Women in Da'wah - II

A definite role
The work of the Muslim wom a n in the field of Da'wah (call to Islam)
strengthens the man's work, and expands it into areas where her
effectiveness supersedes that of the man. The woman's role does not
end at door. She can be greatly effective by being a good example to
others, by being good-hearted, kindly spoken, and of friendly conduct.
She can offer assistance,and share concerns as well as joys. She can
also use all appropriate opportunities to educate, guide and call
others through observing the conditionsof those whom she addresses.
Examples are needed
Women, who understood their role, started educating themselves and
achieving their rights to education. Look at the Hadeeth [narration
attributed to Prophet Muhammad ] narrated by Abu Sa'eed that awomen
said to the Prophet "The men are keeping you busy and we do not get
enough attention from you; would you specify a day for us, women? He
promised them a day to meetthem and educate and admonish them."
[Al-Bukhaari]
The fruits of this understanding and concern by the women companions
of the Prophet and the attention he gave them, are shining examples
and a source of pride for Muslim women.
Muslim women played a great role in sacrifice and service for the
religion of Allaah. Sumayyah gave up her life when Abu Jahl , the head
of disbelievers, killed her for becoming a Muslim. She was the first
Muslim, and woman, killed in Islam. Khadeejah the first wife of the
Prophet who was very rich, spent a lot of her money to support the
Da'wah. Umm Salamah left her husband and saw her children persecuted
when she migrated. Umm Imaarah fought in defense ofthe Prophet in the
battle of Uhud. Tending the wounded in battles was the role Muslim
Women played throughout history.
Building successful Dawah Programs
There are conditions that must be met for women's Da'wah work to
succeed and achieve its expected outcome:
First: important guidelines
There are important points that should be used as guidelines when
planning or doing Da'wah work:
Typically, the woman's main job is at home. This is clearly stated in
Qur'an and Hadeeth. Allaah Almighty Says (what means), "And abide in
your houses..." [Quran 33:33] Of course women can go out for Salaah
(prayer) in the Masjid (mosque), participate in any other activities
she may need and to do Da'wah. However,none of these activities should
conflict with her essential duties at home as wife and mother.
2- There are special injunctions regarding women, such as the mixing
of men and women that must be observed in any Da'wah activity and
under any circumstances.
a) Proper Hijaab (Islamic woman dress) must be observed at all times.
b) Woman cannot travel without a male companion who is her Mahram (her
husband or a man with whom marriage is unlawful).
c) Woman cannot intermix freely with men who are not directly related to her.
d) Women cannot exit from their homes except by permission of those
who are in charge of them and care for them, i.e. their husbands or
fathers, etc.
3- The enemies of Islam usually exploit these injunctions and use them
to defame Islam as demeaning to women. Some Du'aat (callers to Islam)
get affected by these allegations and they are thereby led to be lax
andunmindful. The true Du'aat guided by the Sunnah (the way/ tradition
of the Prophet ) must be mindful, lest they be affected by the lusts
and whims of society.
4- Men have the original right in Da'wah activities to take the lead
as was the case in the age at the Prophet and the excellent
generations that followed. Women's role in Da'wah work is undeniable,
provided the appropriate guidelines are adhered to.
Second: Objectives of the program:
Any Da'wah program directed towards women should strive to,at least,
serve the following ends:
1- Strengthening Eemaan (faith): This comes about by increasing
worship, remembrance of Allaah (Thikr), and reflection on Allaah's
names, His power and creation inourselves and in the universe. There
is great power in reflection. And its positive impacton one's heart
and Eemaan is almost limitless. This, however, would not be possible
without the inculcation of the right understanding of certain issues
related to our Aqeedah (Belief); the emphasis has to be on Tawheed
(Monotheism).
2- Increasing knowledge: One cannot achieve much without knowledge.
Special emphasis has to be put on the basics of Islam and on subjects
that the Daa'iyah (caller to Islam) needs in her environments.
Knowledge shouldbe spread about deviant thoughts, ideas, groups and
sects. Awareness must be raised concerning those who do not liketo see
the spreading of Islam andwho are gaining grounds in the hearts and
minds of people.
3- Building of the Da'wah personality: Da'wah requires sacrifices and,
therefore, women must be prepared to bear the burdens of calling to
Islam. This comes through awakening them to the conditions of the
Muslims and the endeavors of the enemies of Islam. Leadership,
responsibility and individual initiative should be taught. Theoretical
and practical educational faculties must be nurtured. The Daa'iyah
must be taught the necessary social skills and the importance of
Da'wah through good example and conduct. They also must be taught the
value of time, its management and how to use Halaal (lawful) fun
activities during their times of leisure.
4- Building up immunity to sin: This includes recognizing the ills of
sins, particularly those relatingto women, and blocking the way to
them by shunning the means leading to them and the places where they
exist.