Atmt Malaysia Sra

Dengan Nama Allah Yang Maha Pemurah Lagi Maha Penyayang In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

SYED RAZIUDDIN ALI from

Discover Islam-Bahrain

Presents

NON-MUSLIM GUESTS IN THE MOSQUE – A New Approach in Da`wah

DTMT: Da`wah Trough Mosque Tour

Grand Mosque Bahrain

In other words:

ATMT

AWARENESS THROUGH MOSQUE TOUR

Grand Mosque Bahrain

“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.

Davy Mertens Lokeren, Belgium

He made 3 visits & said Shahadah

“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.” Masjid Negara

18TH March 2008

“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.” Grand Mosque Bahrain

- Anthony, 20 Feb 2008

TOPICS 1 THE CONCEPT OF ATMT

ATMT

2 ATMT − THE Bahrain Experience 3 WHO ARE NON-MUSLIMS?

NON-MUSLIMS

4 DA`WAH TO NON-MUSLIMS 5 THE MOSQUE TOUR 6 ANSWERING QUESTIONS TO NON-MUSLIMS

TOUR

1. THE CONCEPT OF ATMT

a. What is ATMT? b. Significance of ATMT c. Are Non-Muslims Allowed in Mosque?

1-a. What is ATMT? Awareness among non-

= Da`wah

Muslims

Through

i.e., One of many means

Mosque

 A very appropriate place

Tour

 Interaction on a 1-to-1 basis

Awareness about ISLAM & Muslim Culture

1-b. The Significance of ATMT? With reference to:

Non-Muslims

The Mosque

Guided Tour

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1-b. The Significance of ATMT? With reference to:

 Non-Muslims - Interested in seeing the mosque (out of curiosity, suspicion, etc.) - Mentally ready to listen to us - We need to communicate -2

1-b. The Significance of ATMT? With reference to:

 The Mosque - Can serve as a cultural bridge An excellent place that provides chance to communicate

- They come to us, we don’t have to go to them - More outreach than thru a Da`wah Center

- Place of spirituality (No Terrorism!) -3

mosque Online Etymology Dictionary, ETYMOLOGY American Heritage Dictionary -Moo-Muc

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=m&p=22 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-Muc

http://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: ‫َمسْجِد‬ Chinese 清真寺 (Simplified): Chinese 清真寺 (Traditional): Czech: mešita Danish: moské Dutch: moskee

mosque

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 mesquita (Brazil): Portuguese mesquita (Portugal): Romanian: moschee Russian: мечеть Slovak: mešita Slovenian: mošeja Spanish: mezquita Swedish: moské Turkish: cami

1-b. The Significance of ATMT? With reference to:

 Guided Tour – An effective da`wah tool Provides:

 One-to-one / face-to-face contact  Best opportunity for da`wah Missing such an Opportunity = Crime! -4

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 - There is nothing explicit in the Qur’an to prohibit - The Prophet (pbuh) had allowed Christians of Najran and the delegations of Thaqif - The Prophet (pbuh) allowed a polytheist prisoner (Thumamah ibn Athal) to be kept tied up in the mosque. -2

THE BAHRAIN EXPERIENCE

The Grand Mosque Bahrain

Built: 1984-1988; Cost 20MM $

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

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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

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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  Least: They go back with a positive image - Misconceptions cleared, - Respect for Islam & Muslims generated

 Become our defenders, ambassadors  Some have even embraced Islam -5

3. Who are non-Muslims? Allah addresses human beings as

Bani Adam Children of Adam Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Verily, We have conferred dignity on the children of Adam (17:70) َ‫وَلَ َقدْ كَرّمْنَا َبنِي آدَم‬ Born to the same “proto-parents” (Adam & Eve), means what? We are all

Brothers/sisters in humanity -1

3. Who are non-Muslims?  The Qurán has used the word: Brother − When their brother Noah said to them: “Will you not be conscious of God?”

