Many of us feel overwhelmed when we hear the call to engage in dawah.

We often think we’re too busy, not knowledgeable enough, or that someone else is better suited for the task.

But let me remind you of this fundamental truth: dawah is a personal and collective obligation for every Muslim.

We cannot leave it to others and assume we've fulfilled our duty.

Let’s address the three most common excuses Muslims use to avoid dawah, and how we can reframe them to empower ourselves to take action.

Shall we?

Excuse #1: "I don't have enough time!"

We live in a fast-paced world where time feels scarce.

Between work, family, and other commitments, it's easy to feel like there’s no room left for dawah.

But ask yourself, how much of your time is spent on distractions?

How much time is given to scrolling through social media or other activities that don’t serve your ultimate purpose?

As Muslims, we know that time is one of the most precious blessings Allah has given us.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time” (Bukhari).

Instead of saying "I don't have time," realize that dawah is not an extra task—it is part of our daily responsibility.

• Start small.
• Dedicate just 10 minutes a day to share a kind word,
• a piece of Islamic knowledge, or
• a simple conversation that can plant the seed of faith in someone's heart.

Even the smallest effort can have a profound impact in the eyes of Allah.

Excuse #2: "It's a busy time in my life right now!"

Many of us wait for the "perfect time" to start dawah, thinking that once we finish school, get a better job, or our kids grow up, or in the evening, then we’ll begin.

But we need to ask ourselves: Do we ever become less busy?

The reality is, life will always present us with challenges and responsibilities.

Consider the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

He balanced leading a nation, guiding a community, and caring for his family—all while delivering the message of Islam.

He didn’t wait for the "perfect time"; he acted every day, in every moment, with the mission of dawah at the forefront.

The perfect time doesn’t exist.

Dawah should be integrated into your life now, regardless of how busy you feel.

Start by making your daily interactions a form of dawah—whether at work, with your neighbors, or in your community, on social media (especially).

The way you carry yourself as a Muslim, with kindness, patience, and wisdom, can be one of the greatest forms of dawah, too (You should know this already if you've read my Dawah without Preaching Guide).

Excuse #3: "Once I’m more knowledgeable, then I’ll start dawah."

This is one of the most common barriers.

We believe that dawah is only for scholars or those who have mastered the deen.

But consider this: when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent his companions out to spread Islam, many of them were not scholars.

They were ordinary Muslims with sincerity in their hearts and a commitment to share what they knew.

Allah does not expect us to know everything, but He does expect us to act on the knowledge we have.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Convey from me, even if it is one verse” (Bukhari).

Each of us has something to share, even if it’s a simple reminder of Allah’s mercy.

We shouldn't complicate things.

Don’t wait until you’ve “perfected” your knowledge.

Begin today with what you already know. If you’ve learned the beauty of prayer, share that. If you’ve experienced the mercy of Allah, speak about it.

You can always grow in your knowledge while sharing what you know along the way.

Dawah is a journey of learning and teaching simultaneously.

Practical Steps to Start Dawah Right Now:

1. Make Intention: Begin by renewing your intention to engage in dawah sincerely for the sake of Allah. Even the smallest action can be magnified with the right intention.
2. Use Your Existing Platforms: Share reminders of Islam on social media, in your WhatsApp groups, or during casual conversations. This doesn’t require extra time, just a shift in how we communicate.
3. Engage with Your Local Community: Get involved in your mosque or community initiatives. Participate in discussions, share Islamic knowledge, or volunteer for dawah efforts. These actions not only benefit others but also deepen your own understanding.
4. Incorporate Dawah into Your Daily Routine: Whether at work, school, or social gatherings, let your character be a reflection of Islam. Through your actions, kindness, and patience, you can make dawah without uttering a single word.
5. Educate Yourself Continuously: While you don’t need to wait until you’re a scholar to start dawah, make it a habit to continue learning about Islam and how to share the values of Islam. Listen to lectures, read books, and engage in discussions to strengthen your understanding.

Dawah is not a task we can delay for tomorrow, nor is it someone else’s job.

It is our personal and collective responsibility. Each of us is a representative of Islam, and the world needs to see the beauty of our faith through our words and actions.

As Muslims, it’s not just what we do for ourselves that matters, but what we do for others.

The reward for dawah is immense, and Allah has promised that guiding someone to the truth is among the greatest deeds we can do.

You can start your own dawah venture right away if you can lay your hand on this resources.

Remember, there is no perfect moment to start dawah—there is only now.

May Allah give us the strength and wisdom to fulfill this responsibility, and may He reward us for our efforts.

Ameen.

Teslim Adeyemo

The Muslimchangemaker