Da’wah in the West: Building an Appetite for Islam
In a recent discussion with OnePath Network, Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed shared valuable insights on the future of da’wah in the West, emphasising the need for sincere efforts, strong communities, and a shift in mindset when calling others to Islam.
Da’wah is More Than a Side Hustle
One of Mufti Abdul Wahab’s key points was that da’wah cannot be treated as a side hustle. He explained that those who only dedicate their leftover time to da’wah will see leftover results. True impact comes when da’wah is made a priority, not something that is secondary to personal goals.
He highlighted that the first condition of being a leader is to learn how to be a follower. In da’wah, this means studying from scholars, being connected to a community, and understanding the needs of the people before attempting to lead them.
Normalising Islam in the Public Sphere
Mufti Abdul Wahab spoke about the importance of normalising Islamic identity in Western societies. He recounted his experience hosting Khabib Nurmagomedov, who, despite not being a scholar, had a profound impact on how Islam is perceived. Khabib’s constant gratitude to Allah and use of phrases like Alhamdulillah in mainstream spaces played a major role in shifting perceptions about Muslims.
By being unapologetically Muslim, figures like Khabib challenge stereotypes and open the doors for meaningful conversations about Islam. Mufti Abdul Wahab emphasised that every Muslim plays a role in da’wah, whether through their manners, speech, or how they interact with others.
The Power of Environment in Da’wah
A central theme of the discussion was the role of environment in da’wah. Mufti Abdul Wahab compared effective da’wah to running a successful restaurant—people need to feel comfortable entering the space, and once inside, there should be something valuable for them to take away.
He shared the story of Thumama ibn Uthal, a tribal leader who was initially hostile towards Islam. After being captured and kept in the Prophet’s ﷺ masjid for three days, he witnessed the character of the Muslims and eventually embraced Islam.
This story highlights that da’wah is not just about words—it is about creating an environment where people feel the beauty of Islam. The presence of love, sincerity, and spiritual growth in an Islamic space naturally draws people in and encourages them to embrace the faith.
Building an Appetite for Knowledge
Mufti Abdul Wahab also discussed the role of events and institutions in creating an appetite for Islamic learning. He noted that before people commit to studying Islam seriously, they must first develop an interest in it.
By making Islamic gatherings engaging and providing meaningful experiences, da’wah organisations can build a thirst for knowledge that leads individuals to seek deeper understanding. This principle was a key factor in the success of Miftah Institute’s events, which have inspired many to pursue further Islamic education.
Dawah Is Responsibility
Mufti Abdul Wahab’s message is clear: da’wah is a responsibility, not an option. Every Muslim has a role in making Islam accessible and appealing to those around them. Whether through personal interactions, community-building, or media engagement, we all contribute to shaping the perception of Islam in the West.
By focusing on sincerity, prioritising da’wah, and fostering welcoming environments, we can ensure that Islam is not just heard—but truly felt.