dawah

Dawah, from the Arabic word daʿwah meaning invitation or calling, refers to the practice of inviting others to understand, accept, and live according to Islam. In Islamic usage it encompasses sharing beliefs about monotheism, the prophethood of Muhammad, the revealed scriptures, and the moral and social teachings of Islam, as well as encouraging virtues such as justice, compassion, and charity.

Principles guiding dawah include adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah, with an emphasis on wisdom and good instruction. A foundational verse instructs believers to invite to the path of their Lord with wisdom and good counsel, and another states that there is no compulsion in religion. The underlying aim is guidance rather than coercion, recognizing individual freedom of conscience and responsibility for personal belief.

Dawah is carried out through a variety of methods. Personal dialogue, teaching, and religious education are common, as are charitable work, community service, publishing, media, and online outreach. Demonstrating ethical conduct and a constructive example is often highlighted as a central element, alongside providing accurate information about Islamic beliefs and practices. Dawah occurs in mosques, schools, family settings, interfaith initiatives, and broader civic contexts, reflecting a range of cultural expressions.

Scope and actors include individuals, scholars, mosques, organizations, and media entities working at local, national, and international levels. While practices can differ across Sunni, Shia, and Sufi communities, the central objective remains to present Islam’s message in a respectful, informative, and non-coercive manner. In modern contexts, digital platforms have become a prominent tool for dawah alongside traditional means.