atmt malaysia sra

Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah

Lagi Maha PenyayangIn the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

SYED RAZIUDDIN ALI

from

Discover Islam-Bahrain

Presents

Grand MosqueBahrain

NON-MUSLIM GUESTS IN THE MOSQUE

– A New Approach in Da`wah

DTMT: Da`wah Trough Mosque Tour

AWARENESS THROUGH MOSQUE TOUR

Grand MosqueBahrain

In other words:

ATMT

Davy MertensLokeren, Belgium

“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.”

“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.

18TH March 2008 Masjid Negara

He made 3 visits & said Shahadah

Grand MosqueBahrain

“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

1 THE CONCEPT OF ATMT

3 WHO ARE NON-MUSLIMS?

5 THE MOSQUE TOUR

4 DA`WAH TO NON-MUSLIMS

6 ANSWERING QUESTIONS TO NON-MUSLIMS

TOPICSTOPICS

2 ATMT THE Bahrain ExperienceATMT

NON-MUSLIMS

TOUR

1. THE CONCEPT OF ATMT

a. What is ATMT?

b. Significance of ATMTc. Are Non-Muslims Allowed in Mosque?

1-a. What is ATMT?

Awareness among non-Muslims

Through

Mosque

Tour

= Da`wah

Interaction on a 1-to-1 basis

A very appropriate place

i.e., One of many means

Awareness about ISLAM & Muslim Culture

1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

The Mosque

Non-Muslims

Guided Tour

With reference to:

- 1

1. Non-Muslims

- Interested in seeing the mosque (out of curiosity, suspicion, etc.)

- Mentally ready to listen to us

- We need to communicate

1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

- 2

With reference to:

2. The Mosque

- More outreach than thru a Da`wah Center

- Place of spirituality (No Terrorism!)

- Can serve as a cultural bridge

- They come to us, we don’t have to go to them

1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

- 3

An excellent place that provides chance to communicate

With reference to:

mosque

Online Etymology Dictionary, ETYMOLOGY Moo-Muchttp://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=m&p=22

American Heritage Dictionary - 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-Muchttp://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: د ج" م&س$

Chinese (Simplified):

清真寺

Chinese (Traditional):

清真寺

Czech: mešita

Danish: moské

Dutch: moskee

Estonian: mošee

Finnish: moskeija

French: mosquée

German: die Moschee

Greek: τέμενος, τζαμί

Hungarian: mecset

Icelandic: moska

Indonesian: masjid

Italian: moschea

Japanese: 回教寺院

Korean: 회교 사원

Latvian: mošeja

Lithuanian: mečetė

Norwegian: moské

Portuguese (Brazil):

mesquita

Portuguese (Portugal):

mesquita

Romanian: moschee

Russian: мечеть

Slovak: mešita

Slovenian: mošeja

Spanish: mezquita

Swedish: moské

Turkish: cami

mosque

3. Guided Tour

One-to-one / face-to-face contact Best opportunity for da`wah

– An effective da`wah tool

Provides:

1-b. The Significance of ATMT?

- 4

Missing such an Opportunity = Crime!

With reference to:

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

- The Prophet (pbuh) allowed a polytheist prisoner (Thumamah ibn Athal) to be kept tied up in the mosque..

- There is nothing explicit in the Qur’an to prohibit

- The Prophet (pbuh) had allowed Christians of Najran and the delegations of Thaqif

- 2

THE BAHRAIN EXPERIENCE

The Grand MosqueBahrain

Built: 1984-1988; Cost 20MM $Accommodates 7000 worshipers

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

They go back with a positive image

- - Misconceptions cleared,- Respect for Islam & Muslims generated

Become our defenders, ambassadors

Some have even embraced Islam

Least:

- 5

3. Who are non-Muslims?

Brothers/sisters in humanity

1ا م3ن 1ر5 ك 1ق1د3 آد&م& ب&ن"يو1ل

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

Verily, We have conferred dignity on the children of Adam (17:70)

Allah addresses human beings as

Bani Adam Children of AdamMuslims and non-Muslims alike.

