH March 2008
“Throughout my years I have traveled the
world every since I was a young boy. I
have been to many churches not to
mention I live in the Bible belt of America.
…
“The day I took the tour to the Mosque, I
started to think I didn't want to go inside
and I figured I would be rejected.
But all of a sudden I was curious so I went
inside not knowing what to think.
Immediately I was welcomed.

“Never in my life and through my travels around the world have I ever seen
what was taught to me in the bible reflected in a human beings conduct until
I walked in the Mosque. I've had a spiritual experience at the Mosque that I
can not forget.
Never in my life have I made a more important decision and never have I felt
more confident to make a decision. I'm ready to REVERT to Islam.”
- Anthony, 20 Feb 2008
Grand Mosque
Bahrain
 TOPICS
1 THE CONCEPT OF ATMT
ATMT
2 ATMT − THE Bahrain Experience

3 WHO ARE NON-MUSLIMS?

NON-MUSLIMS
4 DA`WAH TO NON-MUSLIMS

5 THE MOSQUE TOUR

TOUR
6 ANSWERING QUESTIONS TO NON-MUSLIMS
 1. THE CONCEPT OF ATMT

a. What is ATMT?
b. Significance of ATMT
c. Are Non-Muslims Allowed in Mosque?
 1-a. What is ATMT?

Awareness among non- = Da`wah

Muslims
Through i.e., One of many means

Mosque  A very appropriate place

Tour  Interaction on a 1-to-1 basis

Awareness about ISLAM &

Muslim Culture
1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

With reference to:

Non-Muslims

The Mosque Guided Tour

-1
1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

With reference to:

 Non-Muslims

- Interested in seeing the mosque

(out of curiosity, suspicion, etc.)

- Mentally ready to listen to us

- We need to communicate

-2
1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

With reference to:

 The Mosque
- Can serve as a cultural bridge
An excellent place that provides chance to
communicate
- They come to us, we don’t have to go to them
- More outreach than thru a Da`wah Center
- Place of spirituality (No Terrorism!)

-3
 mosque

Online Etymology Dictionary,

American Dictionary -Moo-Muc
ETYMOLOGY
Heritage
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=m&p=22
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=mosque
mosque
(mŏsk)
n. A Muslim house of worship.

[French mosquée, from Old French mousquaie,

from Old Italian moschea, from moscheta, from Old
Spanish mezquita, from Arabic masjid; see masjid.]
 mosque

Online Etymology Dictionary, ETYMOLOGY Moo-Muc

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=m&p=22
c.1400, moseak, probably from M.Fr. mosquée,
from It. moschea, from Sp. mesquita (modern mezquita),
from Arabic masjid "temple, place of worship,"
from sajada "he worshipped"

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)

–noun : a Muslim temple or place of public worship
[Origin: 1600–10; earlier mosquee < MF < It moschea ≪ Ar
masjid, deriv. of sajada to worship, lit., prostrate oneself; the
-ee seems to have been taken as dim. suffix and dropped
 Arabic: ‫َمسْجِد‬
Chinese 清真寺 Italian: moschea
(Simplified): Japanese: 回教寺院
Chinese 清真寺 Korean: 회교 사원
(Traditional):
Latvian: mošeja
Czech: mešita
Lithuanian: mečetė
Danish: moské
Norwegian: moské
Dutch: moskee
Portuguese mesquita

mosque
Estonian: mošee (Brazil):
Finnish: moskeija Portuguese mesquita
French: mosquée (Portugal):

German: die Romanian: moschee

Moschee Russian: мечеть
Greek: τέμενος, Slovak: mešita
τζαμί Slovenian: mošeja
Hungarian: mecset Spanish: mezquita
Icelandic: moska Swedish: moské
Indonesian: masjid Turkish: cami
1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

With reference to:

 Guided Tour
– An effective da`wah tool
Provides:
 One-to-one / face-to-face contact
 Best opportunity for da`wah

Missing such an Opportunity = Crime!

-4
1-c. Are non-Muslims Allowed inside?

Yes, if …

- Prior permission is obtained

- They have a sound reason to visit
- They observe the dress code
- Respect the decorum of the mosque

-1
1-c. Are non-Muslims Allowed inside?

Basis
- There is nothing explicit in the Qur’an
to prohibit
- The Prophet (pbuh) had allowed Christians
of Najran and the delegations of Thaqif
- The Prophet (pbuh) allowed a polytheist prisoner
(Thumamah ibn Athal) to be kept tied up in the
mosque.

