Islam as Ad Bus

Through advertisements on Islam entitled "Sowing Peace", many Chicago residents who converted to Islam. This month alone, no fewer than four citizens of Chicago embrace Islam.
Over the past ten years, Leslie C. Toole was considering Islam. Even when the teacher is looking at the ad asalChicago as something simple yet so prominently visible on the bus, he thought the right moment had come. "I never really committed and when I saw the sign I guess that's the last sign to improve my business," said Toole, 45 years.
Toole has found Islam accidentally on a street corner ten years ago when a man gave him a pamphlet that says he will find enlightenment in it. "I kept reading and reading and I wanted to make sure I understand what is involved with?" He said innocently.
He talked about things that brighten it up a month ago. At that time, crossing in front of Chicago Transit Authority bus. The sign caught his attention and he finally dialed the number on the ad giants. "How to become a member of Islam is my main question," said Toole who formally converted to Islam 29 September.
Her story is similar to the other Chicago this month also accepted Islam. He also inspired the Islamic campaign ads Sowing Peace in an area in Chicago sponsored by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA).
ICNA not play games to bring Islam to other Americans. Gelontorkan funds they were big enough that is worth 30,900 U.S. dollars 309 million (at the exchange rate $ 1 $ 10 thousand). The fund is for making pamphlets stuck on 25 bus yagn across Chicago. The ad directs people to contact-free channels of Islam, 800 662, and a website set up to help those who seek answers about Islam.
Initially the campaign is mounted to the one-month period from 19 September to 20 October. However, given the high interest and enthusiastic people to these ads, finally running ads in the bus is extended to 23 November. Their phone lines had been inundated caller. Thousands hunt caller information via the channel, even if it is added to the internet, no less than 300 thousand people are hunting for information about Islam.
When people are curious Chicago dialed, MenggapaiDamai (GainPeace) also gave them copies of the Qur'an in English, magazine Message about Prophet Muhammad as brochures and books related to Islam.
Campaigners say that the bus ad campaign goal is to find a novel way to control the people to information about Islam. "The topic of advertising is the Islamic way of life with the names of the different prophets," said Saabeel Ahmed, Director GainPeace told IOL.
Ahmed said that the duty-free channel and Internet site, allows for a person to have the opportunity to learn more about Islam, the opportunity to call the Muslims who are knowledgeable (alim) to straighten out misconceptions, biases from fear. "We wanted to create a line via the website so that people can interact with us and work communally, to know each other better," said Ahmed.
Toole assess ICNA ads dibesut quite brilliant. "It was very simple, but perfect as if to say," You puunya question? Reach for the answer "is a brilliant way to attract people's attention," said Toole, adding that the idea is very simple, but very enjoyable. "I've never seen anything like this before."
ICNA, a grassroots organization of New York which has 22 branches in the United States, also organized similar campaigns in Seattle and New York. In the Big Apple, 1000 ad drove in subway cars in the city. The contents tickle; describe visual format questions people might have about Islam and answers.
Due to a successful campaign, other cities in the United States and Canada have asked the group to start a similar project. A U.S. survey has recently revealed the American people knew little about Islam. Advertising is like a drop of water in the arid desert.
GainPeace role does not end with advertising and Islamic education only. When a person embracing Islam, the group has raised a "brother" who became a mentor to convert, by providing information, support, and advice. "Mentor is like a guardian angel," said Ahmed, Director GainPeace. The mentor and the Muslim convert face to face and deal with mail and phone. Toole, who has chosen a new name Muslim Ilyas, was thrilled by his mentor. "He's very helpful at all. He has given me a lot of books for me to move forward. "
GainPeace creed package also provides for the convert, which includes: a DVD tutorial prayers, brief instructions read the Koran, and various brochures about Islam. Metreka also offers online classes once a week for the converts. And a class like this is always anticipated Ilyas to follow. "I can learn everything about the lifestyle of Muslims to practice prayer and Arabic," he said proudly.
Ilyas said that the more he learned about Islam, the more convinced he had made the right decision. "This is really perfect for me. It's hard to explain because when you know something is true, it is really a feeling so deep in your heart. "

source: kisahmuallaf.com