[Hanbali]

Originally Posted by IbnMardhiyah

If that couple themselves were born and raised in the West, then doing such an action is one of the worst things they can do in this day and age, in my opinion.

I think that is true, but only if they are ACTIVELY involved in dawah. I think that the only way we can justify our existence/presence in the West is dawah. Dawah should not be our secondary task, but rather our primary reason for being here.

[PhDGirl]

Originally Posted by YOUSUFofSD

No ones ever 100 percent sure, but I think the chances are either better or much better if you have them in a better surrounding, inshallah.

I don't know, I think the people in a country that's mostly Muslim don't really have to think about being Muslim and what it means or defend our faith on a daily basis the way that we do here. A lot of hijabis go back home and are encouraged to take off the hijab, whereas Americans are pretty respectful (on the whole). I see a lot of people "back home" who are pretty relaxed and not educated about the faith just like here. I think the parents probably have more to do with it than the nation of residence.

[Blue_Phoenix]

So what did I miss here?

I'm an American, probably a lot.

[Revert]

Originally Posted by Hanbali

Bro, you obviously haven't been to saudia, let alone seen a village.

No but my white non muslim family members have. I have many frined Arab and non Arab who have lived and worked in Saudi so I think I have a well rounded view of the place.

[IbnMardhiyah]

Originally Posted by Hanbali

I think that is true, but only if they are ACTIVELY involved in dawah. I think that the only way we can justify our existence/presence in the West is dawah. Dawah should not be our secondary task, but rather our primary reason for being here.

With all due respect dude, you have a really constricted and myopic view of what dawah is.

[frosama]

Interesting perspectives...

However, I would feel more comfortable raising my kids(inshallah) in a muslim country.

It all comes down to preference, however, I think if parental guidance is right you would be better off in a muslim country. Although Americans are respectful, they are very different from us, and from personal experience I often find it is hard to not conform in a society that views things drastically different. Even with pious christians, their values are different. For example, the whole thing on dating/girls dressing in obscene ways/ the different values teachers teach/lack of muslims to pray jummah with at a high school/ the emphasis on sex and sexual jokes/ etc... The casual conversation between women and men..I realize some of this may go on in a muslim country, but it is definitely not as prevalent.

As for muslims just trying to blend in with the crowd in muslim countries, that is at least better than trying to blend in with nonmuslims. In both situations, parental guidance can make the difference.

However, if one does choose to raise their kids in America, you can achieve a happy medium with a muslim school.

[Hanbali]

Originally Posted by IbnMardhiyah

With all due respect dude, you have a really constricted and myopic view of what dawah is.

I think you missed my point bro.

I *do* understand that there is indirect dawah, i.e. just setting a good example.

However, my *point* is that our primary intention and our justification for living in a non-Muslim land should be that we are here to do dawah. It should not just be "oh yeah and also we do dawah by being good Muslims..."

[Revert]

Originally Posted by Hanbali

I think you missed my point bro.

I *do* understand that there is indirect dawah, i.e. just setting a good example.

However, my *point* is that our primary intention and our justification for living in a non-Muslim land should be that we are here to do dawah. It should not just be "oh yeah and also we do dawah by being good Muslims..."

I disagree. I think our justification for being here is that we live here and our families are here. Dawah should be scondary to that.

Life isn't about theories and living inside your head.

[Hanbali]

Originally Posted by Revert

I disagree. I think our justification for being here is that we live here and our families are here. Dawah should be scondary to that.

Life isn't about theories and living inside your head.

Cool. That is your opinion bro, and you are entitled to it. I am entitled to mine.

[Revert]

Originally Posted by Hanbali

Cool. That is your opinion bro, and you are entitled to it. I am entitled to mine.

Indeed you are.

[IbnMardhiyah]

Originally Posted by Hanbali

I think you missed my point bro.

I *do* understand that there is indirect dawah, i.e. just setting a good example.

However, my *point* is that our primary intention and our justification for living in a non-Muslim land should be that we are here to do dawah. It should not just be "oh yeah and also we do dawah by being good Muslims..."

No, now I'm definitely sure you missed mine.

I wasn't merely talking about setting good examples. I was talking about setting entire new paradigms. I started writing about it a while back - Your Biggest Game Ever - connect the dots ... if you can.

[Hanbali]

Summarize. It's too long.

[IbnMardhiyah]

I don't like spoon-feeding.

Do it yourself.

[Iqra, bismi rabbik alladhee khalaq ... }

[Hanbali]

No thanks.

[AmroodWaala]

While there are many dawah givers in the East, there aren't many who are balanced and have experienced both worlds. By experience, I don't mean the occasional tourists.

As the West hammers the East with its pop culture, we need balanced individuals on the other side to warn the natives of its shortcomings and pitfalls.