The word "dawah" (invitation) is not unknown to many but it remains one of the most misunderstood practices of Islam. It is so misunderstood that various groups and organisations who engage in dawah claim that their way of doing dawah is superior (or even the only way), causing in the process much friction, confusion and resentment among the Muslims and a feeling of negativity about Islam and Muslims in the minds of non-Muslims.
No doubt dawah is a duty and a responsibility of the whole Muslim ummah and as such its way should be straightforward like the rest of the practices of Islam. However it has been made to look difficult and complicated by the use of, for example:
- Greek philosophy (eg. cosmological argument)
- comparative religion
- science and religion
- esotericism
- debate and argumentation
as the main focus of dawah. Of course these may be used at specialised situation by certain people. But is there a way (or ways) of dawah that any Muslim can adopt and expect to see tangible changes? Fortunately there is and these are described in detail in the Qur'an through various stories of the Prophets, in the Seerah of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and in the biographies of the lives of pious people of this ummah. You will be amazed to see how rich the tradition and history of dawah is and wonder why many are not aware of these.
Please join Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi for this groundbreaking seminar on Purposeful Dawah - The Art of Inviting to Allah According to Qur'an & Seerah on Saturday 18th February 2012 in Cambridge. This is probably the first time in the English language that a detailed whole-day seminar on dawah is conducted by an eminent Islamic scholar. So this is your opportunity to properly educate yourself in one of the most misunderstood practices of Islam.
Purposeful Dawah
The Art of Inviting to Allah according to Qur'an & Seerah
By Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi
When: Saturday 18th February 2012 Time: 9:30AM - 6PM
Venue: Lady Mitchell Lecture Theater, Cambridge University
Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk
Advance/Online Tickets: From £18 onwards
Facilities: Free Parking, Crèche/Childcare, Bookstalls, Foodstalls
Register online to book your place now and save 50% or more on standard ticket price.
Testimonials
"As a non Muslim (currently!) I have been delighted by the whole experience of the MEOC lectures and have found them so helpful in my studies and 'quest for the Truth'. I had been doing lots of reading and studying and had started to read the Qur'an and this lecture seemed to come at the perfect time. The whole experience has been well organised, welcoming and informative and the depth and breadth of knowledge of Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akran Nadwi is truly inspiring and motivating. Excellent course delivery with suitable breaks allowing for reflection and brief stretch of legs, plus useful and interactive question and answer sessions. The two lectures I have attended thus far have benefited me enormously and I look forward to more God willing." - Sarah Jarman, Bedford
"Alhamdulillah I've attended 3 seminars of Sheikh Akram's so far, and Insha Allah I will keep coming back for more! He was introduced to me by my brother who attends his study circles regularly in Oxford. I loved the seminar on Women scholars in Islam, it was a total eye opener into what a Muslim woman's role in society is, which surprisingly (or not) goes against many cultiural and conventionally held notions of Muslim women. My other favourite one was the tafseer of Surat al Fatiha and the last ten surahs, I will not be exaggerating when I say that I truly found it mind blowing. Sheikh Akram is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge but Masha Allah he always carries himself with the utmost humility. I have already had a look at the list of future seminars and I think MEOC is doing a great job in giving the layman an opportunity to have an exciting insight into the world of Muslim scholarship with its choice of highly intellectual topics. Last but not least, its a great opportunity to meet new people of diverse backgrounds. Well done all of you and may Allah reward you for your efforts." - Dr Fathima Shyma Fazal, Boston, Lincolnshire
"Jazakumullah khair for the efforts of the MEOC for arranging these blessed gatherings of knowledge. The seminars I've attended so far have several elements that make them very special, starting from the choice of topics themselves which cater to the more profound needs of the people rather than addressing some superficial issues that seem to be more fashionable today. Even the content of the seminars and the manner of teaching by Shaikh Akram Nadwi are directly focussed towards developing a deeper understanding of these issues. In these seminars, one gets a glimpse of the years of learning that have gone into the brilliant scholarship of Shaikh Nadwi. Furthermore his knowledge seems to be blessed by an acute understanding of the needs of the Ummah. The seminar on the 'Legacy of Ibrahim (a.s.)' was exceptionally beautiful, wherein, the Shaikh in his own words confessed that he was attempting to transmit, not knowledge, but the state of his heart, to the others present. While the knowledge and the insight that one gains into the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the history of Muslims through these seminars is invaluable, I personally feel that these sessions are more than just one-day courses. I am inclined to call them gatherings of Remembrance of Allah, and we all know the blessings of such gatherings!" - Mohini Verma, PhD Student, Cambridge University
Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk
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