- 1

We are all

3. Who are non-Muslims?

The Qurán has used the word: Brother

1مGود1 ث Kل1ى م$و1إ Kاه أ&خ&ا MحK ص1ال

For the people of Àad [We sent] their brother Hud (7:65)

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

For the people of Midian [We sent] their brother Shu`ayb (7:88) م$ Kاه MMا أ&خ& 3ب ع1ي Gش1ن1 م1د3ي Kل1ى و1إ

م$ Kاه ع1ادV أ&خ& Kل1ى و1إ هGودMا

- 2

When their brother Noah said to them: “Will you not be conscious of

God?” (26:106) 3مG1ه ل ق1ال1 Kذ3 م$إ Kوه Kون1 أ&خG5ق 1ت ت 1ال أ dوحG ن

3. Who are non-Muslims?

They are brothers/sisters in humanity

The Creator of all – Allah

The Benefactor of humanity – Muhammad (pbuh)

The Guidance for our lives – – The Qur'ãn

But IGNORANT of

- 3

3. Who are non-Muslims?

They are brothers/sisters in humanity, but …

- 4

It is our responsibility to educate them.

How will they know, if we don’t communicate with them?

3. Who are non-Muslims?

Allah = Not GOD of Muslims alone

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

The Qur’an = Not meant for Muslims alone

He is GOD of Non-Muslims too!

He is Allah’s Messenger for Non-Muslims too!

It is the Book of Guidance for Non-Muslims too!

- rahmatun-lil-`aalameen Mح3م1ة ين&ر1 ل"ل$ع&ال&م")21:107(

- kaaffatun lin-naas الK إ 1اك1 3ن ل س1 ر31 أ ةY و1م1ا ل"لن]اس"ك&اف]

)34:28(

- Rabb-ul-`aalameen nب ين&ر1 ال$ع&ال&م")1:2(

- Rabb-un-naas nب )114:1 (الن]اس"ر1

- - dhikrun-lil-`aalameen الK إ هGو1 Kن3 ين&ذ"ك$ر إ )12:104 (ل"ل$ع&ال&م" - hudan lin-naas Gآن 3قGر3 ال KيهKف 3زKل1 ن

G أ 5ذKي ال م1ض1ان1 ر1 Gه3ر هKدYى ش1

)2:185 (ل"لن]اس" - 5

3. Who are non-Muslims?

In fact

- shuhada `alan-naas (2:143) واG Gون 1ك Kت ل و1س1طMا Mم5ةG أ Gم3 1اك 3ن ج1ع1ل Kك1 1ذ1ل و1ك

الن]اس" ع&ل&ى د&اء& ه& Kش

Muslims – the best community – are raised up for [leading] mankind.

- 6

- - ukhrijat lin-naas Vم5ةG أ 3ر1 ي خ1 Gم3 3ت Gن ل"لن]اس" ك ت$ ر"ج& )3:110( أKخ$

… for bearing witness to the truth before all mankind.

And

4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONSAbout Da`wah to Non-Muslims

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

It is important to understand that:

The NON-MUSLIM mindset is different.

- 1

4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONSAbout Da`wah to Non-Muslims

Da`wah does not mean to CONVERT someone to Islam

It is important to understand that:

We have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is but to convey the message. (42:48)

G1الغ 3ب ال Kال إ 3ك1 1ي ع1ل Kن3 إ ح1فKيظMا 3هKم3 1ي ع1ل 1اك1 3ن ل س1 ر31 أ ف1م1ا

Verily you guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best those who are guided. (28:56)

G1م 1ع3ل أ و1هGو1 Gاء 1ش1 ي م1ن3 1ه3دKي ي 5ه1 الل 1كKن5 و1ل 3ت1 1ب ب 1ح3 أ م1ن3 1ه3دKي ت ال 5ك1 Kن إ1دKين1 3مGه3ت Kال ب

- 2

4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONSAbout Da`wah to Non-Muslims

Da`wah does not mean LECTURING

Da`wah does not mean TABLEEGH

Da`ee vs. `Aalim

It is important to understand that:

- 3

5. THE BASICS OF DA`WAH

a. What is Da`wah?

c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah

b. Why Da`wah?

5-a. What is “da`wah”?

- to call- to call out- to call on / upon- to call for- to invite- to summon- to invoke- to pray

The root word means:

Call someone

to give something(e.g., a dinner, a message)

(e.g., your friend)

Da’wah : ‘invitation’

: LITERAL MEANING OFدعوة

- 1

5-a. What is “da`wah”?

AS AN ISLAMIC TERMدعوة

Calling / inviting / bringing someone closer to:

- The way of Allah

- Allah

- All that is good

Gى اد3عKلK nك1 إ رب KيلK ب س1

م�م5ن M ق1و3ال G1ح3س1ن أ Kل1ىد1ع1ا و1م1ن3 5هK إ الل

dم5ةG أ Gم3 م�نك Gن 1ك 3ت 1د3عGون1و1ل Kل1ى ي 3رK إ ي 3خ1 ال

(41:33)

(3:104)

(16:125)

:

- 2

5-a. What is “da`wah”?

