IslamWorld

Shaamah: Meaning, the beauty spot, and in this context referring to a unique and distinctive feature that accentuates beauty.

First impressions always last. This expression denotes the importance in Da`wah of impressions portrayed externally in one's appearance, manners, and speech. An example is of a Caller to Islam I knew who always made a good impression and who was amply qualified in disciplines beneficial in this life and the hereafter, coupled with many practical skills. The result was of many people requesting his help; even those who opposed him in thought and methodology. Consequently, this had a beneficial and far-reaching effect amongst his community, and clearly this brother was nothing short of a shaamah.

The Messenger of Allah elucidated this concept of shaamah in the hadeeth narrated by Abu al-Dardaa' and related by Abu Dawud when he said, "You are about to reach your brethren from travel, so adjust your attire and amend your vehicles until you become akin to the shaamah amongst the people by your distinctiveness." The intention of his teaching was to engender in each Muslim not only fine character but also its external realization - demonstrated in good taste in appearance, since an unappealing image is a cause for aversion. Yet again this reinforces the Prophetic recommendation for Muslims to reform their character in all aspects internal and external.

The consequence of this equitable character is an understanding of the necessity of an appropriate appearance when giving Da`wah. Too often we find Muslims attired in a fashion that fosters derision or suspicion. Therefore, it is when the banner of Jihad is erected that one must don military attire, and similarly, when at work to wear what is practical, and crucially, when giving Da`wah to wear fine garments devoid of excess and pride.

Is it an idealistic notion for the character of the Muslim to be refined and elegant? Nay, it is not an imaginary picture, and although it is not achieved by the majority of Muslims, nevertheless its presence amongst a few involved in their communities or work places will have a profound effect in strengthening the Islamic Call.

In this age where evil is rife in all its forms - particularly hypocrisy, lying, breaches of trust and the pursuit of hedonism - the Muslim is indeed a rare commodity. Particularly if he exemplifies this character through nobility of manner, and the representation of Islam in his image, moves, speech and silence.

The pre-Islamic Arabs used to call the one who was literate, a swimmer and an archer as 'the complete'. So how would we describe the man of Da`wah who is equipped with a mission and bolstered by fine attributes, vocational skills and a humanitarian concern? Truly he would be a shaamah amongst his people.