dawat

Dawat, from the Arabic word dawāʾ or daʿwah meaning invitation or call, is a term used in Islam to describe the act of inviting others to understand, accept, or practice Islam. In Islamic discourse, da'wah encompasses the communication of religious beliefs, values, and laws, as well as guidance on moral conduct, worship, and social behavior. The term is used across Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and other Muslim-majority languages.

Practices of da'wah emphasize voluntary engagement and non-coercive persuasion. The Qur'an urges believers to invite others to the way of the Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and to debate with kindness (various translations of 16:125). Da'wah can involve preaching, personal example, education, charitable work, and media outreach. It is carried out by individuals and organizations, and its methods vary by tradition, context, and culture. In some South Asian languages, dawat or daawat also means a social invitation or banquet, distinct from the religious sense.

Organizations such as Dawat-e-Islami and other da'wah groups operate worldwide, focusing on education, prayer, and reform within Muslim communities and, in some cases, outreach to non-Muslims. Da'wah activities may include lectures, publishing literature, hosting study circles, and charitable programs. The scope ranges from personal spiritual development to public advocacy for social norms. Critics argue that da'wah activities can be used to promote particular interpretations; supporters emphasize its role in informing, guiding, and fostering tolerance and mutual understanding when practiced respectfully.