Traveling to call people to Islam

4-3-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

We know that the Bid’a (new things added in Islam) is Haram. Is it true that travel taken by brothers in Islam to call people to Islam is a Bid’a?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Travelling to call people for Islam is not Bid’a.  It is rather one of the best acts of worship that make the person nearer to His Lord (Allah).  Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands straight (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh's (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."}[41:33].

Muslim reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever calls for any act that leads to the right path gets a reward similar to all the rewards that the people who followed him get.  This does not reduce anything from their (the people’s) rewards”.

So, there are many verses and Ahadith that urge Muslims to make Da’wah.  However, some of those who make Da’wah indulge in some Bid’a acts and do some acts that contradict Shariah.  So, anyone who accompanies them in this right deed should admonish them and should try to direct them to the right path. 

If you are asking about those Muslims who travel for Da’wah leaving behind their families and children, please read the Fatwa:86003.

We hope Allah will make us all work for His Sake.

Allah knows best.