Kظ1ةK3م1و3ع ال و11ة ن 3ح1س1 ال

KيلK ب س1 KلKى إ Gاد3عnك1 رب

K3م1ة 3حKك Kال ب 1

2

HOW TO INVITE?

Invite to the way of your Guardian-Lord

with:

Wisdom

Beautiful preaching

1

2

The Qur’anic principle (16:125)

- 3

5-a. What is “da`wah”?

ك$م&ة ?What is Wisdomال$ح"

The ability to make sensible and sound judgments and decisions

GولGو أ Kال إ G5ر 1ذ5ك ي و1م1ا ا MيرK 1ث ك ا M3ر ي خ1 Kي1 Gوت أ ف1ق1د3 3م1ة1 3حKك ال Gؤ3ت1 ي و1م1ن3K1اب 3ب األل

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”?

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.

ة" ك$م& What is Wisdomال$ح"

- 5

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)

ة" ك$م& What is Wisdomال$ح"

- 6

5-a. What is “da`wah”?

5-a. What is “da`wah”?

و$ع"ظ& و$ع"ظ&ال$م& ال$م&ة"ة"

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

ن& س& ن&ال$ح& س& ال$ح&ةة

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. 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?

ü Other rewards

ü Continued reward even after death

C. OTHER BENEFITS of DA`WAH

ü Humanitarian activity; sign of a healthy society

ü Best utilization of one’s timeü Personal fulfillment in life

ü Self-reformation

B. DA`WAH: A REWARDING ACTIVITY

- 2

5-c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah

AA =

BB =

CC =

DD =

EE =

FF =

- 1

The Step-by-step Approach:

5-c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah

AA = Attractive Approach

BB = Break the Barriers

CC = Cash on Commonalities

DD = Discuss the Differences

EE = Evaluate your Efforts

FF = Future Follow-up

Breaks the ice

Brings them closer

Prompts to thinking

Shakes their faith

Guides further work

Helps connection

- 2

a. The Attitude of a Da`ee

c. The Characteristics of a Da`ee

b. The Job of a Da`ee

6. THE APPROACH IN DA`WAH

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-a. ATTITUDE OF A DA`EE

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

A da`ee has to COPE with the addressee

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

– 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.

- 2

6-c. Characteristics of a Da`ee

a. Practicing Muslim

b. Has Knowledge of:

- Essentials of Islam

- Basics of Da`wah

A good da`ee is basically a good human being

- 1

c. Personal qualities Sincerity (ikhlas)

Good manners

Humbleness

Discipline

Patience

Tolerance

6-c. Characteristics of a Da`ee

- 2

7. THE MOSQUE TOUR

THE TOUR 1. Starting-off 2. Going around 3. Concluding

The Tour Segments

- About the Mosque- About faith/culture

Information to be given

- Tour Guide’s attitude - The Technique - Handling Q-A.

Interaction

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

Aim & Objectives

7-a. Aim & Objectives

VISTORS’ AIM

OUR AIM & Objectives 1. To win the hearts & awaken the minds

– breaking the barriers 2. To remove the misconceptions

3. To introduce Islamic faith and concepts

To see the building, and its architecture

- 1

7-a. Aim & Objectives

COMBINING BOTH AIMS – The “Sandwich Technique”

OUR ultimate AIM

1- Use the secular information about the mosque as basis to prompt the faith-related info.

2- Insert faith info in-between secular info.

To seek the pleasure of Allah

- 2

7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

a. STARTING-OFF (Reception)

b. GOING AROUND

c. CONCLUDING

- 1

1- STARTING-OFF (Reception) 1. Hello! Welcome to Malaysia, & our …… Mosque

2. Self-introduction

3. Time availability: Ask them if any restriction?

4. Inform them about photography (allowed)

5. Tell them to feel free to ask Qs.

6. Introduce your plan of tour

* You may ask something else also, if time available

such as: Have you visited a mosque earlier?

7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

- 2Bahrain Model

2- GOING AROUND

- Courtyard

- Main Hall

- Balcony

- Ladies Hall /Wudu area/etc

VISIT AREAS

7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

- 3

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)

7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

- 4

THE MOSQUE TOUR

THE TOUR 1. Starting-off 2. Going around 3. Concluding

The Tour Segments - Tour Guide’s attitude - The Technique - Handling Q-A.

