Shaik Naseem was born in Labasa, Fiji Islands, where he completed his early education. Soon after he completed high school, he was blessed with a scholarship to study in the world’s prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, where he completed his Diploma in Arabic language and Islamic Sciences and graduated with a BA in Islamic law. Shaik Naseem has taught at numerous schools across Australia, Fiji, and delivered talks in Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand, Maldives, India and other countries. He has a unique style of keeping youth engaged in his programmes and has empowered the community through educational talks, workshops and recreational programmes. Shaik Naseem has a passion in the fields of education, Tarbiyah, community, youth and charity work. Currently, he is empowering kids, teens and youth in Australia.
His vision for the future is to walk in the footsteps of the prophets and their companions to impart the knowledge which Allah (swt) has blessed him with and create excellent leaders for the Ummah and world at large, Insha’Allah.
Hiba got in touch with him to learn more about him and his work.
Where did you get the motivation to do Dawah work?
I got my motivation from my Islamic education teacher, who was originally from Sudan. He was a very successful international Daaee, who was sent to Fiji as a Muslim ambassador to educate and inspire Muslims. I was taught, mentored and coached by Shaikh Abdul Majeed, who served as a Daaee, Imaam, teacher, motivational speaker and counsellor.
I was further inspired, when I got to study and understand the story of Hijrah in the Islamic University of Madinah. That there is a special element in a story, when it is told by the people who have been working in that particular field, that just leaves an everlasting mark. The Makkan people had nothing with them, yet they did not hesitate to give to others. They sacrificed everything and were ready to give for the sake of Allah (swt) their wealth, family, children and themselves. When they were feeling depressed, the Prophet (sa) comforted them.
How did you end up in places, where Muslims are in minority and not much is known about Islam?
When I used to work in school, I would travel during the school holiday breaks at my own expense. In recent times, however, it is the responsibility of the host organization to cover all the expenses and fees related to travel and conducting any workshops or programmes. Truly Allah (swt) brings ease after every hardship.
In Muslim minority countries, people tend to have lots of misunderstanding about Islam, which makes it challenging to approach them. How did they react to the Islamic knowledge being conveyed?
Dawah bil-Hal wa bil-Lisan is the basic method which is also most successful and powerful. Dawah bil-Hal is basically done by character, conduct, dealing and interactions with anyone. When someone has good character and approaches people with love and compassion, like Prophet Muhammad (sa) did, people are more inclined to listen and embrace the message. This method is adopted by most scholars and I also love this approach.
The cause of the misconception is the lack of research and lack of proper Islamic knowledge and understanding. Other contributing factors are the wrong image of Islam portrayed by the media, lack of qualified scholars and absence of proper Islamic literature and resources. To make a positive impression on the people, first we have to familiarize ourselves with them, their background, customs, and history. We cannot do this effectively, if we lack knowledge, skills and above all – character and Tawfeeq from Allah (swt). I had visited these places even before I began educating the communities there, so I had a good insight about the environment and people.
As people learn about Islam, they get apprehensive about the many restrictions being imposed. Regarding physical and the virtual world, they perceive 99% things as Haram and only 1% as Halal. How should this issue be dealt with?
In this, a change in perception is needed. I see 99% of the things being Halal and only 1% being Haram. This is the beauty of Islam. This is the golden rule. If we study, learn and understand, we keep falling in love with Islam more and more. There are amazing things to do online, so why must one go after the Haram only? People need to look critically at what they want to do, and they will naturally realize the right and the wrong in it. Once we get out of that shell and see a wider world, we get the understanding of how big it actually is.
“Which of the favours of Lord will you deny?” (Ar-Rahman 55:13)
Was your family supportive of your decision to pursue Dawah field?
A good family is a blessing from Allah the Almighty. In modern times, most families would encourage their children to become members of the society with a high status, such as engineers and doctors. My family was very supportive and did not oppose me in going towards the profession of my choice. I realized that Allah (swt) is the Provider for all. And bearing this in mind, by the grace of Allah (swt), I have reached where I stand now.
Lastly, we sometimes forget to ask the questions about such fundamentals as the reasons for our existence and human nature itself. A person who does not understand the reason for his existence is akin to a person who has lost all hope. Allah (swt) says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]. And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” (Al-Imran, 3:102-103)
To know more about Shaik Naseem and the work he does, visit madinahacademy.net or follow on social media: @MadinahAcademy (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)
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