Here’s an Idea

Here’s an Idea

1987 4 April 8-9 Here’s an Idea (448) It happened once that in the time of the Prophet a group of people came from Medina to Mecca in order to enter into some agreement with the Quraysh. The group included the Chieftain of Medina, Abu al Haytham, and one Ayub ibn Muadh. On hearing of their arrival, the Prophet lost no time in approaching them and inviting them to accept Islam. Ayaz ibn Muadh was so impressed by the teachings of Islam that he exclaimed, “My people, this is indeed much better than what we carne for!”

Nowadays, people who are seeking better livelihoods for themselves are flocking in their thousands to the Arab world. What better opportunity could there be than this for their Muslim hosts to do as the Prophet and his companions did communicate the message of Islam. No matter what worldly openings these expatriates may be seeking for themselves, they cannot remain forever deaf to the exhortations of those around them to accept the tenets of the Muslim faith. The point is that Muslims should recognize this as a golden opportunity and avail of it without delay.

Quiet, solid, organized efforts should be made in this direction in the Arab world today on lines which have already been laid down by the Prophet. Foreigners flocking to Arab shores should be told, “You know, we have something better here than what you came for – the spiritual wealth of Islam which will ensure your well-being in the life after death. The petro-dollars which you have come for may improve your standard of living in today’s world, but the Islam which you could take away with you would make you successful for all time.”

People like Ayaz Ibn Mu’adh would then surely appear on the scene to pass on the message of Islam to their own people; and those people would in turn realize that the spiritual wealth of Islam is indeed much more valuable and worthwhile than the material wealth for which they had come. Even now, many westerners living in the Arab world are accepting Islam. The usual pattern they follow is to begin by learning the Arabic language and acquainting themselves with Arab customs and religion in order to be better qualified to work there. Then a certain inquisitiveness begins to grow and they ask their Arab hosts about Islam.

Some of them like what they hear and feel inclined, on their own initiative, to enter the fold of Islam. Without any urging on part of the Muslims around them. But just think of the greatly increased numbers of converts there could be if Muslims were to make all-out, energetic but tactful efforts to communicate to their visitors the message of Islam.