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7 Pieces of Advice for Muslims in the West

Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali An-Nadwi (may Allah be pleased with him) was an internationally renowned scholar of Islam. He wrote over 50 books in various languages including the well known Arabic series Qasas An Nabiyyeen (Stories of the Prophets) which is included in the syllabus of many Islamic seminaries world wide. In 1999, the president of the UAE presented him with the ‘Islamic personality of the year’ award in recognition of his contributions to Islam. The Shaykh passed away in the same year at the age of 86.


In this feature, I’d like to share with you some pieces of advice the Shaykh gave to Muslims living in Britain over 30 years ago in 1982 during his visit to the UK. His words show much wisdom and foresight, it is as though he was looking into the future and predicting what would happen. Those of us who live in Britain or any other Western country will agree that what we Muslims are facing today may seem as though some of his prophecies are being fulfilled due to our failure in taking heed from his warnings. However, I don’t think it’s too late and I think the opportunity is still there to change the general perception of Muslims into that which is positive.

Here are 7 pieces of advice he shared with the Muslim in Britain:


1. Da’wah in the Seerah

As you are aware, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), had a burning desire to invite humanity towards Islam. Despite 13 years of untiring effort in Makkatul-Mukarramah and 7 years in Madinatul-Munawwarah, there was no large scale movement of non-Muslims into Islam. Between 7 AH and 10 AH, which is the period after Fath-Makkah (the conquest of Makkah) until the Prophet’s demise, there was such an influx of people entering the ranks of Islam that was not witnessed in the preceding 20 years.

Imam Zuhri (May Allah be pleased with him), an eminent Muhaddith (scholar of Hadith) and Tabi’i, expressed surprise on this sea of change, with so many people embracing Islam in a matter of just 3 years. Along with other distinguished scholars of Hadith, he has commented that this was due to non-Muslims having had an opportunity for the first time, to observe and intermingle with Muslims, witness their honesty, fair dealing, compassion and sole reliance on Almighty Allah. This left such a deep and profound impression on non-Muslims that thousands entered into the fold of Islam within a relatively short period of time.

2. Applying the lessons of the Seerah here and now



Therefore, in this country if you wish to live peacefully and have an opportunity to present Islam to the host community, you will need to inculcate and manifest sterling qualities, not just inside the Mosques but also outside in the streets, in the markets, in your daily activities, and at home. A life of Taqwa (God-consciousness) will immediately attract non-Muslims towards Islam.

3. Dangers of living in isolation


no more mosques


4. Lessons from Spain

Others may not speak to you as plainly, but remember the glorious Masjid in Cordoba. It still stands in Spain. Iqbal, Poet of the East, so eloquently reminisces the great legacy of Islamic Spain in his famous poem Masjid-e-Qurtaba. In Islamic Spain, there were such brilliant Mosques, celebrated Madrasahs, famous scholars like Shaykh-ul-Akbar, Ibnu-Hazm, Qurtubi, Shatbi – and how many others shall I mention? However, when the flames of religious sectarianism raged then the Mosques and Madrasahs became deserted. Once, Islamic Spain boasted such magnificent structures, distinguished educational centres, refined culture and society

cordoba mosque

Regrettably, the Muslims, despite such a high standard of living, did not draw the non-Muslims of that country to see the Truth of Islam, to warn them of the dangers of disbelief, with the result that ensuing religious violence subsequently consumed them like a morsel. The Arabs with their glowing history, architectural splendour and vast oceans of knowledge, were displaced from the country. Today, unfortunately, the ears eagerly wait to hear the Adhan and the empty Mosques thirst for the Salah.

5. Earn your place in the country


If however you decide to live in an enclosed environment simply content with your prayers and fasting, apathetic to the people and society you live in, never introducing them to the high Islamic values and your own personal qualities, then beware lest any religious or sectarian violence flares up. In such a situation, you will not find safety or protection.

I pray to Almighty Allah my prediction is totally unfounded. But remember, you are guests here. Your Da’wah, Mosques, Madrasahs, Ibadah and religious sacrifices are all worthy of commendation. May Almighty Allah grant you Barakah. But do not forget to earn your place in this country. Gain proficiency of the national language and use it to effectively propagate Islam. Prepare writers and orators to convey the message of Islam. Although you will distance yourself from their religion, do not distance yourself from them. Establish your credibility to the extent that if you are entrusted with onerous responsibilities, as was Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him), you do not shirk but embrace all challenges wholeheartedly.

6. Your priority should not be wealth and luxury


muslim at work


7. Strengthen your position



May Almighty Allah grant us the ability to understand what is right; may He bless and protect you. Aameen.

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