(26:106)

َ‫ِإذْ قَالَ لَهُمْأَخُوهُمْ نُوحٌ أَل تَتّقُون‬

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

ٍ‫أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا وَإِلَى عَاد‬ − For the people of Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih (7:73)

‫َوإِلَى ثَمُودَأَخَاهُمْ صَالِحًا‬ − For the people of Midian [We sent] their brother Shu`ayb (7:88)

َ‫أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًًا وَإِلَى َمدْيَن‬

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3. Who are non-Muslims? They are brothers/sisters in humanity But IGNORANT of − The Creator of all – Allah − The Benefactor of humanity – Muhammad (pbuh) − The Guidance for our lives – The Qur'ãn -3

3. Who are non-Muslims? They are brothers/sisters in humanity, but …

How will they know, if we don’t communicate with them? It is our responsibility to educate them.

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3. Who are non-Muslims? He is GOD of Non-Muslims too! - Rabb-ul-`aalameen (1:2) َ‫َربّالْعَالَمِين‬ - Rabb-un-naas (114:1) ِ‫رَبّالنّاس‬

Allah = Not GOD of Muslims alone

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) = Not a Prophet for Muslims alone He is Allah’s Messenger for Non-Muslims too! - rahmatun-lil-`aalameen (21:107) َ‫رَحْمَةًلِلْعَالَمِين‬ - kaaffatun lin-naas ِ‫سلْنَاكَ إِلكَافّةً لِلنّاس‬ َ ْ‫وَمَا أَر‬ (34:28)

The Qur’an = Not meant for Muslims alone

It is the Book of Guidance for Non-Muslims too! - dhikrun-lil-`aalameen ( 12:104) َ‫إِنْ هُوَ إِلذِكْرٌ لِلْعَالَمِين‬ - hudan lin-naas ِ‫شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الّذِي أُنْ ِزلَ فِي ِه ا ْلقُرْآنُهُدًى لِلنّاس‬ (2:185)

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3. Who are non-Muslims? In fact

Muslims – the best community – are raised up for [leading] mankind. - ukhrijat lin-naas (3:110) ِ‫كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمّةٍأُخْرِجَتْ لِلنّاس‬ And

… for bearing witness to the truth before all mankind. - shuhada `alan-naas (2:143) ِ‫سطًا لِتَكُونُواشُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النّاس‬ َ َ‫وَ َكذَِلكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمّةً و‬

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4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONS About Da`wah to Non-Muslims

It is important to understand that: 

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

The NON-MUSLIM mindset is different.

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4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONS About Da`wah to Non-Muslims

It is important to understand that: 

Da`wah does not mean to CONVERT someone to Islam

We have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is but to convey the message. (42:48) ُ‫فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا إِنْ عَلَ ْيكَ إِل الْبَلغ‬ Verily you guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best those who are guided. (28:56) َ‫إِ ّنكَ ل تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ َولَكِنّ الَّ يَ ْهدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَ ُهوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْ َتدِين‬

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4- SOME MISUNDERSTOOD NOTIONS About Da`wah to Non-Muslims

It is important to understand that: 

Da`wah does not mean LECTURING



Da`wah does not mean TABLEEGH



Da`ee

vs. `Aalim

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5. THE BASICS OF DA`WAH

•

What is Da`wah?

•

Why Da`wah?

a.

The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah

5-a. What is “da`wah”? LITERAL MEANING OF ‫ دعوة‬: The root word means: -

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

Da’wah : ‘invitation’ Call

someone (e.g., your friend)

to give something

(e.g., a dinner, a message)

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5-a. What is “da`wah”? AS AN ISLAMIC TERM ‫ دعوة‬: Calling / inviting / bringing someone closer to: - The way of Allah - Allah - All that is good

(16:125) (41:33)

‫سبِيلِ ربّك‬ َ ‫ادْعُ إِلِى‬

ِّ‫وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ َقوْلً مّمّن دَعَا إِلَى ال‬

ِ‫خيْر‬ َ ْ‫وَلْتَكُن مّنكُمْ أُمّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى ال‬

(3:104)

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5-a. What is “da`wah”? HOW TO INVITE? The Qur’anic principle (16:125) Invite to the way of your Guardian-Lord

with: 1

Wisdom

2

Beautiful preaching

‫سبِيلِ ربّك‬ َ ‫ادْعُ ِإلِى‬ ِ‫حكْمَة‬ ِ ‫بِا ْل‬ ‫سنَة‬ َ َ‫وَ الْمَوْعِظَةِ ا ْلح‬

