Fatwa ID: 01501

Answered by Ustadha Aysha Ravat

Question:

Assalaamu alaykum, the question is with regards to the importance of Dawah (inviting people to Islam).
How important is giving Dawah for our muslim sisters, is there any specific ways the sisters could give Dawah and is there any restrictions/conditions?
Finally in connection this, is obeying the Husband a more important/obligatory duty than giving Dawah?

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Dawah literally means to call but is often referred to as the act of preaching Islam.  Dialogue, discussions and presentations are part of dawah however, exemplifying and acting upon what you preach in is very important as well.

Allah states in the Quran, “You are the best nation which has ever been raised for the guidance of mankind. You enjoin good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah…” (Surah Al Imran: 110)

"Convey from me even if one ayah (verse)” (SahihBukhari, vol 1. Pg 491 Qadeemi Kutub Khana)

The order of convey is for both men and women. Every Muslim, male and female is tasked with the responsibility of Da`wah. However, while recognising the abundant virtues of Da`wah, we should also guard ourselves from all forms of fitnah especially when using modern technology for Da`wah. The strong possibility of fitnah through internet, social sites, chat rooms, etc. cannot be ignored. Many genuine people have used these forms for Da`wah but got caught up in some form of illegal and immoral relationship with the opposite gender.  As for dawah face to face, women giving dawah to women is allowed and dawah to the opposite gender should be done through a male folk and if that not possible then behind a screen and in a harsh tone. Allah.

The Almighty says in the Holy Quran

 “You are not like any other women. If you keep you have Taqwa, then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.” (Surah Ahzab ayat 32)

“And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.  (Surah Ahzab ayat 53)

This means even if there be need to talk to someone who is not a mehram from behind a screen (or something else obstructing the view) even then, while speaking effort should be made to avoid the delicacy and grace in diction naturally present in the voice of a woman. (Maariful Quran vol 7.Pg 139 Maktaba e DarulUloom)

By this Insha’Allah no fitna will be created and by asking behind a screen (which is a general ruling for the ummah not only for the blessed wives) is better for the purity of the hearts.

The principle of Shari`ah is that preference must be given to basic responsibilities and the most important out of the two. A married woman`s basic responsibility is towards her husband and family so it will be given preference over dawah. It is therefore best for a woman to consult with her husband before engaging in any Da`wah activity to ensure he is also comfortable and his rights are not compromised.

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Ustadha Aysha Ravat

Checked and Approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham