A Description of the Da‘wah trip to Syria | Sheikh Abul Mundhir Ammar Al-Hawbani hafidahullah

Sheikh Ammar, a student of Sheikh Yahya, recounts some of his experiences during a three-month Da‘wah trip to Syria. SUMMARY: 1. Gratitude to Allah: - The speaker emphasises thanking Allāh for the blessings of Islam, the Sunnah, and the pursuit of knowledge. - Travelling and seeing people’s neglect of religion makes one appreciate these blessings more. 2. Importance of Seeking Knowledge: - Students of knowledge should work hard because times may come when learning becomes difficult. - Many societies lack proper Islamic education and need knowledgeable callers to Islam. 3. Dangers of Complacency: - Being in a religious environment may lead to taking blessings for granted. - One should not delay seeking knowledge, as opportunities may suddenly disappear. 4. Experience in Damascus, Syria: - The Sheikh visited Syria and found widespread ignorance, innovation, and Sufi-Ash'ari dominance in many masājid. - The Umayyad masjid was filled with innovations like musical Adhan and group supplications. - People, however, had a natural inclination toward the truth and were eager for proper Islamic teachings. 5. Observations: - Many masājid in Syria were controlled by Sufis and Ash'aris, promoting innovations and misguided rituals. - Sufi masjid leaders initially welcomed the sheikh but later blocked him when they realised he was Salafi. - People were unaware of basic Islamic rulings. Some locals offered cigarettes out of ignorance (thinking it was hospitality). - Despite this, ordinary people still held correct beliefs due to their sound Fitrah. Children still affirmed Tawheed when asked simple questions (eg. Where is Allah?). 6. Positive Response to Correct Teachings: - When the sheikh delivered a simple, Quran-based sermon, people were deeply moved and requested more lessons. - This shows a strong hunger for authentic Islamic knowledge among the masses. 7. State Control & Restrictions: - Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) was dominated by Sufis/Ash'aris, making it hard for Salafi preachers to speak. - The Sheikh eventually got official permission after proving he opposed extremist groups (e.g., ISIS). 8. Security & Social Climate: - Under Bashar Al-Assad, bearded men were harassed or imprisoned; now, they were respected. - Many Syrians hated Assad’s regime and rejected Shia/Rafidah beliefs. 9. Dawah Efforts & Lessons: - Focused on simplified Tawheed lessons (e.g., "Allah is above the heavens"). - Used interactive discussions—asked questions, gave prizes, and engaged youth. - Avoided direct attacks on Sufis/Ash'aris to maintain access to masājid. 10. Prison Dawah: - Gave sermons in prisons where inmates (thieves, rapists, etc.) had no Islamic knowledge. - Many prisoners started praying, repenting, and learning Salah properly. 11. Successes & Future Hopes: - Many youth & elders embraced Salafi teachings after hearing clear Quran/Sunnah proofs. - Some Sufi masjid attendees privately admitted their practices were wrong. 12. Need for More Scholars: - The Sheikh emphasised that Syrians desperately need Salafi scholars—many areas had no proper Islamic education. - Encouraged students of knowledge to study hard, as they will be needed in such lands. 13. Final Advice: - Work hard—future generations will need their knowledge. - Avoid complacency—religious environments can change suddenly. - Be prepared to refute deviant groups (Ash'aris, Sufis, Shia) when debates arise. - Travel for Dawah—many Muslim lands lack proper Islamic guidance. CONCLUSION: Despite challenges, the people’s Fitrah and eagerness for truth make Syria a promising land for Dawah—if scholars and students step up.