Expatriates work so hard in this country, yet many of us fail to reach out to them, talk to them, ask about their families, get to know them, share a meal with them, and more importantly, to pass on to them the message of Islam, the belief in one God and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Non-Arabic speakers may have memorized the words “asalamu alaikum” but do not know that it means “peace be unto you”. It is a wish for peace. Many have watched Muslims pray but they do not understand what these motions are. Many expatriate workers harbor unanswered questions and are confused about Islam.
More efforts are currently underway to help clarify some of the misconceptions about Islam and to invite people to Islam.
Da'wah means invitation. More than preaching or lecturing, it means inviting, befriending, treating people kindly, standing by them, and helping them find their way. It is an invitation to learn about Islam, to experience the light, peace, love, happiness, serenity, and knowledge found in this religion when it is understood properly, far from the distortions surrounding it.
Islam is not only for Arabs, Islam is the religion for all people, from all over the world.
That is the main goal of the Islamic Education Foundation: to invite people to Islam. The invitation is extended to Muslims too, by educating them more about Islam and clearing up some cultural myths. And the invitation is of course extended to non-Muslims to let them know the true teachings of Islam.
The Islamic Education Foundation offers several seminars, workshops, and activities in various languages, to help introduce people to Islam. Educational literature is distributed on a wide scale. Not only does the center offer weekly educational classes, but it also provides a social network to ensure that the new Muslims are welcomed into the community, so they can receive the help and support they need. Social gatherings, sports events, and trips are organized for the newcomers into the faith.
Once they know in their hearts that Islam is the true religion and they say the shahadah, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger”, then what?
“We are keen on following up with the new Muslim brother or sister after they have converted to Islam, to help make the transition easier for them and to answer any questions they may have. Sometimes we visit them in their homes and offer basic lessons on performing the obligatory acts of worship and becoming practicing Muslims. We check up on them over the phone as well. We hold weekly seminars and classes in several languages, every Friday at Al-Hamra Head Quarters Office near Hamada Bakery. Everyone is welcome, both Muslim and non-Muslim. We offer free educational classes, transportation, and lunch too. Come, and bring your friends, everyone is welcome,” said Dr. Rayan Arab, Head of Expatriates, Islamic Education Foundation in Jeddah.
Becoming a new Muslim does not stop at learning what to do and what not to do, but it also means becoming part of a huge family of Muslims, and yes- you can still have some fun. Becoming a Muslim is not only about praying and fasting, it is also about personal self-growth, making friends, feeling a connection with the Divine, being kind to neighbors, and so much more. “Twice a month, we all get together, the new Muslims and those of us who have been Muslim all our lives. We have so many activities: educational, spiritual, and also fun activities. We take our brothers and sisters in Islam on trips to Makkah to perform Umrah. We also organize tours to Madinah and spend a couple nights there to visit and pray in the masjid of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Other times, we play sports, or hold competitions with prizes for the winners and gifts for their families,” said Dr. Arab.
Whether it is in the airport, at the mall, by the seaside, in a big company, on the street, or in class at the Islamic Education Foundation where he goes out to meet people, Dr. Rayan Arab is always overcome with such powerful emotions when someone says these words for the first time: I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.
“I feel goose bumps all over when the person I am talking to says that he believes in what I have been saying about Islam. It is an amazing feeling when this person testifies that there is no God worthy of worship besides Allah and that Muhammad is His final Messenger. I enjoy knowing that this person has just been saved from the Hellfire for accepting the truth. And I have just gained a new brother in Islam,” said Dr. Arab.
There are some common principles in Islam that are usually the turning point for those who decide to embrace Islam. Dr. Rayan Arab has welcomed hundreds into their new faith, into Islam, and he often asks them what it is that drew them most to the faith.
Dr. Arab says, “Most of them come up with similar answers. Once they discover that Islam is not really what the media portrays it to be, they are drawn to Islam. It is the realization that Islam is in fact a way of life that has so much to offer each human. A Muslim is required to treat his parents better and better the older they get. In most countries, you find that when parents reach 70 years of age, their children leave them in nursing homes, whereas in Muslim countries, you find that the children build a room or even an apartment in their home to keep their parents in their company at such an old, tender age. Humility and humbleness is mandatory to uphold as Muslims. Some non-Muslims converted to Islam due to the humbleness they saw in its followers. Some converted to Islam due to the empty feelings and the discontent over living life simply for gaining worldly materials, and not having a higher purpose. Others converted because Islam was the only religion that provided answers to their questions and solutions to their problems.”
In the past year alone, the Islamic Education Foundation succeeded in leading 1,000 people to the faith of Islam. Since its establishment 20 years ago, the Islamic Education Foundation has helped 10,693 men and women, of various different nationalities, embrace Islam.