1 2

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5-a. What is “da`wah”? What is Wisdom? ‫الْحِ ْكمَة‬

The ability to make sensible and sound judgments and decisions ِ‫وَمَنْ يُ ْؤتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَ ْيرًا كَثِيرًا وَمَا يَذّ ّكرُ إِل أُولُو اللْبَاب‬

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”? What is Wisdom ِ‫الْحِ ْك َمة‬  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. -5

5-a. What is “da`wah”? What is Wisdom ِ‫الْحِ ْك َمة‬ 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)

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5-a. What is “da`wah”? ‫الْ َم ْوعِظَ ِة‬ Preaching, exhortation Reminding in a way that touches or softens the heart; warning

‫الْحَسَنَة‬ All that causes delight, which is wished for, and desirable; most suitable; fair

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5-b. Why Da`wah? A. DA`WAH: A NECESSITY, a requirement •

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? B. DA`WAH: A REWARDING ACTIVITY

 Continued reward even after death  Other rewards  Self-reformation C. OTHER BENEFITS of DA`WAH  Humanitarian activity; sign of a healthy society  Best utilization of one’s time  Personal fulfillment in life -2

5-c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah The Step-by-step Approach:

AA = BB = CC = DD = EE = FF = -1

5-c. The “A-B-C”s of Da`wah AA =

Attractive Approach

BB =

Break the Barriers

Brings them closer

CC =

Cash on Commonalities

Prompts to thinking

DD =

Discuss the Differences

Shakes their faith

EE =

Evaluate your Efforts

Guides further work

FF =

Future Follow-up

Helps connection

Breaks the ice

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6. THE APPROACH IN DA`WAH

a.

The Attitude of a Da`ee

a.

The Job of a Da`ee

a.

The Characteristics of a Da`ee

6-a. ATTITUDE OF A DA`EE  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.

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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

– 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.

 A da`ee has to COPE with the addressee  (C=Cool, O=Optimistic, P=Polite, E=Enduring) -2

6-c. Characteristics of a Da`ee

A good da`ee is basically a good human being

a. Practicing Muslim b. Has Knowledge of: - Essentials of Islam - Basics of Da`wah - 1

6-c. Characteristics of a Da`ee c. Personal qualities Sincerity (ikhlas) Good manners Humbleness Patience Tolerance Discipline

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7. THE MOSQUE TOUR Aim & Objectives -

Visitors’ Aim Our Aim & Objectives Combining the both

The Tour Segments 1 . Starting-off 2 . Going around 3 . Concluding

Interaction

THE TOUR

Information to be given - About the Mosque - About faith/culture

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

7-a. Aim & Objectives  VISTORS’ AIM

To see the building, and its architecture

 OUR AIM & Objectives

1. To win the hearts & awaken the minds – breaking the barriers •

To remove the misconceptions

3. To introduce Islamic faith and concepts -1

7-a. Aim & Objectives

 COMBINING BOTH AIMS – The “Sandwich Technique” 1- Use the secular information about the mosque as basis to prompt the faith-related info. 2- Insert faith info in-between secular info.

 OUR ultimate AIM To seek the pleasure of Allah

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7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour

a. STARTING-OFF (Reception) b. GOING AROUND c. CONCLUDING

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7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour 1- STARTING-OFF (Reception) •

Hello! Welcome to Malaysia, & our …… Mosque

•

Self-introduction

•

Time availability: Ask them if any restriction?

•

Inform them about photography (allowed)

•

Tell them to feel free to ask Qs.

•

Introduce your plan of tour

* You may ask something else also, if time available such as: Have you visited a mosque earlier?