-2
THE BAHRAIN
EXPERIENCE
The Grand Mosque Built: 1984-1988; Cost
Bahrain 20MM $
2-a. ATMT – Bahrain Experience

The Beginning
- Grand Mosque: 1988 – A tourist attraction
- Realization of ATMT: 1993-95
- Guided tours (irregular): 1995-98
- Regular tours: since 1998
- No. of visitors: ~ 2000 per year
-1
2-b ATMT – Bahrain Experience

Current activities
- Daily tours: 9 am – 4 pm, (except Fridays)
- Special Open-house: Eid days,
F-1 racing event
- On appointment: Big groups, dignitaries
- Students especially from Mission schools

-2
 2-c ATMT – Bahrain Experience

Results
- No. of Visitors (year 2007): 27,000+, from 80 countries

- Very impressed by:

architecture, friendliness,
faith, etc.
- Tours quite popular among expats
- Some visit again, recommend others
- One visiting group recorded a documentary
-3
2-c ATMT – Bahrain Experience

Their Impressions
Expressed through:
- Verbal comments, hugs, tears, even crying
- Recording in the Guest-book
- Letters in a local Newspaper
- Emails
- Appreciation citations
-4
2-d ATMT – Bahrain Experience

Achievements
 Least: They go back with a positive image
- Misconceptions cleared,
- Respect for Islam & Muslims generated

 Become our defenders, ambassadors

 Some have even embraced Islam

-5
 3. Who are non-Muslims?

Allah addresses human beings as

Bani Adam Children of Adam
Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Verily, We have conferred dignity on the children of Adam (17:70)
َ‫وَلَ َقدْ كَرّمْنَا َبنِي آدَم‬

Born to the same “proto-parents” (Adam & Eve), means

what?

We are all
Brothers/sisters in humanity
-1
 3. Who are non-Muslims?

 The Qurán has used the word:

Brother
− When their brother Noah said to them: “Will you not be conscious of
God?” (26:106) َ‫ِإذْ قَالَ لَهُمْأَخُوهُمْ نُوحٌ أَل تَتّقُون‬
− For the people of Àad [We sent] their brother Hud (7:65)

ٍ‫أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا وَإِلَى عَاد‬

− For the people of Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih (7:73)

‫َوإِلَى ثَمُودَأَخَاهُمْ صَالِحًا‬

− For the people of Midian [We sent] their brother Shu`ayb (7:88)
َ‫أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًًا وَإِلَى َمدْيَن‬

-2
 3. Who are non-Muslims?

They are brothers/sisters in humanity

But IGNORANT of

− The Creator of all – Allah

− The Benefactor of humanity
– Muhammad (pbuh)
− The Guidance for our lives – The Qur'ãn

-3
 3. Who are non-Muslims?

They are brothers/sisters in

humanity, but …

How will they know,

if we don’t communicate with them?

It is our responsibility to educate them.

-4
 3. Who are non-Muslims?

He is GOD of Non-Muslims
Allah = Not GOD of Muslims alone too!
- Rabb-ul-`aalameen (1:2) َ‫َربّالْعَالَمِين‬
- Rabb-un-naas (114:1) ِ‫رَبّالنّاس‬

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) = Not a Prophet for Muslims alone

He is Allah’s Messenger for Non-Muslims too!
- rahmatun-lil-`aalameen (21:107) َ‫رَحْمَةًلِلْعَالَمِين‬
- kaaffatun lin-naas ِ‫سلْنَاكَ إِلكَافّةً لِلنّاس‬
َ ْ‫وَمَا أَر‬
(34:28)
The Qur’an = Not meant for Muslims alone
It is the Book of Guidance for Non-Muslims too!
- dhikrun-lil-`aalameen ( 12:104) َ‫إِنْ هُوَ إِلذِكْرٌ لِلْعَالَمِين‬
- hudan lin-naas ِ‫شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الّذِي أُنْ ِزلَ فِي ِه ا ْلقُرْآنُهُدًى لِلنّاس‬
(2:185)
-5
 3. Who are non-Muslims?

In fact

Muslims – the best community – are raised up

for [leading] mankind.
- ukhrijat lin-naas (3:110) ِ‫كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمّةٍأُخْرِجَتْ لِلنّاس‬

And

… for bearing witness to the truth before all mankind.

