Introduction to Ahmad Deedat ๐โจ
Comprehensive Definition and Background
Ahmad Deedat (1918-2005) was a renowned South African Islamic scholar, preacher, and public speaker. He was a founding member and president of the Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI) in Durban, established in 1957. Deedat is celebrated for his rigorous defense of Islam against the criticisms of Christian missionaries, achieving worldwide acclaim for his theological debates and compelling lectures.
Etymology and Lifespan ๐
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Etymology:
- Deedat is a common surname in the Indian subcontinent of Arabic origin, while Ahmad is one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, meaning “highly praised” or “one who constantly thanks God.”
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Lifespan:
- Born on July 1, 1918, in Surat, British India, Deedat passed away on August 8, 2005, in Durban, South Africa.
Historical Facts & Dates ๐
- 1957: Founded the Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI) in Durban.
- 1986: Awarded the King Faisal International Prize for Services to Islam.
- Achieved recognition for his famous debates with Christian missionaries, notably with Jimmy Swaggart in the U.S. in 1986.
Ahmad Deedat’s Influence Across Cultures and Religions ๐
Ahmad Deedat stood as a beacon of Islamic da’wah (missionary activity) in the 20th century. His endeavors transcended culture, involving Hindu-background South African Muslims and engaging with varied audiences worldwide. His work initiated critical dialogues between Christians and Muslims, providing alternative perspectives and fostering deeper understanding on religious discourse.
Synonyms & Related Terms
- Synonyms:
- Apologist
- Da’wah Activist
- Islamic Scholar
- Missionary
Key Contributions and Works ๐
Ahmad Deedat wrote several influential books, including:
- “What the Bible Says About Muhammad”
- “The Choice”
- “Is the Bible God’s Word?”
Exciting Facts ๐
- Ahmad Deedat was largely self-taught, strengthening his knowledge through consistent study and engagement.
- Many of Deedatโs debates were watched by millions around the world, marking them as significant events in interfaith discourse.
Quotations
“If one man can penetrate men’s minds with truth, still presupposing hostile conditions, room has been made for a dozen other men to follow with good tidings.” - Ahmad Deedat
Literature and Further Studies
- “Islam and Christianity” โ Deedat’s comparative study.
- “The Choice: Islam and Christianity” โ A compilation of Deedatโs writings and debates.
- Investigate “The King Faisal International Prize: The Past Winners, Their Contributions” by Islamic Research and Training Institute for more on Deedatโs recognition.
๐ก Inspirational Farewell Thought: “In the labyrinth of interfaith dialogues, may each word we utter be a bridge, not a barrierโjust as Ahmad Deedat envisioned.”
