This section discusses the set up, presentation, materials and some ideas for topic discussion. This is the crux of IAW and will require perhaps the most work and creativity.

The Resources

Many visitors may not stop and look at the table displays or initiate conversation with any of your Muslim volunteers, but they will pick up pamphlets or books. Also, volunteers near the event should be designated to hand out pamphlets to passersby. The information should be simple and easy to understand.

Quantity to order

The amount of items to be ordered depends on the size of the target audience and your budget. It's always better to order more than what you think you need, as these items can be used for dawah throughout the year.

Qur'an Translations

It is important that a short introduction about the Quran is given to the non-Muslim receiving it. This can be verbal or written and included in each Quran. The type of translation is also important as it should be easy to understand and include some explanation of the verses. Below are just two options:

• Translator: Sahih International, Publisher: Abul Qasim publishing house
• Translator: Hilali and Khan translation, Publisher: Darusalaam

Pamphlets

Pamphlets are a useful tool when teaching the basics of Islam: A wide array of pamphlets discussing many aspects of Islam can be viewed and ordered. Please refer to the MSA National website for more details.

Books

Some of your visitors may show interest in learning more about Islam. You should order books that are not too long and complex. Below are two samples of books commonly used for Dawah:

• Toward understanding Islam by Abul A'la al-Mawdudi.This book provides a short but complete introduction to Islam for the average reader
• A brief illustrated Guide toward understanding Islam by I.A Ibrahim, published by Darussalaam. This book discusses scientific miracles in the Quran, the message of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
• Muhammad the Messenger of Allah: Abdurrahman al-Sheha

Audio

To cut some of your cost, you can make your own CD's. You can include various short lectures, Islamic songs in English, etc. Make sure information is not copyrighted and permission is sought when needed. Some examples include:

• Khalid Yaseen's "The Purpose of life"
• Yusuf Estes' lectures

If you have access to speakers and a sound system, you can also play English Islamic songs (Native Deen, Yusuf Islam, Zain Bikha, Dawud Wharnsby, Sami Yusuf, etc). Keep in mind that this will serve mostly as background songs. Be mindful of how people of other faiths will perceive the lyrics so be selective.

Table Constructions

Topic tailored tables are a series of tables, each endowed with materials that cover one specific theme, which allow your guests to understand Islam in a non-overwhelming fashion. You will need a relatively large physical space to accommodate the tables as well as enough volunteers to make and man the tables. Volunteers are assigned one table with the duty of designing a tri-fold poster discussing the topic at hand. All tables should be set up in a similar fashion (same color tri-fold, table covering, etc). Posters should look as professional and neat as possible, and pictures should be used where applicable. Presentation is key here.

Topic Ideas

• The Message of Jesus: Focus on verses from the Quran representing the Islamic view of Jesus. You can include the translation of Surah Mariam and the different ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Avoid using depictions of Jesus as this can send the wrong message.
• The Muslim Woman: One of the many "hot" topics in Islam is the status of the Muslim woman. Do not shy away from stating these misconceptions on your table and dispelling each one. You may want to present the rights of women in Islam, the concept of Hijab, etc. You can include pictures of various Muslim women wearing hijab in different work fields, pictures of nuns in order to show that covering one's body is not distinctively Islamic, etc.
• The Real Story Behind Jihad: Make sure to define Jihad and discuss its different implications in Islam (inner and outer struggle). You can also discuss the etiquettes of war in Islam.
• Animal and Environment in Islam: Here you can discuss the animal rights in Islam in regards to treatment and the Muslims' responsibility of taking care of the environment.
• Invented by a Muslim: This theme presents different Muslim scientists and their contributions to the many aspects of science.
• Science in the Quran: You can focus on the many scientific miracles of the Quran. Make sure to point out that the miracle of the Quran is not in its ability to speak of things that have been discovered later on, but just one proof of many that it is the Word of God.
• The Messengers: The main purpose of this topic is to emphasize that Muslims believe in all the messengers of God and that Islam is not a new religion but a continuation of the religion that God sent to mankind from the beginning of their creation. Also, discuss the role of the messengers and the content of their message. You can include a list of Prophets and give their English and Arabic names. Also, display quotes from Prophet Adam, Ibrahim, Musa, Younes, Eisa, etc from the Quran (their dua that are mentioned in the Quran, etc)
• ...And Muhammad is His messenger: You may include a short timeline of his life, various ahadith, etc. Your mission here is to explain who Muhammad (pbuh) was as a man, a husband, merchant, messenger, friend, leader, etc. You may also include different non-biased quotes from non-Muslims who have studied his life.
• The Message: This topic will discuss the Quran, its preservation as a revelation from God that has never been altered, is memorized by millions, and is still available in the language in which it was revealed. Discuss how the Quran is a manual for how Muslims should live their lives.
• Life after death: This table will discuss the Islamic belief of Judgment and reward/punishment. You can focus on the consequences of one's actions, that we must take responsibility for what we do and that everyone will need to answer to a Higher Power, even if they got away with doing an injustice in this world.
• The concept of God: Discuss the names and attributes of Allah.
• The Purpose of Life: Discuss why we were created, what is the ultimate purpose of our creation, etc.

Posters

Display posters between tables and at the entrance of the venue to attract visitors. You can view and order posters on the basics of Islam. You can also post pictures of Muslims from different nationalities. Use posters to ask thought-provoking questions of passers-by.

Visual

If you have access to a TV or projector, use them to play documentary videos, movies, etc.

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