- shuhada `alan-naas (2:143) ِ‫سطًا لِتَكُونُواشُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النّاس‬
َ َ‫وَ َكذَِلكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمّةً و‬

-6
4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONS
About Da`wah to Non-Muslims

It is important to understand that:

 Da`wah to NON-MUSLIMS
is not the same as da`wah to MUSLIMS

The NON-MUSLIM mindset is different.

-1
4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONS
About Da`wah to Non-Muslims

It is important to understand that:

 Da`wah does not mean to CONVERT
someone to Islam

We have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is

but to convey the message. (42:48)
ُ‫فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا إِنْ عَلَ ْيكَ إِل الْبَلغ‬
Verily you guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom
He wills, and He knows best those who are guided. (28:56)

َ‫إِ ّنكَ ل تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ َولَكِنّ الَّ يَ ْهدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَ ُهوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْ َتدِين‬

-2
4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONS
About Da`wah to Non-Muslims

It is important to understand that:

 Da`wah does not mean LECTURING

 Da`wah does not mean TABLEEGH

 Da`ee vs. `Aalim

-3
5. THE BASICS OF DA`WAH

• What is Da`wah?
• Why Da`wah?
a. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

LITERAL MEANING OF ‫ دعوة‬:

The root word means:

Da’wah : ‘invitation’
- to call
- to call out
- to call on / upon Call someone
- to call for (e.g., your friend)
- to invite
- to summon to give something
- to invoke (e.g., a dinner, a message)
- to pray

-1
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

AS AN ISLAMIC TERM ‫ دعوة‬:

Calling / inviting / bringing someone closer to:

- The way of Allah (16:125) ‫سبِيلِ ربّك‬

َ ‫ادْعُ إِلِى‬

- Allah (41:33) ِّ‫وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ َقوْلً مّمّن دَعَا إِلَى ال‬

- All that is good ِ‫خيْر‬
(3:104)َ ْ‫وَلْتَكُن مّنكُمْ أُمّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ال‬

-2
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

HOW TO INVITE?
The Qur’anic principle (16:125)

Invite to the way of your Guardian-Lord

with: ‫سبِيلِ ربّك‬
َ ‫ادْعُ ِإلِى‬

1 Wisdom ِ‫حكْمَة‬
ِ ‫بِا ْل‬ 1

Beautiful 2
2
preaching
‫سنَة‬
َ َ‫وَ الْمَوْعِظَةِ ا ْلح‬

-3
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

What is Wisdom? ‫الْحِ ْكمَة‬

The ability to make sensible and sound

judgments and decisions

ِ‫وَمَنْ يُ ْؤتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَ ْيرًا كَثِيرًا وَمَا يَذّ ّكرُ إِل أُولُو اللْبَاب‬
Whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted
abundant good / something tremendously beneficial;
but none reflect except people of insight. (2:269)

-4
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

What is Wisdom ِ‫الْحِ ْك َمة‬

 Good insight.
 Looking at things from both sides before
judging, in order to evaluate a situation.
 Foreseeing consequences and acting to
maximize beneficial results.
 Thinking and making the best use of available
knowledge; thoughtful application of learning.
 Doing what is best in any given situation, so
as to bring the desired results.
-5
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

What is Wisdom ِ‫الْحِ ْك َمة‬

Practical Definition:

"Doing what is required in the right manner, at the right

time, and in the right place."

(The great Muslim scholar Ibn al-Qay'im al-Jawziyah

in his book, Madarij al-Salikeen)

-6
 5-a. What is “da`wah”?

‫الْ َم ْوعِظَ ِة‬

Preaching, exhortation
Reminding in a way that touches or softens the heart; warning

‫الْحَسَنَة‬
All that causes delight, which is wished for, and desirable;
most suitable; fair

-7
 5-b. Why Da`wah?

A. DA`WAH: A NECESSITY, a requirement

• A DUTY (Divine Command + Right of Non-Muslims)

b. A RESPONSIBILITY on the Muslim Ummah

c. NEED OF THE TIME

- Pathetic condition of Muslims all over the world
- Spread of evil and materialism
- An organized da`wah work is almost non-existent
-1
 5-b. Why Da`wah?

