Daʿwah (دعوة) in Islam
Introduction
Daʿwah (Arabic: دعوة) translates to “A call” or “invocation,” typically relating to calling upon God’s help. This entry delves into the nuanced understanding of Daʿwah and distinguishes it from other practices such as magic (siḥr) and fortune-telling (kahānah), which are considered unlawful in Islam.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The term Daʿwah stems from the Arabic root “دعو” (daʿā), which means “to call” or “to invite.”
- Arabic: دعوة
- Turkish: Davetiye or Tebliğ
Orthodox Islamic Perspective
Daʿwah is regarded as lawful by orthodox Muslims as long as the invocation strictly uses the names of God, good angels, or pious genii. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have affirmed, “There is nothing wrong in using spells so long as you do not associate anything with God” (Mishkāt, xxi. c. i.). This restriction ensures monotheism is maintained, and no entities are associated with God (Tawhid).
Applications of Daʿwah
The science of Daʿwah has evolved and is used for various purposes:
- Creating Bonds: Establishing friendship or enmity between individuals.
- Health and Healing: Facilitating the cure or causing sickness and death.
- Wish Fulfillment: Securing the accomplishment of temporal and spiritual wishes.
- Conflict Outcomes: Obtaining defeat or victory in battles.
Ritualistic Practices
Qualifications for the Practitioner (ʿAmil)
A practitioner, or ʿAmil, must adhere to strict cleanliness, personal hygiene, and purification. When preparing:
- Dietary Restrictions: Depending on the recited names, the dietary restrictions vary:
- Asmāʾu ʾl-jalālīyah: Avoid meat, fish, eggs, honey, and musk.
- Asmāʾu ʾl-jamālīyah: Refrain from butter, curds, vinegar, salt, and ambergris.
- Combined Attributes: Avoid garlic, onions, and asafetida.
- Behavioral Norms: Avoid pride, speak truthfully, and maintain secrecy about their knowledge and abilities.
- Physical Setup: Use perfumes like wood-aloes, avoid animal presence, and keep the living space purified.
Tools and Methods
Tables and Charts: Specific charts link Arabic letters to the zodiac signs, planets, and elements, forming the basis for determining the nature of the invoked incantations.
Example Case: Matrimonial Compatibility
To demonstrate these concepts, consider the example of two individuals contemplating marriage:
- Names: Akram (اكرم) and Raḥīmah (رحيمة).
- Elements and Attributes: Using the provided Islamic tables, the practitioner determines compatibility by analyzing the initials and related attributes—showing a careful balance between friendship, enmity, and other factors.
Invocations and Incantations
- Example Invocation: سبحانك لا اله الا انت رب كل شى و وارثه ورازقه و راحمه
(“Glory be to Thee! There is no deity but Thee! The Lord of All! and the Inheritor thereof! and the Provider therefor! and the Merciful thereon!”)
Calling upon Genii
- Fasting and Isolation: Engage in a 40-day fast, isolate in a clean, red ochre-smeared room.
- Divine Names: For example, using the name Bahrām (بهرام), the practitioner calls upon genii like Danūsh, Hūsh, Rahūsh, Qayupūsh, and Majbūsh, aligning them with divine names for desired outcomes.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Islamic Daʿwah in the West: Muslim Missionary Activity and the Dynamics of Conversion to Islam” by Larry Poston
- “Epistemological Foundations of Islamic Daʿwah” by Muhammad Yusuf
Takeaways and Conclusion
Daʿwah serves as a bridge between the material and spiritual realms, observing strict monotheistic principles. While resembling certain esoteric practices, its lawful application is rooted in the Islamic ethos of calling upon God alone.
Understanding these practices offers insights into the broader spiritual and cultural tapestry of Islam, preserving the integrity of faith while engaging with divine invocations.
This entry provides a comprehensive view of Daʿwah, connecting etymology, historical application, and scholarly perspectives, thus serving as a robust reference for those studying Islamic practices.
