- London stands as a global leader in Dawah, notably through Speakers’ Corner, captivating millions with its vibrant debates.
- This article delves into the critiques surrounding Speakers Corner debates, unveils their impactful online presence in empowering Muslims, promoting global education, and confronting Islamophobia with resilience.
London stands as a trailblazer in the realm of dawah, with Speakers Corner often cited as a contributing factor to its prominence.
Charmed by the theatrics and commotion in Speakers Corner, millions around the world tune in weekly to watch the philosophical gymnastics, the shouting matches, the war between secularists and traditionalists, the hecklers, the light bulb moments, the outrage, the more refined in their craft, and those barking at the crowd from their soap box.
After all, everyone loves to watch a clash of Titans, a hero, the committing of Nightmare on Elm street and the bright eyed bushy tailed individual. Often more of the former rather than the latter. There are however of course, a catalogue of debates from the dawah team that possess mutual respect, truth seekers, true enlightenment and emotional intellect from both interlocutors involved.
The popularity of the dawah team in Speakers corner has reached astronomical dimensions in more recent years, (Allahumma Barik). To deny this is simply untenable. However one must ponder upon how this has happened. Fundamentally, the desperate need for Islam is the answer which emerges. Islam, is, after all, a superior way of life which transcends temporal boundaries, societal constructs, and resonates as the solution for every era and every individual soul. Moreover, this grass roots approach enables open dialogue and for us to understand what the people are truly thinking.
However, a blistering attack has synonymously been launched on Speakers Corner-dawah within the ranks of the ummah. This has been regarding the efficacy of dawah coming out of Hyde Park and whether it’s truly transformative for the masses to watch such debates.
Criticism of these debates has hailed from different fractions ie the more judgemental, ahem, I mean “religious” sects for various reasons that we won’t get into today. However, perhaps the only real criticism which garners attention is from students of knowledge or Ulema who are more learned and concerned about the clash of egos involved in these dialogues. For a sincere debate, although may have kick started with great intentions could easily escalate into a clash of egos, a cringe worthy fest where individuals are shouting over one another and a performance for popularity, money or even ‘saving face’.
Imam Al Ghazali, whose work inaugurated the masses addressed the issue of debating in his “Ihya Ulum al-Din” (The Revival of the Religious Sciences). It reads:
You should know and be sure that debates which are designed for the purpose of overcoming and silencing an opponent as well as for displaying one’s excellence and honour, bragging before men, boasting, and being contradictory, or for the sake of winning popular favour, are the source of all traits which are blameworthy before God and praiseworthy before His enemy, the Devil.
As I put down my pen and reflect on these words, I contemplate the parallel existence of our personal ‘Speakers Corner’ in our daily lives — be it in the work place or educational environments. Such discourse is inevitable for those who live in the West, considering Muslims are consistently being maligned in the mainstream media. The obligation of dawah is inherent to every Muslim, and by and large, the brothers who frequent Hyde Park, display commendable dedication. Furthermore, during their moment of being filmed, the dawah extends beyond the immediate interlocutor, resonating profoundly with the broader audience at home.
Speakers Corner has undergone a significant evolution from the era when our esteemed brother, Abdul Raheem Green, was a frequent presence.
Pictured: Sheikh Abdul Raheem Green, veteran Speakers Corner Orator and founder of IERA (Islamic Research Academy).
This transformation is notably influenced by the modern-day broadcasting of its content through YouTube videos. In a recent online presentation, one of our brothers in the dawah scene explored the contemporary developments shaping our present influence. He described those with ‘Speakers Corner YouTube channels”, as waiting around with their cameras on a Sunday afternoon for any action to take place as if they were Deliveroo drivers. Perhaps this is true. Yet, this remains the essence of their weekly presence, and without their dedicated efforts, millions of videos wouldn’t captivate audiences worldwide.
Speakers Corner enthusiast span a diverse spectrum – from Hakim, the Mayfair Hedge Fund owner who no longer needs to be adorned in Savile Row’s finest and is navigating a faith crisis amidst the ‘Age of Aisha’ question, to young Mahmood, a 14-year-old, showered in eman by Allah and is eagerly seeking knowledge. Meanwhile, in Alabama, 56-year-old Derek, once a staunch Islamophobe and agnostic, experienced a soul-reviving revelation as Brother Mansur eloquently dispelled his existential uncertainties in a profound video moment.