B. DA`WAH: A REWARDING ACTIVITY

 Continued reward even after death
 Other rewards
 Self-reformation

C. OTHER BENEFITS of DA`WAH

 Humanitarian activity; sign of a healthy society
 Best utilization of one’s time
 Personal fulfillment in life

-2
 5-c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah

The Step-by-step Approach: AA =

BB =

CC =

DD =

EE =

FF =

-1
 5-c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah

AA = Attractive Approach Breaks the ice

BB = Break the Barriers Brings them closer

CC = Cash on Commonalities Prompts to thinking

DD = Discuss the Differences Shakes their faith

EE = Evaluate your Efforts Guides further work

FF = Future Follow-up Helps connection

-2
6. THE APPROACH IN DA`WAH

a. The Attitude of a Da`ee

a. The Job of a Da`ee

a. The Characteristics of a Da`ee

6-a. ATTITUDE OF A DA`EE

 With a sense of duty & responsibility as Muslim

 Out of a desire to help fellow humans,

brothers / sisters in humanity

 With a feeling of sympathy and compassion

because of their misguided ways

 With a sincere concern to save them from doom

 To share with them our love for Islam.

-1
 6-a. ATTITUDE OF A DA`EE

 Our efforts should be directed to give the person

every possible help in this journey, in whatever
way we can

 The process of transformation has to be gradual

and steady
Give the person some time and the necessary help to properly
understand what actually and ultimately required of him.
If the faith has not take roots in the heart and he jumps in, then
chances are that he may also jump out.

-2
 6-b. The Job of a Da`ee

 A da`ee is like a doctor –

Concerned with the "sickness" of the patient,
(diagnosis & treatment), not his/her
appearance or traits.

 A da`ee is like a sales-person, –

Tries to sell the product in the best manner;
overlooks even if something in or about the
customer is not likeable.
In a successful business it is said:
'The customer is always right.'

-1
 6-b. The Job of a Da`ee

 A da`ee’s job is to hammer a hard

rock
– the other person’s heart –
in order to break it open. ( Hit does not mean harshness

Even if it does not break open in the first hit, every

hit does have its impact. Who knows how many
hits would be required! So, be interested in the hit.

 A da`ee has to COPE with the

addressee
 (C=Cool, O=Optimistic, P=Polite, E=Enduring)

-2
6-c. Characteristics of a Da`ee

A good da`ee is basically a good human being

a. Practicing Muslim
b. Has Knowledge
of:
- Essentials of Islam
- Basics of Da`wah

- 1
6-c. Characteristics of a Da`ee

c. Personal qualities
Sincerity (ikhlas)

Good manners

Humbleness
Patience
Tolerance

Discipline

- 2
 7. THE MOSQUE TOUR

Aim & Objectives

- Visitors’ Aim
- Our Aim & Objectives
- Combining the both

The Tour Segments Interaction

1 . Starting-off THE TOUR - Tour Guide’s attitude

2 . Going around - The Technique
3 . Concluding - Handling Q-A.

Information
to be given
- About the Mosque
- About faith/culture
 7-a. Aim & Objectives

 VISTORS’
AIM
To see the building, and its architecture
 OUR AIM &
Objectives
1. To win the hearts & awaken the minds
– breaking the barriers

• To remove the misconceptions

3. To introduce Islamic faith and concepts

-1
 7-a. Aim & Objectives

 COMBINING BOTH AIMS

– The “Sandwich Technique”
1- Use the secular information about the mosque as basis
to prompt the faith-related info.
2- Insert faith info in-between secular info.

 OUR ultimate AIM

To seek the pleasure of Allah

-2
7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

a. STARTING-OFF (Reception)

b. GOING AROUND

c. CONCLUDING

-1
 7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

1- STARTING-OFF (Reception)
• Hello! Welcome to Malaysia, & our …… Mosque
• Self-introduction
• Time availability: Ask them if any restriction?
• Inform them about photography (allowed)
• Tell them to feel free to ask Qs.
• Introduce your plan of tour
* You may ask something else also, if time available
such as: Have you visited a mosque earlier?

Bahrain Model -2
7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

2- GOING AROUND

VISIT AREAS

- Courtyard
- Main Hall
- Balcony
- Ladies Hall /Wudu area/etc

-3
7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

3- The CONCLUDING Stage

- Thanks and appreciation

- Introductory literature on Islam
- Guest Book
- Drinks/refreshment

“Unbelievable experience. I am leaving as a

wiser man.” (— Oliver Siems, a German visitor’s comment)

-4
 THE MOSQUE TOUR

Aim & Objectives

- Visitors’ Aim
- Our Aim & Objectives
- Combining the both

The Tour Segments Interaction

1 . Starting-off THE TOUR - Tour Guide’s attitude

2 . Going around - The Technique
3 . Concluding - Handling Q-A.
 7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES

