da'wah

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. One wonders at the weakness that has befallen the Muslim Ummah. It has become so weak that its enemies no longer respect it. What are the causes of such weakness? Why have we become an easy prey to our enemies in the East and the West? Why do people despise us?

I see a growing trend in the Islamic community towards activism and institutional development and I think this is a good thing. Yet at the same time I also fail to see a strong emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge and the understanding of Islam. While many young Muslims are capable of organizing conferences and working in groups, I see a few of these young Muslims emphasizing the study of Islam and the importance of connecting with its history with the same vigor. Please comment on my concern and what you think we can do to avoid this situation.

Dear scholars, I am a woman. Can you give me advice on how I can be a da`iyah (feminine form of “da`i,” one who invites people to Islam?