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Giving Da’wah to our Romanian Neighbours
Romanians are not just our neighbours, but many Muslims particularly new arrivals have married Roma women. Furthermore, many Romas migrated from Rajasthan (India) around 250 BC. So, they share many physical characteristics with Indo-Pak Muslims. Let’s share our faith and the gift of Islam.
For centuries, Britain has welcomed people from all over, becoming a melting pot of cultures and religions. In the last two decades, many Romanians have made the UK their home, with the 2021 census recording 342,000 living here. Many Romanians reside in inner cities, making them our neighbours – Muslim and otherwise. Inspired by this, I felt compelled to share the message of Islam with them. Recently, we invited Gabriel Al Romaani, a Romanian Muslim preacher to spend five days in Nottingham to engage with the Romanian community and introduce them to Islam. This blog explores the concept of preaching, which I believe is a form of witnessing, Shahadah.
As Muslims, we believe in a compassionate and omnipotent God and we consider ourselves His representatives. We have been entrusted with a sacred mission to live according to His divine will, which we fulfil through worship, moral conduct and strong character. This way of life not only leads to a fulfilling existence in this world but also promises salvation in the hereafter. When we have experienced the beauty of this path, we naturally feel the urge to share it with others. A true Muslim, who loves Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) feels a gentle yet persistent call to invite others to the faith. Witnessing and inviting others to Islam is not just a choice; it is a rational and moral responsibility.
No coercion in Islam
Importantly, this invitation must be extended with love and respect, without any compulsion. The Majestic Quran is clear on this: “There is no compulsion in religion; truth stands out clear from falsehood” (Al-Baqarah: 256). We must offer the message with kindness and engage with others in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. The goal is to build trust, dispel stereotypes and foster a sense of community among all people, regardless of their faith.
To be an effective witness to Islam, one must have confidence in the faith – not arrogance, but a humble pride in its truth. This witnessing can happen in everyday encounters, where we discuss common concerns and share our values with others. It can also occur in more profound conversations, where scholars and religious leaders engage in deep dialogue about spiritual matters.
What is Witnessing?
The Quran guides us on how to witness:
- Da’wah (Invitation): Inviting others to the path of Allah with wisdom and kindness.
- Tabligh (Delivering the message): The act of conveying the teachings of Islam.
- Tabsheer (Giving good news): Uplifting others with the promise of hope and salvation.
- Inzar (Warning): Cautioning against harmful actions and their consequences.
- Tazkeer (Reminding): Helping others remember their spiritual obligations to Allah.
These are divine directives, making it our duty to witness continuously, not just to non-Muslims but to fellow Muslims as well. However, the approach and content must be adapted to the audience, always respecting their free will.
The Prophet as a role model of Witnessing
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is our ultimate example in witnessing. When he travelled to Taif to preach, he was met with hostility, yet he never wrote off the people who rejected his message. This teaches us never to give up on anyone; we cannot predict when someone’s heart may turn towards faith. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also exemplified empathy, understanding that many people resist Islam due to ignorance or unfamiliarity. A good witness helps others feel comfortable and guides them with compassion.
Finally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us that helping others in their spiritual journey brings divine assistance: “If you help Allah, He will help you”. Enthusiasm in faith is contagious; by showing love and care, we can inspire others to explore Islam.
Conclusion
In sharing Islam with our Romanian neighbours, we step beyond our comfort zones to fulfil a vital aspect of our faith – witnessing. So, we become ‘Shaheed’. This act is about spreading the message and building bridges, fostering understanding and extending a hand of friendship. By following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) we can invite our Romanian neighbours to experience the beauty of Islam.
We eagerly await to see the results of reaching out and being witnesses. We are the couriers; Allah is the turner of hearts. Let’s pray, Turner of Hearts, turn them to your obedience. Ameen!
