I remember it as it was yesterday, there was a time while I was still studying in overseas, I wanted to change the community and do things drastically, I want things to be better, everything needs to be clear. I wanted to enforce justice just as I had learn in class, mosques, the discussions and debates we had as the seekers of truth and knowledge. But something struck me, was a bad person born evil? What makes a bad person the way he it is? Can there be guidance for everyone? Can we enforce something that we had been blessed down the throats of those who have not been enlighten by Allah? Could there be a different ruling for them? Isnt the enemy of rasulullah saw is his Ummah too until they totally ignore His invitation to submit to Allahs will? It is not about sympathizing the enemy but it is about understanding the source of the problem via empathy even putting ourselves in our enemys shoes. It might be the reason that they became bad because they have never had the opportunity of a good upbringing, nurturing and good clean positive environment. If this is the case, we should offer an even lighter approach towards the public and believers. How to do dakwah so effective that can even make rasulullah saw so proud of us? That can even differ far from the word missionary. What is the point of nagging, advicing a person who had already shut off their mind. Shouldnt we think about things that can make them open their ears and hearts 1st? What make us open our heart and mind towards others? When we find the answer that is the 1st step of our dakwah. Be patient, no matter what amount of knowledge, vast experience and wisdom we have and its importance and urgency it bring along with it, it will be futile when it fall on deaf ears. This is where I decided to hold my tongue and come back home prepare myself with the necessary skills and knowledge, learn about the surroundings, environment, development of our community, why things happen and start off with trying to set good examples. Sometimes it is not about doing big things but striving to do the smaller ones diligently and then switching on their hearts with love, respect and compassion. Win their trust and they will let you guide them. Life is more than what we read in books. But we need knowledge and information to guide us through this life. Wallahu alam
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 23:51:36 +0000