It is important that all of us know the meaning and the importance of da'wa. Especially those Muslims living in the West need to understand the dynamics of da'wa and be an active participant in this process. It is the duty of every Muslim to explain what is Islam and to invite people to learn the essence of finding peace by submitting one's self to the Divine natural order.

The process of da'wa does not require us to convert people but it does require us to convey the message of 'submission to the will of God' through various means of communication and most importantly by being an example of our faith. Participation in the process of da'wa can be at various levels.

Everyone of us, has to bear witness to the truth before all mankind as Allah says in the Quran: 

"And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind, and that the Apostle might bear witness to it before you". Quran 2:143 

Under a rapidly growing influence of globalization, people are forgetting the meaning of faith, of religious practice and seldom think or speak about God. Following the example of the Prophet we should start with our family and relatives: 

"And warn (whomever thou canst reach, beginning with) thy kinsfolk". Quran 26:213 

This means that every one of us, man and woman, brother and sister, must first pay attention to what is going on in our own family and among our relatives. It makes no sense to go around speaking about Islam whereas our own children are left behind, abandoned and lost. 

We need to focus on the fundamental principles and the methodology of Dawa as a reminder to ourselves, so that we can adapt these in our day-to-day life. 

Following are some major principles we must not forget when we are speaking about da'wa: