Teaching by example

Teaching by example
Abu Qatada (RA) said: “We were sitting in the Masjid when Rasulullah (SAW) came upon us carrying his great granddaughter. She was a child and he was carrying her on his shoulder. The Prophet (SAW) led the people in prayer while she was on his shoulder. When he bowed in prayer, he put her down and picked her up when he got up. He kept on doing this until he finished his prayer.”  (Sunan of Abu Dawud)
Comment on the hadith: “The purpose behind the action of Rasulullah (SAW) carrying his great granddaughter in the prayer was to set an example for those who considered having daughters and carrying them around as something bad or shameful. Rasulullah (SAW) acted differently from them and carried a girl on his neck in the prayer. Making something clear by example is much more effective than a mere precept.” (Fiqh-us-Sunnah)