As I said here, “The fact is, that we don’t live in a rural society anymore, and we are going to step on each others toes. We must look towards the middle path which means not accepting anything in order to not hurt anyone’s feelings, nor should we distance ourselves from anyone different from ourselves. We are commanded to speak up, but we should choose our words carefully.” We should not hide ourselves in the culture we find ourselves in, but rather speak up on who we are and what we believe. That means though, that we need to be careful what we say.

Blurting out “I’m right and you’re wrong” seems to be the avenue that some people take, assuming people will start thinking and questioning why someone would say that. I believe that most people will instead assume the person is a jerk and move on without another thought.

Dawah is of ultimate importance, and how we deliver that dawah should be different in different areas. What works for some does not work for all. Even someone who has the attitude of “don’t touch me with your religion” will listen to someone who speaks in a non-confrontational tone, inshaAllah.

Here in the SF Bay Area, there’s an organization that sets up da’wah booths at malls, Walmart, street fairs and farmer’s markets. They hand out dozens of Qurans and pamphlets, and speak to many people who approach them. This is great work, important work.

There is even a brother down at the cable car turnaround on Powell Street, where all the tourists gather and commuters pass by, who literally stands on a crate and preaches Islam, and sells Qurans at cost. I admire him greatly because it takes courage to do what he does, and it may touch someone’s heart.

Then there are less personal forms of da’wah like websites, magazines, radio, TV and film. They are important as well.

It’s a free country. Others are free to preach their religion – certainly the Jehova’s Witnesses and Mormons have no compunctions about going door to door, and that’s why their religions continue to grow. And we too are free to preach ours. That’s not “pushing” our religion on anyone, it’s simply sharing.

You can not compromise with the word of God, dang blast it! lol. Funny, isn't it that the grief comes from him. My adult kids want me to be happy and they even provide spaces for me to pray :)

I am no longer willing to compromise on the important things.

So definitely, even when you're living in an area with other Muslims, you still find this sort of "don't touch me attitude". I think people are just afraid- afraid to rethink their own values, reconsider what they've grown up with, afraid to think of the possibilty that yes, you will be judged by God on every single thing you do, e.g. whether you shake hands with a guy or what you wear…

may allah bless u.

thanks muslimaoasis for all that;)