Bahrain Model

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7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour 2- GOING AROUND VISIT AREAS - Courtyard - Main Hall - Balcony - Ladies Hall /Wudu area/etc -3

7-b. Segments/Stages of a Tour 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)

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THE MOSQUE TOUR Aim & Objectives -

Visitors’ Aim Our Aim & Objectives Combining the both

The Tour Segments 1 . Starting-off 2 . Going around 3 . Concluding

Interaction

THE TOUR

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

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES Speak good words to people (2:83)

‫حسْنًا‬ ُ ِ‫وَقُولُوا لِلنّاس‬ ُ‫حسَن‬ ْ َ‫وَقُلْ لِعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الّتِي ِهيَ أ‬

‫ع ُدوّا مُبِينًا‬ َ ِ‫إِنّ الشّيْطَانَ يَنْزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنّ الشّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلنْسَان‬ 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)

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7-c. The INTERACTION aspect THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES ُ‫وَل تَسْ َتوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَل السّيّئَة‬

ٌ‫حسَنُ فَإِذَا الّذِي بَيْ َنكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنّهُ وَِليّ حَمِيم‬ ْ َ‫ادْفَعْ بِالّتِي ِهيَ أ‬ ٍ‫حظّ عَظِيم‬ َ ‫وَمَا يُلَقّاهَا إِل اّلذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَمَا يُلَقّاهَا إِل ذُو‬ 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)

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

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7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

THE QURÁNIC GUIDELINES 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)

‫خشَى‬ ْ َ‫فَقُول لَهُ َقوْل َل ّينًا لَعَلّهُ يَتَذَ ّكرُ أَوْ ي‬

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7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

CONNECTION – The Key Word An

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

-1

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect CONNECTION GUIDELINES  Be interactive; no monologue  Speak the same language  Talk in the same plane of understanding  Inject a little humor  Highlight the commonalities  Show relevance of Islam to humanity -2

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

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.) -3

7-c. The INTERACTION aspect

AVOID • 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.) -4

THE MOSQUE TOUR Aim & Objectives -

Visitors’ Aim Our Aim & Objectives Combining the both

The Tour Segments 1 . Starting-off 2 . Going around 3 . Concluding

Interaction

THE TOUR

Information to be given - About the Mosque - About faith/culture

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

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect

1. About the Mosque 2. About the Faith & Culture

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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 1. About the Mosque What info? 

Some History



Cost of Construction (US $)



Architecture



Capacity, Events



Material used



Main Features

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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 1. About the Mosque Where in the mosque? At any appropriate spot: 

History

…

Courtyard

 

Architecture Material used

… …

Courtyard / inside Where the material



Capacity, Events …

can be viewed Courtyard



Main Features

Courtyard

…

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7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture 

Look for an opportune moment / place to introduce Islamic faith &





concepts -- Allah Introduce the following: -- Islam -- Muhammad (pbuh) -- The Qurán -- Prayers If they are interested, let them watch Adhãn & Salah -4

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture ALLAH  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 – The One & Unique, Transcendent, Almighty, no incarnation

 No intermediary between God and man

-5

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture ISLAM  Meanings of “ISLAM”  ISLAM

The Unique name

 Not a new religion  Comprehensive, practical, moderate -6

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture MUHAMMAD (pbuh)  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  Universal Prophet with universal message from God  Descendant of Prophet Abraham (pbuh), thru Ishmael (pbuh)  Prophesied in previous revealed Scriptures -7

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture The QUR'AN  Muslims believe this as “the Word of God”, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)  Essentially the Book of Guidance for humankind  Literal meaning of the word “Qurán”; most abundantly & widely read book in the world  Can be understood as “The Last Testament” -8

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture The Qur'ãn -- Its unique features  Memorization  Preservation  Language  Scientifically accurate description of natural phenomena -9

7-d. The INFORMATION aspect 2. About Faith & Culture The visitors may be advised to keep in mind the following facts while they try to understand irregular behavior and actions of some Muslims.

 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.

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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.

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS WHAT IS A GOOD ANSWER? A Good Answer = A “PROPER” 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 -2

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS The way you answer Good language Good style Politeness, with a touch of humor Clarity of expression Not hurting the feelings of the questioner

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS Contents of your answer  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

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS Some Useful Tips

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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)

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8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS Some Useful Tips

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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 -6

8. ANSWERING QUESTIONS Answering Questions related to

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.

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Terima Kasih

[email protected] [email protected]