To: IN_GOD_I_TRUST who wrote (1110 ) 9/18/1998 1:40:00 AM From: Raymond James Norris Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1542
Are their Islamic missionaries preaching the Islamic plan of salvation around the world, to save the lost? Yes. The entire section in Islam devoted to this is called, "Dawah" (which means, "Inviting others to Islam") From the Qur'an: "Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [al-Qur'aan, an-Nisaa'(16):125] "Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma'roof [i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do] and forbidding al-Munkar [polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden]. And it is they who are successful." [al-Qur'aan, Aal 'Imraan (3):104] Say: "Can they who know and they who do not know be deemed equal?" (Quran 39:9) It is a duty of all Muslims to practice Dawah. We don't have a select group of missionaries that spread Islam (however some Muslims choose to devote their lifes to such a high cause) but it is the duty of all Muslims to be examples in their respective communities to others that may not be of the same religion. To be honest, righteous, and true to all is one way Muslims may exhibit their religion and thus provide Dawah. The Qur'an: "Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers." [al-Qur'aan, al-Baqara(2):159] This verse makes it clear that Muslims who hide the evidence or proof of the Qur'an's divine origin will be cursed by God. Note: The "People of the Book" are the Jews and Christians. "And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [al-Qur'aan, Fussilat(41):33] And in conclusion: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim] By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you it would be better for you than all of this world. Peace be unto you, Norris