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Fatwa CenterMeaning of Da'wa
Question
Regarding Da'wa... I am not Muslim but would like a clarification of the meaning of Da'wa. From reading your responses with your advice, I have surmised this to mean (my interpretation) to testify; to convert, by explanation by the power of God (Allaah); which is the responsibility of every believer. Please clarify for me, as I trying to learn as much I can from your website. Praise God, for only Him do I live!
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
First of all, we welcome the questioner on our site and hope that she will continue her visits to benefit from the articles and subjects that are presented here.
(Da'wah) is an Arabic word which means generally calling towards Allaah; calling non-Muslims to enter in the religion of Islam which is the religion of all the Prophets and Messengers throughout human history. It also means calling the Muslims to remain firmly on this religion and to abide by its commandments and avoid its prohibitions. Allaah Says (ordering) His Prophet Muhammad (what means): {Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.}[Quran 16:125]. Allaah also Says (what means): {Invite them to your Lord. Indeed, you are upon straight guidance.}[Quran 22:67]
Allaah further Says (what means): {Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allaah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allaah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."}[Quran 12:108]
Calling non-Muslims means inviting them to accept Islam by pronouncing the Two Testimonies of Faith, testifying that None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. Thereafter, inviting them to perform the five daily prayers, give Zakah (i.e. alms), fast the whole month of Ramadan (from dawn to sunset) and perform pilgrimage to the House of Allaah (in Makkah) (once in a lifetime); these are the five pillars of Islam.
We take this opportunity to call the questioner who says, 'for only Him do I live,' to accept Islam. We swear by Allaah that this is the only true religion which is approved by Allaah for all His slaves. This was the religion of all His Prophets and Messengers.
We encourage you to read the translation of the Quran, being just and impartial as you ponder over its teachings; if you do so, certainly you will conclude that this Quran descended from Allaah and that Muhammad is His Prophet.
To know the prophecies given by Jesus, son of Mary 
about the Prophet Muhammad please refer to Fatwa 81396, to know 'What is Islam', please refer to Fatwa 81979, and to Fatwa 83990 about Muhammad in the Bible.
Allaah Knows best.
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