The UKIM’s methodology to realize its aims in society is derived from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Even a cursory study of the Sunnah our beloved Prophet will indicate that the following comprise its most significant components: Dawah, Jamah, Tarbiyya, and enjoining good and forbidding wrong. It was these components that were neglected by Muslims in Spain and in other parts of the world, and which led to terrible consequences for the Muslim Ummah as a whole. The UKIM therefore believes that these should form tile core ingredients of our methodology a methodology for guiding our thought and efforts for the revival of Islam in society. These components are further elaborated below

Da'wah (Invitation)

And who is better in speech than the one who calls to Allah, works righteousness, and says: ‘I am of those who submit to Allah.

(Al-Quran - 41:33)

Those who respond to the UKIM’s invitation are expected not only to improve and purify themselves in accordance to the teachings of Islam, but also to engage in Dawah — that is, call and invite others to Islam - their friends, relatives, community and people from the wider society. Without being actively engaged in calling people to the Islamic message and way of life, Islamic ideas and values will not be appreciated by society, and social reforms and changes based on Islam cannot be accomplished Da’wah brings people into the fold of Islam. It helps in removing misconceptions and prejudices about Islam, and therefore can contribute greatly in building respect and tolerance for Islam and Muslims in British society.

The UKIM believes that Dawah is not about preaching or converting as is commonly understood. Neither is it about debating, arguing, quarrelling, finding faults, looking down on others, annoying or showing a sense of superiority over others. On the contrary, the purpose of Dawah is sharing the message of Islam, offering a critique of wrong ideas and notions, awakening people to face the realities of life, challenging their preconceived and set ideas and beliefs, stimulating their thoughts and attitude and encouraging them to see the world and social issues from an Islamic perspective. The UKIM also emphasizes that Dawah should he offered within a framework of dialogue, mutual understanding and wise counselling

Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and excellent admonition; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious

(Al-Quran - 16: 125)

Wisdom implies that one should he mindful of the sensitivities of the people being addressed, have an understanding of their background, beliefs and ideas, and employ most appropriate and effective methods and channels of communication. Dawah with Wisdom therefore implies that:

• 1. The Islamic message should he made relevant to the particular society in which one is working, just as it was made relevant by all the Prophets to their own people
• 2. The Islamic message should he presented using a language and terminology that is understood by the people being addressed, in a logical, reasonable, convincing and friendly way.
• 3. The Islamic message should not he forced on people; rather a dialogue and social interaction at a deeper level should he established.

In light of this, the UKIM uses all available means that are within the framework of Islam to convey its message to our community and society. These means include meeting people on an individual basis, organizing Dawah stalls and exhibitions, visiting schools and hospitals, running study circles, training programs, community and public meetings at local levels, and organizing regular seminars and conferences at regional and national levels. The mass media, print media (such as books, leaflets, newsletters, etc.) and electronic media (such as the Internet and e-mail) are also used for the propagation of Islam and the dissemination of the UKIM’s message and work.

Jamaat (Disciplined Organization)

In addition to an emphasis on Da’wah, the UKIM believes that Muslims must work together in an organized and disciplined manner, so that Islamic workers can be effective in their efforts and also help and support each other in this noble cause.

The benefits of working together through an organized and disciplined movement are numerous. In particular, an organized movement increases the social and political capacity of a people and enables effective actions to be taken for building a just and moral society. Also, an organized and disciplined movement:

• 1. Is an effective vehicle for Dawah?
• 2. It provides a means for the on-going spiritual, moral, intellectual and social development of its members (Tarbiyya)
• 3. It binds people around a common faith and shared vision for society.
• 4. It provides cultural values and an Islamic atmosphere. This offers protection from the onslaught of a dominant immoral and corrupt culture that may exist in society.
• 5. It is able to poo1 talents, resources and efforts for promoting good and checking wrong in society.

In light of this, the UKIM actively invites Muslims, who agree with its aims and methodology of work, to join its organization and work with other Islamic workers in a disciplined manner. More people working together mean more resources and skills for Islamic work. As the UKIM is a non-sectarian organization, its membership is open to all Muslims who are willing to work for Islam in our society.

Tarbiyya (Spiritual And Self-Development)

When a person joins the UK1M and becomes its member, he or she is encouraged and assisted to develop God-consciousness, a strong relationship with Allah, strong brotherhood and sisterhood, as well as acquiring a basic knowledge and understanding of the Islamic faith and values. These are crucial for becoming good Muslims and effective Islamic workers in society. This is why the UKIM considers personal development an important part of its methodology. The more knowledgeable, refined, skilful and cultured members become, the more likely they are to understand issues, analyze and solve problems creatively, relate to others in a more mature manner and be morally upright.

Successful is he who purifies it (i.e. his soul), and loser is he who corrupts it .

(Al-Quran - 91: 9-10)

For the UKIM, all Islamic workers need to gain a basic knowledge and understand of Islam. This includes knowing what is obligatory (fard and wajib) and prohibited (haram), how to perform the basic acts of worship and be familiar with the life and basic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah he upon him). In addition, the workers of the UKIM are encouraged to keel) a check on basic human faults and weaknesses and to ensure that these do not dominate their character. Such faults include temperamental imbalance, outward piety, confused priorities and impious motives, as well as bad language, spying, backbiting, disrespect far others, intolerance, antisocial behavior and being involved in other things that are prohibited. Regular stocktaking and self-assessment is also encouraged as these help in cultivating good manners, attitudes and behavior (akhlaq) in human character and develops self-discipline.

Thus, tile primary aim of Tarbiyya for the UKIM is to help Muslims develop a strong faith in Allah and a sense of accountability to Him on the day of judgment, a moral character, deep knowledge and an integrated and balanced personality. People who aim to change their society and world need to develop and nurture these characteristics.