Sometimes, Ten Years of Quiet Service Has a Greater Impact Than a Ten-Minute Speech – The Majestic Quran

 

By Mufti Faiz Rasool

For the past several years, I have been quietly engaged in the work of inviting others towards Islam (Da’wah) on an individual basis. My approach has always been to convey the message of Islam not through speeches, debates or lectures, but through good character, kindness, love and selfless service.

I often reflected on the fact that I had spent so many years living on a street where only three households were Muslim, while all the others were non-Muslim. I would ask myself: If I live here for ten or twenty years and fail to convey the message of Islam to even one of my neighbours, what answer will I give to Allah Almighty?

With this thought in mind, I made serving my neighbours, particularly the elderly, a means of Da’wah. Whether it was offering someone a lift from the bus stop, helping carry heavy shopping, or providing free transport to doctors’ appointments and hospitals, these small acts of kindness became part of our everyday lives. Almost all the elderly residents in my neighbourhood have my phone number and those of my children, so they can contact us without hesitation whenever they need assistance.

After nearly ten years of this quiet service, something truly beautiful happened. Recently, an elderly gentleman from my street remarked:  “The image of Islam and Muslims that we are shown through the media is completely different from the character of the Muslim Imam who lives on our street.” He then expressed a desire to read the Holy Quran.

Alhamdulillah! Today, I had the honour and privilege of presenting these elderly neighbours with a copy of The Majestic Quran, the English translation by Dr Musharraf Hussain. To me, this is one of the most effective ways of inviting people towards Islam. First, win hearts through your character and conduct; then share the message of Allah.

My sincere prayer is that Allah Almighty grants me the ability to convey the message of Islam, in one way or another, to every household on my street. After all, our responsibility is to convey the message, not to grant guidance. Guidance belongs to Allah Almighty alone. Remember, sometimes, ten years of quiet, selfless service can have a greater impact than a ten-minute speech.

May Allah Almighty accept our humble efforts. Ameen.