Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
The Muslim Students Association (MSA) of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus recently set up a Dawah table with a clear purpose — to clear up misconceptions about Islam and provide students with a welcoming space to ask questions and learn more.
Abdullah Khan, MSA’s Public Relations Officer, told Al-Qalam that the main purpose of the Dawah table said: “We’ve come to spread the one, true and pure message of Islam — that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Nabi Muhammad (PBUH) is the final true prophet of Islam,” he said.
This initiative comes in response to the widespread unfamiliarity many students have with Islam. “About 50% of people we meet don’t even recognise the word Islam, don’t understand the Muslim culture, and a large majority of people aren’t familiar with the basic fundamentals of Islam. People are unaware of the basic messages of ‘La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah’,” he said.
The students’ Dawah efforts are guided by Moulana Ismail Moosa from the Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI), who oversees the approach taken by students and provides mentorship. His involvement ensures that the engagement is respectful, accurate, and grounded in Islamic teachings.
Conversations at the table vary based on the background of each student who stops by. “Many times we try to understand where the person is coming from. If they come from a Zulu background, then many times the questions are based on ancestors and how their culture fits into Islam. If you’re speaking to a Christian person, the questions are about Jesus, (Peace be upon him). With Hindu students, we discuss the importance of Tawheed, the oneness of Allah,” said Khan.
Each conversation is handled with care. “Each person’s knowledge base is different, so we try to gauge where the person is at and then we try to inform them to the best of our ability,” he added.
The Dawah table was placed in the campus quad, a central, open area, to encourage curiosity and accessibility. Their large posters and open setup often attract interest. “It creates an attraction, a curiosity — ‘What are these people doing?’—so when you have that open presence, people get curious. They come. They ask questions. We try to explain to the best of our ability, and InshAllah, we help them,” said Khan.
Among the Christian students, common questions asked included the age of Aisha (RA), the Islamic view of Jesus and Mary, and the role of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). With students from African traditional or cultural backgrounds, questions focused on ancestors and spiritual practices. “We try and tie it as best as we can to the true message of Islam, quoting from Hadith, quoting from Quran,” he said.
Khan emphasised that all efforts are for the sake of Allah. “He gave us the tawfeeq to carry out this work. If anything is misstated, that’s from our part. May Allah accept our efforts,” he said.
Khan highlighted that involvement in this kind of initiative strengthens one’s own faith. “The Ulama tell us that your ears are closest to your mouth. So the first person who should reform themselves is you. Then you can speak to others because you can’t pour into other cups as an empty vessel,” he said.
The initiative was supported by IPCI, whose speakers brought experience and training. “When you speak to people, a lot comes into play — etiquette, wording, and ensuring what you say is rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. You can’t be giving Dawah based on your own feelings,” Khan stressed.
Looking ahead, the MSA hopes to raise funds for more materials to support their outreach. “If the community wants to participate in our efforts, Inshallah, we will be raising funds for equipment, stands, posters, that kind of thing,” he said.
His advice to other MSA’s wanting to start something similar is rooted in sincerity: “Make Niyyah (Intention). This is the work of the Ambiya, in which we inform the people, guide the people, and reform our community. It’s not what I say that makes a difference. It’s the message of Allah Ta’ala,” said Khan.
