Practicing da`wah is a basic duty of every Muslim who is required to set a good example for others and to live according to the morals and ethics of Islam. Setting a good example for others – especially close relatives – and being helpful to them are among the best means to reach their hearts and achieve success in da`wah.
Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada , states: As a daa’iya, the best and the most successful principle to be consistently followed in da`wah work is to set a good example: Show them through your treatment and behavior that you care for them, that you are selfless, and that you seek to have an exemplary character. This was the secret of the miraculous success of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It was primarily through his examples, selflessness and beautiful character that he turned the most stubborn enemies into ardent supporters.
Therefore, a da’iya is best advised to read the Prophet’s examples as a da`iyah; please consult the relevant postings on this site on this subject and reflect upon them and practice them diligently. May Allah the Almighty implant in our hearts love for His messenger and may He help us to emulate his beautiful examples— amen.