Pictured: Seasoned debater Mansur articulating indisputable truths.
The dissemination of knowledge from accomplished orators holds immense value, exemplified by esteemed academics like our brother Adnan Rashid, delving into the historical fate of the Kohinoor or engaging in debates with Zionists. Additionally, brother Hashim fearlessly confronts the DCCI clan, whose fleeting moments of fame are met with his robust scholastic arguments.
Pictured: Brother Hashim enlightening the masses.
Pictured: Seasoned orator at Speakers’ Corner historian, and accomplished academic, Adnan Rashid.
Having said this, it’s important to note, if as Muslims, we spend a considerable amount of our free time watching debates and online dawah streams, we must be cognisant of how this may impact our souls. For instance, if consistently listening to insults of Prophet Mohammed (saw) and not having anything happen to your heart- this is a strong indication that there might be something wrong with it.
Regardless of the critique, and considering all factors, it must be emphasised: the advantages of conducting such debates on camera far surpass any drawbacks. Videos on diverse channels like SC Dawah and Dawah Wise, Sam Dawah, not only educate a global audience on true Tawhid, spread the kalam of Allah, and revive the hearts of the lost but also combat the perils of Modernity – all while keeping you entertained.
The dawah in the park has encouraged others to give dawah. In addition, the brothers have made consuming the message of Islam palatable for those who struggle to watch lectures in this modern era and those who maybe struggling with their faith. They have enticed a global audience of non-Muslims and been instrumental in mass Shahaadah’s. Additionally, they vigorously challenge the Islamophobic narrative perpetuated by outlets such as Fox News. Furthermore, our brothers who brave the harsh British weather on Sunday afternoons, effectively showcase Islam to corners of the world, including potentially remote areas unfamiliar with the religion. Another noteworthy outcome of Speakers Corner is the dismantling of the post-9/11 inferiority complex that afflicted Muslim Millennials and Gen Zs. Consequently, many Muslim teenagers today feel more empowered to proudly articulate their faith and exhibit increased confidence in their Muslim identities.
“Those who give Dawah in Speakers Corner become angry and too passionate”
‘There’s no issue with this’ is my resolute response to this statement. It’s intriguing how many insist on perceiving Muslims as possessing a uniform identity. This notion is peculiar, especially considering the immense diversity among the Sahaba. Allah has crafted each of us uniquely for a purpose. For instance, the conduct of Abu Bakr Sadiq (RA) differed significantly from that of Umar Ibn Khattab (RA). Furthermore, diverse contexts and audiences necessitate varying approaches in the art of dawah.
Consider the brothers from EF Dawah: Dr Imran and brother Abbas, always gentlemanly and poised in their conduct, articulating and defending Islam rationally and intellectually. EF Dawah also conducts many live streams that are huge popular, with regular viewing audience members furiously typing in the live comments section and ensuring they are a part of the discussion.
Pictured: A screenshot of the EF Dawah YouTube channel.
Oxford graduate Brother Mohammed Hijab, though not a frequent park visitor, imparts a corpus of knowledge across diverse domains. Unafraid of ruffling a few feathers, he stands out with a fearless demeanour, wearing his heart on his sleeve. For many, this authenticity is what renders our brother trustworthy and captivating to watch.
Brother Zeeshan and Ali Dawah have adopted their own unique styles of conveying the message of Allah.
Subboor Ahmed, an unsung debater, showcases a remarkable prowess deserving of more acclaim:
In essence, individuals align themselves with a preferred “character” or protagonist of you will, a resonance that contributes significantly to the triumph of Speakers Corner dawah—catering to diverse preferences. Beyond this, it provides entertainment, transcending refined constraints, after all it’s not an Oxford Union debate you’ve tuned into. It readily acknowledges its circus-like nature, unpolished and rugged. Speakers Corner seems destined to remain a dynamic arena where Muslims are on the frontlines, striving to curb their egos, and do the most honourable work of spreading Islam.
Needless to say, that concrete square in Hyde Park is sure to speak on the Day of Judgment, given the significant good that has emanated from it!
