Adab (Islam)

Not to be confused with Adab (gesture).
Part of a series on
Islamic
jurisprudence
(Fiqh)
Etiquette
Adab
Sex segregation
Mahram
Honorifics
Toilet
 
Islamic studies
Arabic
أدب
Transliteration
Adab
Translation
behavior
This is a sub-article of Islamic jurisprudence and etiquette.

Adab, in the context of behavior, refers to prescribed Islamic etiquette: "refinement, good manners, morals, decorum, decency, humaneness".[1] While interpretation of the scope and particulars of Adab may vary among different cultures, common among these interpretations is regard for personal standing through the observation of certain codes of behavior.[2] To exhibit Adab would be to show "proper discrimination of correct order, behavior, and taste."[2]

Islam has rules of etiquette and an ethical code involving every aspect of life. Muslims refer to Adab as good manners, courtesy, respect, and appropriateness, covering acts such as entering or exiting a washroom, posture when sitting, and cleansing oneself. According to Sahih Bukhari, Muhammad refrained from bad language; neither a 'Fahish nor a Mutafahish. He used to say "The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character."

Contents

Examples of encouraging Adab

Quran

Hadith or (sayings of Mohammad)

Sunni hadith:

Shi'a hadith:

A narration attributed to Muhammad reports:

“ The adornments of the world are three things: means, children and a wife.

The adornments of the afterworld are three things: knowledge, 'keeping away[3]' and charity.

The adornments of the body are three things: little eating , little sleeping and little talking.

The adornments of the heart are three things: patience, silence and gratitude"[4]

 ”

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ Firmage, Edwin Brown and Weiss, Bernard G. and Welch, John W. Religion and Law. 1990, page 202-3
  2. ^ a b Ensel, Remco. Saints and Servants in Southern Morocco. 1999, page 180
  3. ^ "keeping away" implies "keeping away from evil and doing what is right"
  4. ^ "Zivare donyah se chiz ast: mal, farzand va zan. Zinate akerat se chiz ast: elm, parhizgari va zadage. Zinate badan: Kam khordan, kam khabidan va kam koftan. Va zinate Ghalb: Sabr, zukot va shokr." "Nasayeh: sayings of the fourteen infalibles, 1001 sayings", by Ali Meshkini.