New ways to help people learn about Islam?

[eat-halal guy]

It's true that we must always be careful that we're not walking into the Haram or doubtful in our effort to help others understand Islam and that we don't get the wrong message across. However, I think there are certain avenues we can explore to 're-package' things and make them more palatible for the audience we're dealing with, especially when it's an audience that wouldn't be too receptive otherwise. Then, slowly help them work their way up to better understanding and to the state where they actually want to learn things the traditional way.

I think educational kiddy nasheeds have done that somewhat, especially the ones without instruments. Also, more short stories/novels (that teens like to read) based on Muslim characters living in the West could help too, I think, as it could showcase how to deal with situations and set the standard for kids, maybe.

Instead of explaining fiqh rules that can be somewhat 'dry', I think it would be more effective if they were based on real life examples or situations, perhaps in the form of a story.

Those are just a few ideas...

[Ahmed]

new ways and effective ways shouldnt be deemed as better ways ,maybe calling them necessary ways due to todays world. .alhamdulillah all halal ways are good ,but then thats where the arguments start regarding,pics,duffs,drums,cartoons,images,music ,imitating kuffar etc.its a very noble idea and is effective but open to interpretation. .my kids love nazams,remember paltalk .

[salman]

Tradtional way of learning always seems the best, but I also think for younger kids songs, poetry, and skits are definitely good ways to make learning a fun process!

Salamu Alaikum

Actually, poetry is a means that has been used for centuries. The Jawharat al Tawhid - an Ash'ari text on Aqida - is a poem, consisting of 160 or so lines, which the youth usually memorize.

Similarly, in our Deobandi MAdressas they make you memorise specific sciences which are conveyed in poetic form.

Ofcourse, Im not going to get a child reading the Nurani Qaidah to start memorizing the Jawharat - but the method of using poetry is there - Alhamdulilah.

I find songs no different - and the Guiding Helper is an excellent example of the Ulema putting it in use effectively.

I think people have to understand that just because new means are introduced does not mean that old and traditional ways are thrown out - certainly not. The Prophet - Allah bless him - himself said that we should speak and teach people after taking into mind their situation, circumstances and level of understanding (as Br. Mossy pointed out) - and new methods can be seen as an implementation of this command provided it does not break the Law.

Wasalam

[Sadiq]

Very nicely put by brother salman.

Wasnt there a situation in the life of the prophet, can't remember correctly, that he, our beloved sent some of the sahabahs, to africa/ethopia to learn a certain skill, archery?....

Thus showing, we adapt to sitautions.... we have the principles the same, but the methods may vary. History proves this....

[Ibn Umaysh]

As salamua alaikum

I think mainstream, best-seller novels with a Muslim character would do things. As well, a general TV program on tasawwuf (with the sharia'h intactly practised insha'Allah).

[Hypermodestmuslima]

As salamua alaikum

I think mainstream, best-seller novels with a Muslim character would do things. As well, a general TV program on tasawwuf (with the sharia'h intactly practised insha'Allah).

Dunno about TV program..but a novel might be a nice trail Insha'allah...

Possibly Non Fiction too...it would be interesting to see Muslims who don't feel oppressed by their religion (which is majority of us Alhamdulillah) on the mainstream media too...

[Ibn Umaysh]

I was thinking that we have a lot of non-fiction coming up- but not enough expression of art in a halal way.

As for the TV program, in Toronto, P4E already has one, and it is quite successful because we post our toll-free number and non-Muslims call it. I guess the thing is: does the person conveying the message have the knowledge and do they follow the way that will represent Islam in its true light?

However, throughout all of this, I feel somewhat uneasy still with Islam taking to mainstream media. I believe there's definitley a clash of ideas between the two things (media and Islam) and to try to look mainstream, we have to compromise many of our viewpoints. The thing is to be tactful but not apologetic, but that only comes when the person understands religion in the correct way.

[Hypermodestmuslima]

I was thinking that we have a lot of non-fiction coming up- but not enough expression of art in a halal way.

As for the TV program, in Toronto, P4E already has one, and it is quite successful because we post our toll-free number and non-Muslims call it. I guess the thing is: does the person conveying the message have the knowledge and do they follow the way that will represent Islam in its true light?

However, throughout all of this, I feel somewhat uneasy still with Islam taking to mainstream media. I believe there's definitley a clash of ideas between the two things (media and Islam) and to try to look mainstream, we have to compromise many of our viewpoints. The thing is to be tactful but not apologetic, but that only comes when the person understands religion in the correct way.

Its better than the other garbage on tv...sadly us Muslims are TVaholics...a little quality television would do us a good thing...

Fictional book...sounds good too...I'm working on one right now Insha'allah ...well not one like five...there's a nice site called Muslim Writers Group...I forgot the url but a lot of good fictional stuff!

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu

[Ajami]

Tradtional way of learning always seems the best, but I also think for younger kids songs, poetry, and skits are definitely good ways to make learning a fun process!

Yeah I have to agree. I think if learning Islam was made fun, then kids would more readily accept it.

And it's funny you bring up the novel idea Maulana Ziad, I was actually seriously considering making a novel like that.

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

I think educational kiddy nasheeds have done that somewhat, especially the ones without instruments. Also, more short stories/novels (that teens like to read) based on Muslim characters living in the West could help too, I think, as it could showcase how to deal with situations and set the standard for kids, maybe.

Instead of explaining fiqh rules that can be somewhat 'dry', I think it would be more effective if they were based on real life examples or situations, perhaps in the form of a story.

Those are just a few ideas...

assalamu alaikum wr wb

a chicken soup type you mean ? for muslim soul?
or our own bird's tongue soup for the muslim soul?

chicken biryani for muslim heart and stomach?