Interaction

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

Aim & Objectives

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES

- 1

Mا ن حGس3 K5اس Kلن ل Gوا Speak good words to people (2:83) و1قGول

Gن 1ح3س1 أ هKي1 Kي 5ت ال Gوا 1قGول ي 1ادKي KعKب ل و1قGل3

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)

Mا Kين مGب ع1دGو�ا Kان 3س1 Kإلن ل 1ان1 ك 3ط1ان1 ي الش5 Kن5 إ 1هGم3 3ن 1ي ب Gغ 3ز1 1ن ي 3ط1ان1 ي الش5 Kن5 إ

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

- 2

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)

G1ة �ئ ي الس5 و1ال G1ة ن 3ح1س1 ال 1وKي ت 1س3 ت و1ال

dيمKح1م و1لKي� G5ه ن1 1أ ك dع1د1او1ة G1ه 3ن 1ي و1ب 1ك1 3ن 1ي ب 5ذKي ال Kذ1ا ف1إ G1ح3س1ن أ هKي1 Kي 5ت Kال ب اد3ف1ع3

V ع1ظKيم ح1ظ� ذGو Kال إ 1ق5اه1ا Gل ي و1م1ا وا G1ر ص1ب 5ذKين1 ال Kال إ 1ق5اه1ا Gل ي و1م1ا

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

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES

- 3

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)

G1ه ل ل&يwنYا ف1قGوال و$ال ى ق& 1خ3ش1 ي و31 أ G5ر 1ذ1ك 1ت ي G5ه 1ع1ل ل

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

– – The Key WordThe Key Word

CONNECTION

An interaction that allows a smooth flow of information from both sides.

- 1

Speak the same language

Be interactive; no monologue

Talk in the same plane of understanding

Inject a little humor

Highlight the commonalities

Show relevance of Islam to humanity

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

- 2

CONNECTION GUIDELINES

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.)

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

- 3

• 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.)

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

AVOID

- 4

THE MOSQUE TOUR

THE TOUR 1. Starting-off 2. Going around 3. Concluding

The Tour Segments - Tour Guide’s attitude - The Technique - Handling Q-A.

Interaction

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

Aim & Objectives

- About the Mosque- About faith/culture

Information to be given

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque

2. About the Faith & Culture

- 1

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque

Some History

Architecture

Material used

Capacity, Events

Main Features

- 2

What info?

Cost of Construction (US $)

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque

At any appropriate spot:

- 3

Where in the mosque?

History … Courtyard

Architecture … Courtyard / inside Material used … Where the material

can be viewed Capacity, Events … Courtyard

Main Features … Courtyard

2. About Faith & Culture Look for an opportune moment / place

to introduce Islamic faith & concepts

Introduce the following:

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 4

If they are interested, let them watch Adhãn & Salah

-- Allah-- Islam-- Muhammad (pbuh)-- The Qurán -- Prayers

2. About Faith & Culture

ALLAH

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 5

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 also

The Islamic concept of God

No intermediary between God and man

– The One & Unique, Transcendent, Almighty, no incarnation

2. About Faith & Culture

ISLAM

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 6

Meanings of “ISLAM”

ISLAM ￚ The Unique name

Comprehensive, practical, moderate

Not a new religion

2. About Faith & CultureMUHAMMAD

(pbuh)

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 7

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

Prophesied in previous revealed Scriptures

Descendant of Prophet Abraham (pbuh), thru Ishmael (pbuh)

Universal Prophet with universal message from God

2. About Faith & Culture

The QUR'AN

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 8

Muslims believe this as “the Word of God”, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Essentially the Book of Guidance for humankind

Can be understood as “The Last Testament”

Literal meaning of the word “Qurán”; most abundantly & widely read book in the world

2. About Faith & Culture

The Qur'ãn -- Its unique features

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 9

Memorization

Preservation

Scientifically accurate description of natural phenomena

Language

2. About Faith & Culture

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

- 10

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 exist in every society. Distinction between Religion, and Culture. The intermingling of these two may be confusing.

The visitors may be advised to keep in mind the following facts while they try to understand irregular behavior and actions of some Muslims.

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.

- 1

WHAT IS A GOOD 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

A Good Answer = A “PROPER” answer

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

- 2

The way you answer

Good language

Good style

Politeness, with a touch of humor

Clarity of expression

Not hurting the feelings of the questioner

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

- 3

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

Contents of your answer

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

- 4

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)

Some Useful Tips -1

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

- 5

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

Some Useful Tips -2

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

- 6

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS

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.

Answering Questions related to

- 7

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?

- 1

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?

- 2

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? - 3

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