Changing Minds

I was watching a lot of debate video lately. Some by Ahmed Deedat, some Dr. Zakir Naik and even from Sheikh Yusuf Estes (funny guy!). There's a distinct style between all of them. Some confrontational, some more to seek common view.

In the end I concluded that I don't condone Ahmad Deedat's style of confrontational. I mean, if we were selling an idea to someone criticising his idea is a bad thing. it may also creates a different respond that what the preacher wants. I rather like Yusuf Estes ' way of da'wah. He merely asking the Christians to think for themselves. To make differentiation, to evaluate and to make their own conclusion by simple study. Because he said the bible is NOT all of it were rendered to humans words but it also contains Allah's Holy Words. In the case of the bible, the priest that was supposed to preserve those words decided to make certain changes without the authority of it's author.

Instead of debating my showing that 'I am right and you are wrong', Yusuf Estes is more of a smooth persuading guy. Letting the listener do their own evaluation. It's logical! If you are a salesman, condemning his previous purchase is not a very good idea. He is like saying, 'Yes, you've got a good vacuum cleaner but what if I tell you that with a lower price you can get a all-in-1 vacuum that would not only clean you carpet, also it washes your dishes, do your laundry and massage your back when you're tired!". And yes, some will buy it and some will decline. Hey, that's sales for you. Funny as it seems, it the same with da'wa. As Allah said to His Beloved Prophet when he prayed to Allah, asking for Abu Talib to join him in Islam. Allah answered that hidayat is His and He will bestowed it upon who ever he wants.

I gain a lot of knowledge from Yusuf. It's not that local malay Ulamas are not good or not as knowledgeable as him, it is just that his way of conveying the massage of Islam is simple, straight to the point, no politics and a simple, easy to understand Islam. No some mombu jumbo stuff that is so complex. His way can really seduce a lot of Christians and Atheist in joining Islam! It's just pure and simple Islam. And it helps with him being funny!

I hope the wave of Islam continuous until the end of time.