Date : 24-01-2010

Question :

I have been to China. While there, I realized that the Chinese people have no idea about Islam. Therefore, I tried to do my best to acquaint them with it and they were prepared to listen and very responsive. Are we sinful for not introducing Islam to them? And who is responsible for calling people to Islam?


The Answer :

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.


 


Calling to Allah and disseminating the teachings of Sharia (Islamic Law) is the duty of the Muslim Ummah (Nation); each according to their ability, position and scientific knowledge. In the Noble Quran, Allah the Almighty has praised those who undertake this noble task. For example, He The Exalted Says: "Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to God, works righteousness, and says: "I am of those who bow in Islam?" {Fussilat, 33}.


Our Prophet (PBUH) told that inviting people to follow the straight path is amongst the best righteous deeds in the sight of Allah. He (PBUH) said: "By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than the red camels." {Bukhari & Muslim/2406}.In another narration, "…that will be better than everything on which the sun rises." {Al-Mustadrak, vol.3/pp.690}.


Calling people to Islam is a collective duty required from those who are able in terms of knowledge, expenditure and necessary arrangements. However, this huge task needs massive resources on the level of the state and the scientific bodies. As for the responsibility of the ordinary Muslim, what you (Asker) did while in China is considered sufficient. Therefore, we shouldn`t regard all Muslims sinful because the message of Islam hasn`t reached all humanity. Moreover, we prefer that you use a more positive approach to encourage others to disseminate the message of Islam so that more efforts are exerted in this regard and better results are achieved. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.