Ahmed Deedat’s Da‘wah Approach and Its Socio-Religious Impact on Nigeria: An Analysis

Abstract

This study highlights the contributions of Ahmed Deedat to Da‘wah (Islamic propagation). It also examines the unique nature of his da‘wah and identifies its socio-religious impact on Nigeria. Through exegetical and descriptive methods, the paper was able to decipher patterns in Ahmed Deedat’s approach to Islamic propagation, particularly on comparative religious issues. This study finds that Ahmed Deedat’s da‘wah approach to Islam and other religions demonstrates an effective way of communicating about Islam. It can also be seen as succeeding in arousing the consciousness of the adherents of different religions especially Christians and Muslims to find practical pieces of evidence to support their beliefs, instead of just accepting the faith without seeking to deepen their understanding and belief system. This study concludes that his works on Islam and comparative religion often address issues that forms foundation of an individual’s belief. The effectiveness of this approach is seen in Nigeria’s socio-religious circle in dealing with people of other faiths and to educate them about issues that are of mutual concern to promote dialogue on faith. In other words, his Da‘wah focused primarily on the theme of the Qur’ān, Muhammad, Islam, Jesus, Bible, and God as a way of propagating Islam. This paper, therefore, submits that Ahmed Deedat’s outlook on Da‘wah has socio-religious implications for Islamic propagation in Nigeria and opens the way for further dialogue among adherents of different religions.