Speak good words to people (2:83) ‫حسْنًا‬

ُ ِ‫وَقُولُوا لِلنّاس‬

ُ‫حسَن‬
ْ َ‫وَقُلْ لِعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الّتِي ِهيَ أ‬
‫ع ُدوّا مُبِينًا‬
َ ِ‫إِنّ الشّيْطَانَ يَنْزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنّ الشّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلنْسَان‬
And tell My servants that they should speak In the most kindly
manner;
verily Satan is always ready to stir up discord, for verily, Satan is
man’s open foe. (17:53)

-1
 7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES

ُ‫وَل تَسْ َتوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَل السّيّئَة‬
ٌ‫حسَنُ فَإِذَا الّذِي بَيْ َنكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنّهُ وَِليّ حَمِيم‬
ْ َ‫ادْفَعْ بِالّتِي ِهيَ أ‬
ٍ‫حظّ عَظِيم‬
َ ‫وَمَا يُلَقّاهَا إِل اّلذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَمَا يُلَقّاهَا إِل ذُو‬
Good and evil cannot be equal.
Repel evil with what is better; then he with whom you had enmity,
will become like your close friend. (41:34)

But only those who are steadfast in patience, those who are blessed
with great righteousness will attain to such goodness. (41:35)

-2
 7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES

Allah had commanded Moses and Aaron (pbut) to go to Pharaoh and:

"Speak to him gently, perchance he may heed or fear (God)." (20:44)

‫خشَى‬
ْ َ‫فَقُول لَهُ َقوْل َل ّينًا لَعَلّهُ يَتَذَ ّكرُ أَوْ ي‬

-3
 7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

CONNECTION
– The Key Word

An interaction that allows

a smooth flow of information from both sides.

-1
7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

CONNECTION GUIDELINES
 Be interactive; no monologue
 Speak the same language
 Talk in the same plane of understanding
 Inject a little humor
 Highlight the commonalities
 Show relevance of Islam to humanity

-2
 7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

AVOID
• Hurting their feelings.
(Consider them as your personal ‘guests’.)

• Directly criticizing their beliefs, habits or practices.

(Avoid “I am right, you are wrong” assertion)

• Avoid anything that could give an impression that

you are trying to impose your ideas on them
(Everyone is free to have his/her own choice to
believe or not to believe something.)

-3
 7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

AVOID
• Getting irritated or reacting unpleasantly / rudely to
any offensive / irrational remarks from them.
(Remain cool – COPE with them.)

• Discussing controversial issues, or those that are

detrimental to our cause.
(Maximize the usefulness of their time with you.)

• Going into minute details of a matter.

(Try to cover other basic issues that are important.)

-4
 THE MOSQUE TOUR

Aim & Objectives

- Visitors’ Aim
- Our Aim & Objectives
- Combining the both

The Tour Segments Interaction

1 . Starting-off THE TOUR - Tour Guide’s attitude

2 . Going around - The Technique
3 . Concluding - Handling Q-A.

Information
to be given
- About the Mosque
- About faith/culture
7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque

2. About the Faith & Culture

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 7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque

What info?
 Some History
 Cost of Construction (US $)
 Architecture
 Capacity, Events
 Material used
 Main Features

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 7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque

Where in the mosque? At any appropriate spot:
 History … Courtyard
 Architecture … Courtyard / inside
 Material used … Where the material

can be viewed
 Capacity, Events … Courtyard
 Main Features … Courtyard
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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

 Look for an opportune moment / place
to introduce Islamic faith &
concepts
 Introduce the following:
-- Allah
-- Islam
-- Muhammad (pbuh)
-- The Qurán
-- Prayers
 If they are interested, let them watch Adhãn &
Salah
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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

ALLAH
 NOT God of Muslims
 ‘ALLAH’ is God’s name in Arabic language
– Better word, as it reflects pure monotheistic
concept
– The word ‘ALLAH’ is used in the Arabic Bible
The Islamic concept of God
also
– The One & Unique, Transcendent, Almighty, no
incarnation
 No intermediary between God and man
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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

ISLAM
 Meanings of “ISLAM”

 ISLAM The Unique name

 Not a new religion

 Comprehensive, practical, moderate

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 7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

MUHAMMAD (pbuh)
 Muslims do not worship him (– We are not Mohammedans)
 Muslims believe he was not “the only” Prophet, but
the last & final in a long chain of Prophets
 Universal Prophet with universal message from God
 Descendant of Prophet Abraham (pbuh), thru Ishmael (pbuh)
 Prophesied in previous revealed Scriptures

