Giving Dawah to Family

Assalaam Alakium! 

My mother, brother and I

This morning I got up and called my lovely aunt Phyllis. She's coming to visit me in a month! I love my family, but there are some challenges being the only Muslim. My family is Catholic, by name only, meaning they don't practice at all (other than my grandmother). Because of their "religion is put on the back burner" views, its been hard talking to them about Islam.

A big obstacle for me is, getting past their ideas about Islam. Most of my family are really confused and tend to think Islam is a cultural thing and not a religion. Also, I can't really relate Islam to Catholicism because they don't know much about their own religion. It's tough for sure, but I'd like to give some tips for you all in dealing with family while trying to give dawah. 

1. Be kind to them in all situations. You are now the face of Islam to your family, so be an example of kindness and patience. Read the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for examples. 

2. Be patient, especially if they are harsh in the beginning. Try not to let the little things they say  hurt your feelings. They are going through a tough transition as well so give them some time.

3. Talk about Islam in a way they can relate to, which is different for each family. If your family is like mine, try giving them little doses of Islam at a time. Don't overload them with technical jargon they won't recognize. If your family is religious try to give some similarities between their religion and Islam.

4. Stay away from confrontation. Don't belittle them for their choice of religion. Respect their beliefs as you would want them to do the same. 

5. When talking about what you belief state your belief in that manner. For example, "I believe that Jesus was a great prophet and as a Muslim I respect and believe in Jesus." Start off with "I believe" so as not to come off like you are telling them something they should believe as well. Stay away from "Jesus isn't God, he's just a prophet." This may upset them because of the way you word it.

6. Actions speak louder than words. Sometimes it's best to let your actions speak for you. Your family will definitely see some changes in you and will notice how you've changed for the better inshAllah. This will give your family some idea of how Muslims carry themselves. 

7. Don't give up. Know that Allah has a plan for each of us and that it is simply our job to deliver the message. Allah brings people to Islam, we just deliver His message.

8. Give them lectures that aren't explicitly biased towards Islam. Lectures like the Purpose of Life by Khalid Yasin. This lecture deals with questions everyone asks themselves, not just Muslims. I plan on giving this lecture to my mother, who often listens to music on her long drive into work. When you do give them things like this, don't pressure them to watch, read or listen to it right away. Give them time. It may take weeks, months or years. InshAllah when they finally pick it up, they'll come to you with questions. 

It's every Muslims duty to give dawah, but dawah isn't just talk. It's actions as well. Simply wearing the hijab is dawah. When giving dawah to your family keep in mind that you are just giving them the message. Whether they convert or not is not up to you, so don't be hard on yourself if it seems like you aren't getting through to them. Make du'a (supplication) that Allah will guide them to the straight path. 

If you have any other tips, examples or experiences you'd like to share please leave it in the comments. We can all learn from one another. 

May Allah reward you all and make your dawah efforts easy. Ameen

Wasalaam,

~Hijabi Butterfly~