Back to school - Dawa Tips

It’s that time of year again! Where all of us (including me) are preparing to go back to school and hit the books, striving to make it to the top of the class. We all have another academic year on our hands. But as well as dedicating this year to studies only, as a Muslim we have a duty to share the message of Islam with others. And doesn’t school or college make that the perfect environment for any Muslims? So how can we make this year a wonderful and memorable one? What can we do so that in the future when we look back we can say this has been a successful year? So, here you go…some tips for me and you to remind ourselves on how to convey our Muslim identity…
1- Be willing to let others know that you are a Muslim.
Usually some school or colleges involves introducing, this can be seen as the perfect opportunity to let others know you are a Muslim. By doing this, you are allowing Islam to become less foreign to them and you’ve solved a problem for those who have never met a Muslim, let alone heard of Islam. Don’t preach! If you’re a sis wearing the Hijab, don’t be shy! It will immediately answer question for others!
2- Do not be ashamed of practicing your religion.
So where and when exactly can you practice your religion in a school or college? Prayer time is! Don’t think that you will simply wait and pray when you go home, cuz what are your chances that you will be alive by then?! Find a quiet clean spot and pray your Salat. Don’t make a big show of it, but if others happen to see you and pray and ask questions, chances are they are willing to listen to an answer. So here is a chance to provide and insight and be an example! This is a reminder for both you and ME!
3- Take responsibility in following up with those that seem interested.
It’s sad to see that when someone who is interested in Islam, there is no one willing to take the time to answer their questions and help them. So, if someone approaches you and asks questions, get contact information such as am=n email address so you can keep in touch with them. Invite them to an Islamic social gathering or even at the mosque which could help provide and insight into Islam and meet other Muslims!
4- Always consider yourself an example of Islam.
Always work to please Allah. People believe what they see and if they see you being a good example of a good Muslim, they will take what you are saying and the religion as well more sincerely.

5- Keep it simple.
You don’t want to bore or scare people away with things that they will not understand first time round. Think in advance what you are going to say to someone if they ask you anything. Keep everything you say simple and you are getting the opportunity to share the beauty of Islam so say something wise!
6- Do not pretend to know everything by being disrespectful.
When you are presenting Islam, doubt it or not other religions may be doing the same work and oppositions can get ugly. If someone of another faith approaches you, listen to what they have to say with the condition that they listen to you in return. Respect towards other religions is the key aspect to accomplishing in they work you are doing. It is not a competition to see who can yell the loudest rather it should be done to increase understanding, so the truth of Islam can enter their hearts and change them!

AND MOST OF ALL, TAKE THESE TIPS INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN YOU ARE AT SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AND PUT THEM INTO PRACTISE. REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT LIKE THE OTHERS IN THE COLLEGE, YOU ARE DIFFERENT, AND YOU ARE UNIQUE!