From celebrities like Snoop Dogg being listed among famous Muslims to everyday believers struggling with their practice, the question arises: what does it truly mean to live Islam authentically? A former member of the Nation of Islam turned orthodox Muslim, Imam Kasim Khan, shares powerful insights on the obstacles facing dawah today and how every human being can give birth to the goodness that Allah has already placed within them.
The Biggest Obstacle to Sharing Islam
Contrary to what many might expect, the greatest obstacle to dawah is not hostility toward Islam — it is people’s addiction to media. When Islam is explained clearly and simply, most people actually love what they hear. The real barrier is the inaccurate information people absorb from television, internet, and newspapers that distorts their understanding of what Islam truly is and what it means to be a Muslim.
“It’s not that they don’t like Islam — they just don’t understand it. When I explain what Islam actually is and what Muslim actually means, they find out that they actually love it.”
When Muslims Get in the Way of Islam
- Compromising on practice — Muslims who justify their weaknesses rather than striving to improve send mixed signals to those interested in Islam
- Over-assertive behavior — Those who lack proper knowledge but are aggressive in their approach can push people away from the message
- Lack of seriousness — Treating Islam as a part-time identity rather than a complete way of life weakens the dawah effort and discourages new Muslims
Giving Birth to What Is Already Inside You
Every human being is born with the fitrah — the natural disposition to submit to the Creator. Islam is not something foreign being imposed from outside; it is the unlocking of what Allah has already placed within every soul. When a person makes the conscious decision to live according to the nature they were created upon, submitting to the will of God in every action, word, and friendship, they achieve the excellence of human potential that this life was designed for.
“Everyone has it inside of them to give birth to this — even the meanest and nastiest people have Islam inside of them. Our responsibility as believing Muslims is to help bring out the best that is within them.”