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 7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

The QUR'AN
 Muslims believe this as “the Word of God”,
revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
 Essentially the Book of Guidance for humankind
 Literal meaning of the word “Qurán”;
most abundantly & widely read book in the world
 Can be understood as “The Last Testament”

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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

The Qur'ãn -- Its unique features

 Memorization

 Preservation

 Language

 Scientifically accurate description

of natural phenomena

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 7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

2. About Faith & Culture

The visitors may be advised to keep in mind the
following facts while they try to understand irregular
behavior and actions of some Muslims.
 Religion & its principles is one thing, people’s
behavior another.
– It is unfair to judge Islam on the basis
of some
people’s behavior.
– Bad elements
 Distinction exist in every
between Religion, society.
and Culture.
The intermingling of these two may be
confusing.
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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

A. Some Basic Guidelines

B. FAQs
 8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

WHY DOES ONE ASK A QUESTION?

Usually
 Out of curiosity:
- To know (about something which one doesn’t know,
or knows a little)
- To understand (something not clear to him/her (i.e., to clarify)

Some times
 With nasty motives:
- To make a point in his/her favor (i.e., to be “one-up”).
- To test your knowledge.

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A GOOD ANSWER?

A Good Answer = A “PROPER” answer
i.e., the answer that:

 Satisfies the curiosity of the questioner;

makes sense
 Generates interest in what you say

 Provokes more curiosity, leading to more

questioning

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

The way you answer

Good language
Good style
Politeness, with a touch of humor
Clarity of expression
Not hurting the feelings of the questioner

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Contents of your answer

 Brief to the point (unless felt necessary)

 To the extent needed / helpful

 Adjust it according to
 Time available
 Background of the questioner

 Interest of the questioner

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Some Useful Tips -1

Encourage them to ask Qs

Analyze the question (for fallacy, a different perspective
/ understanding, etc.)

Draw parallels, highlight commonalities

Quoting exact reference not needed (unless
required)

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Some Useful Tips -2

Avoid using Islamic/Arabic terms (unless

needed, or earlier explained)

Avoid issues of controversies, fiqh, etc.

If you are unable to answer, don’t give a

wrong answer

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Answering Questions related to

Islamic do’s &don’ts
- Good for man – physically, morally, spiritually
- Suit to man’s multifaceted nature and needs
- Applicable to all mankind, at all times
- Flexible; alternatives are provided
- Within the capacity of man. No accountability if
something beyond one’s capability
- Not whimsical, but rather have certain meaning and
wisdom behind them; it is a different thing that we may or may not
comprehend the wisdom fully.
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A. QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE
MOSQUE & PRAYERS

Q1- Why should we remove the shoes?

Q2- Are there no pictures or statues in the mosque?
Q3- Do the patterns on the wall have any religious significance?
Q4- Why do Muslims have to pray 5 times a day?
Q5- Why you have to face towards ka`bah?
Q6- What is the significance of Friday? Why Muslims have Friday
as the holy day, like Christians have Sunday and Jews Saturday?
Q7- Is the Imam like priest? And how is he appointed or selected?
Q8- Who selects the Imam, Khateeb and Muadhin? What religious
powers do they have?

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A. QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE
MOSQUE & PRAYERS

Q9- Why do Muslims bow and prostrate in the prayers?

Q10- What is the Sermon on Friday about?
Q11- Why do men and women pray separately?
Q12- At what age are children taught prayers, or required to pray
and fast?
Q13- What is the purpose of prayer beads and mats? Do you always
have to bring them to the mosque?
Q14- How many mosques are there in Bahrain?
Q15- Why are we not allowed in the mosques in Saudi Arabia? Can
we go to Makkah?

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B. QUESTIONS RELATED TO
OTHER ISSUES
Q1- What is the difference between the Sunni and the Shi'a sects of Islam?

Q2- Why do Muslim women have to be covered?

Q4- Why in some countries (e.g., in Saudi Arabia) women cover their
faces?

Q5- How do you get married in Islam, if there is no dating prior to

marriage?

Q6- Is divorce allowed in Islam? Are divorced men and women allowed to
remarry?

Q7- What is Jihad or "Holy War"?

Q8- Why do Muslims refrain from eating pork?

Q9- Why alcohol is prohibited in Islam?

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Terima Kasih

srali_srali@yahoo.com
srali.srali@gmail.com