Are you serving Deen or is Deen serving your Nafs?

Question:

While at work I never try to initiate any talk with males, except if needed. Some of the males at work do not pray Salah, perhaps I can remind them to. Also can I send them Islamic lectures etc, they are soft hearted when it comes to Deen, I feel they will benefit. I want to know what is the limit for a female to give Da’wah to males.

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

You should confine your contact with males only to the need. In that instance, your speech should be firm and to the point. The purpose of such conduct is to avoid attractive and alluring speech which has a potential of fitna. To achieve that, one does not have to be rude. In many instances men and women enter into discussions with the intention of Da’wah but end up in a personal relationship. They reach a point where Deen is no more the motive. Fulfilling their passion and desires overcomes them. This is done in the name of Da’wah. This then results in them using Deen to fulfill their desires rather than serving Deen.

While we understand the need for Da’wah, it is equally or more important to guard ones morals and chastity. The Nafs can never be trusted. What is the point of wanting to do good that eventually leads to evil?

If you come across someone genuinely interested in Deen, it is safest to refer the person to a male who specializes in Da’wah or pass over appropriate Islamic literature to the person. This will be in keeping with your dignity and honour while also fulfilling the need of Da’wah.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

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