The Waikato Muslim Students Association (WMSA) recently hosted an inspiring Dawah workshop led by the iERA team at Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand. The iERA team embarked on a 1.5-hour journey from Auckland to deliver this valuable training session to the Muslim students eager to learn the Dawah. For many of the participants, this was their first formal Dawah training, and it was met with great enthusiasm.
The training introduced the students to the GORAP methodology— a structured, simple, and effective approach to conveying the core message of Islam through conversations. The methodology is designed to help participants explain Islamic beliefs in a way that is clear, respectful, and easy for non-Muslims to understand. Over the course of three hours, around 30 students participated in the summarized GORAP session, which focused on breaking down complex theological concepts into digestible parts: God, Oneness, Revelation, and Prophethood.
What made this training special was the interactive nature of the session. The students were actively engaged, participating in role-playing exercises, asking questions, and discussing real-life Dawah scenarios. iERA New Zealand team ensured that every attendee felt comfortable and confident in applying the principles they were learning. The energy in the room was tangible, as students embraced their newfound knowledge and skills.
For many of the participants, this was a transformative experience. One student shared,
“Before the workshop, Dawah felt intimidating, and I wasn’t sure how to start a conversation about Islam. But after learning the GORAP method, I feel confident and excited to share my faith in a way that’s simple and approachable.”
The success of the workshop was quickly put to the test. The very next day, Waikato University held its annual Islamic Awareness Day, where the students had the opportunity to use their new Dawah skills in practice. With newfound confidence, the students set up information booths, distributed literature on Islam, and engaged in meaningful conversations with fellow students about the faith. The feedback was immediate and overwhelmingly positive—many felt they had gained the tools needed to articulate Islamic beliefs more effectively.
The positive impact of the training didn’t stop there. The students now plan to continue applying the GORAP methodology in future outreach events, both on and off-campus. This workshop marks the beginning of what is likely to be a long and fruitful relationship between WMSA and iERA. The students are already discussing future collaborations, follow-up training sessions, and even broader Dawah campaigns within the wider community.
The journey to Hamilton may have lasted just a few hours, but the knowledge and skills imparted during this session will continue to bear fruit for months and years to come. The iERA New Zealand team, through their expertise and dedication, has empowered a new generation of Dawah practitioners, ready to share the beauty and truth of Islam with compassion and confidence.
Challenges are a natural part of the Dawah journey, and the students have already begun reflecting on how to overcome them. Some are looking for ways to improve their conversational skills, while others are focusing on maintaining consistency in their outreach efforts. However, the iERA team’s encouragement and support have given them the tools to not only navigate these challenges but also thrive in their Dawah efforts.
This workshop serves as a powerful reminder of how a single day of training can spark a lasting transformation. The Waikato students are now equipped not only with knowledge but with the courage and motivation to continue sharing Islam, and through their efforts, we can expect to see an even greater impact on their university community and beyond.
As one student put it, “The workshop didn’t just teach us about Dawah—it inspired us. Now, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to share the message of Islam in a way that is thoughtful, kind, and sincere.”
The seeds of Dawah have been planted, and with continued effort and guidance, the impact of this workshop will only continue to grow, Insh’Allah.
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