Dawa By the ZipCode

Muslims participating in DawaNet in Houston have developed a novel program to make dawa amongst their neighbors. The program utilizes mass mailing to the residents of a preselected zip code. The program begins with developing a short, standardized four-page dawa publication. The publication, entitled ÔThe Religion of PeaceÕ is then printed in large quantities and bulk-mailed to all of the households in the preselected zip code utilizing a commercial bulk mailing company. Depending upon resources, the zip code could be broken down into subgroups. The process is repeated several times throughout the year, and each time a different zip code is selected. Later, a second publication may be desgined and mailed to each selected zip code area a few months later. The zip codes are selected based on the social, ethnic, and religious mix of that zip code.

The publication contains very basic information about Islam and Prophets Mohammad and Jesus (peace be upon them) including references about Islam from Bible, information contrary to the stereotypes, and the opinions of non-Muslim historians and intellectuals about Mohammad (peace be upon him) and Islam.

It is important to realize that mailing a publication has to be closely tied to other sources of learning about Islam such as DawaNetÕs weekly program, Islamic Learning Meeting. Making dawa without a follow up system in place is worse than making no dawa. Dawa-by-zip-code is simple, but it requires a systematic approach. For example, Islamic Learning Meetings, ILM-100 and ILM-101, meet every Sunday at the same time and at the same place, rain or shine. ILM 100 is designed to assist new Muslims, although non-Muslims are welcome to it, smoothly transition into their new faith, to help them overcome obstacles that confront them, to learn more about Islam, and to integrate themselves in to the Muslim community. ILM 101 is designed for Muslims interested in making dawa.

The program is then augmented by a Dawa Outreach in preselected neighborhoods where individuals interested in Islam may be identified. The program, finally, assigns attendees of ILM 100 to attendees of ILM 101 and knits families in ILM 101 into social relationships.

We encourage other cities to follow HoustonÕs suit. The frequencies and quantities can vary depending upon available financial resources, but here are some steps for getting started:

• Email to Houston@DawaNet.com and request an electronic copy of the publication ÔThe Religion of Peace.Õ
• Call Advanced Express Printing, at 972-238-1050; tell them to print a predetermined number of copies and give them a zip code to mail the publication to. They will do the rest. In two to three weeks households in your preselected zip code will receive the publication.
• The cost of printing and bulk-mailing to 20,000 is about $3,900. This cost may slightly vary depending upon the number of households in your selected zip code.
• It would be a good idea to have them print and ship to you 800-1000 extra copies for distribution through personal contacts.
• Repeat the procedures as many times throughout the year as you want or can afford.
• Please note that you do not have to use Advances Express Printing. You are welcome to use the electronic copy to obtain quotes from local printers and bulk-mailers in your area.

Remember, our duty is to make efforts; Only Allah can give Hidaya to someone.