When giving dawah, it is important to have the right body language, correct tone of voice etc as 94% of our communication is non verbal. A lot of people like Yusuf Estes and others embraced Islam after seeing the kindness and mannerisms of Muslims.
Narrated `
Abdullâh bin `Amr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُما : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was neither a Fâhish nor a Mutafahhish (never used bad language). He used to say, ``The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.'' (Bukhari)
We should aim to adopt the best manners and character for our own benefit and use it for dawah as well as to get us into Jannah.
When giving someone dawah you should make them feel relaxed. You can do this by relaxing yourself first. Make sure you keep your back straight. This helps with increasing your own confidence. Being confident is crucial as the person can take over the conversation or change the subject. And try to keep them interested by emphasising what you are saying.
Make eye contact with the person. This makes them feel that all your attention is on them and they would want to listen to what you have to say. But do not stare at them because this will make them feel uncomfortable.
Try not to stand too close to the person you are giving dawah to as this might make them feel intimidated and they will feel like your invading their personal space. Leave at least an arm’s length distance between you and the person.
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِۖ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۖ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. (16:125)
Speak to them calmly and with kind words and make them realise how beautiful Islam is through you by showing them. E.g. Kindness, respect.
Try to find out their name by asking them and get to know them a bit. Use their name during the conversation. This would make them feel that the message is specifically for them. Shake hands with them too.
Introduce yourself as well and talk a bit about yourself (but not too much) so that the person feels comfortable and doesn't see you as a complete stranger.
If they ask a question listen to them attentively. They will throw a lot of questions at you but in turn question them about their beliefs (Not to show interest but just to make them realise that logically Islam makes more sense)
Do a bit of research beforehand like the basics of Islam etc and watch videos on YouTube of people giving dawah so that you would know what questions and comments to expect from people.
Smile at them and enjoy talking about this wonderful deen. But mostly enjoy! Giving dawah makes you realise how fortunate you are to be a Muslim.
I would personally recommend this website to learn about the basics of Dawah
http://www.missiondawah.com/dawah/dawah-training/call-of-duty-dawah-course-online-training.php
And I’ll finish this tip off with a beautiful ayah from the Quran.
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَّن دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, "Indeed, I am of the Muslims." (41:33)
We should aim to adopt the best manners and character for our own benefit and use it for dawah as well as to get us into Jannah.
When giving someone dawah you should make them feel relaxed. You can do this by relaxing yourself first. Make sure you keep your back straight. This helps with increasing your own confidence. Being confident is crucial as the person can take over the conversation or change the subject. And try to keep them interested by emphasising what you are saying.
Make eye contact with the person. This makes them feel that all your attention is on them and they would want to listen to what you have to say. But do not stare at them because this will make them feel uncomfortable.
Try not to stand too close to the person you are giving dawah to as this might make them feel intimidated and they will feel like your invading their personal space. Leave at least an arm’s length distance between you and the person.
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِۖ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۖ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided. (16:125)
Speak to them calmly and with kind words and make them realise how beautiful Islam is through you by showing them. E.g. Kindness, respect.
Try to find out their name by asking them and get to know them a bit. Use their name during the conversation. This would make them feel that the message is specifically for them. Shake hands with them too.
Introduce yourself as well and talk a bit about yourself (but not too much) so that the person feels comfortable and doesn't see you as a complete stranger.
If they ask a question listen to them attentively. They will throw a lot of questions at you but in turn question them about their beliefs (Not to show interest but just to make them realise that logically Islam makes more sense)
Do a bit of research beforehand like the basics of Islam etc and watch videos on YouTube of people giving dawah so that you would know what questions and comments to expect from people.
Smile at them and enjoy talking about this wonderful deen. But mostly enjoy! Giving dawah makes you realise how fortunate you are to be a Muslim.
I would personally recommend this website to learn about the basics of Dawah
http://www.missiondawah.com/dawah/dawah-training/call-of-duty-dawah-course-online-training.php
And I’ll finish this tip off with a beautiful ayah from the Quran.
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَّن دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, "Indeed, I am of the Muslims." (41:33)
