Eman Sakina

In Islam, adab—a term encompassing manners, ethics, and moral conduct—forms the foundation of a believer’s character and the essence of a healthy Muslim society. It is not merely a set of external behaviours or polite gestures, but a reflection of one’s inner faith (iman) and consciousness of Allah.

Friday Musings

From the way a Muslim greets others to how they speak, eat, or even think, adab is meant to guide every aspect of life. The Prophet Muhammad emphasised that good manners are a manifestation of true piety, stating: “The most beloved of you to me are those who have the best manners.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2018)

This profound emphasis shows that adab is not an optional virtue but a core element of Islamic identity and social harmony.

The Qur’anic Foundation of Adab

The Qur’an repeatedly highlights the importance of noble conduct and good character. Allah says: “And speak to people good [words].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:83)

The command to speak kindly reflects a broader Islamic principle—respect and kindness must govern all interactions. The Qur’an also praises the Prophet as the ultimate model of good manners: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4)

By praising the Prophet’s character, Allah made it clear that ethical excellence is central to faith. The Prophet’s life was a living example of adab in practice—mercy toward the weak, justice toward the strong, and humility before all.

In Islam, good manners are considered a sign of strong faith. The Prophet said: “The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in character.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, 4682)

This shows that faith is not limited to acts of worship like prayer or fasting but extends to interpersonal behaviour. A believer who prays regularly but mistreats others lacks the spiritual completeness that Islam envisions. Adab connects one’s inner belief with outward action, forming a bridge between worship and daily life.

The beauty of adab lies in its universality—it applies to every human relationship. Islam teaches specific manners for dealing with parents, neighbours, elders, children, and even strangers.

Towards Parents:

The Qur’an commands, “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.’” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:24)

Respect and gentleness toward parents are among the highest forms of adab, reflecting gratitude and humility.

Towards Neighbours:

The Prophet said, “He is not a believer whose neighbour is not safe from his harm.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6016)

This stresses the importance of compassion, non-interference, and helpfulness in one’s community.

Towards the Weak and Poor:

Showing adab toward the less fortunate demonstrates moral strength and empathy. Islam condemns arrogance and commands believers to show respect to all, regardless of social status.

In the Family:

Within the home, adab ensures peace and affection. The Prophet said, “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3895)

Such teachings cultivate love and mercy, making the family the first school of good manners.

One of the most visible signs of adab is in the way Muslims communicate. Islam teaches that words can heal or harm, and thus should be used wisely. The Prophet said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6136)

Politeness, truthfulness, and humility in speech prevent social conflicts and maintain unity. Moreover, adab in behaviour—such as greeting with As-salamu alaykum, avoiding gossip, dressing modestly, and treating others with dignity—creates an atmosphere of respect and tranquillity.

In a broader social context, adab fosters justice, cooperation, and peace. A society guided by Islamic manners naturally values honesty, fairness, and responsibility. For instance, business dealings in Islam are not only economic transactions but also moral interactions. The Prophet praised the honest merchant as one who will be “with the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs.”

Similarly, adab toward the environment—avoiding waste, showing mercy to animals, and maintaining cleanliness—is part of one’s moral duty. The Prophet once said that removing a harmful object from the path is a form of charity (Sadaqah). Thus, adab extends beyond human relationships to include all of Allah’s creation.

In Islamic civilisation, education (tarbiyah) has always been intertwined with adab. Classical scholars such as Imam al-Ghazali and Ibn al-Mubarak emphasised that knowledge without manners is incomplete. A well-mannered person with little knowledge is better than a knowledgeable person without adab, for manners protect knowledge from arrogance and misuse.

In traditional Muslim education, students were taught to respect their teachers, handle books with care, and approach learning as an act of worship. This integration of knowledge and character is what produced scholars who were not only learned but also humble and righteous.

In today’s world, where materialism and individualism often overshadow ethics, the revival of adab is more crucial than ever. Social media, competition, and consumer culture have weakened human connections and respect for others. Muslim societies must reestablish adab as a guiding principle—teaching it in homes, schools, and public institutions.

When adab governs our actions, conflicts are reduced, relationships flourish, and communities become compassionate. Without it, even the most religious societies risk falling into hypocrisy and discord. To revive adab is to revive the very essence of Islam: love for Allah, compassion for humanity, and discipline in behaviour. As Muslims, nurturing good manners is not just a social duty—it is an act of worship, a reflection of faith, and a path to the pleasure of Allah.

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“Nothing is heavier on the believer’s scale on the Day of Judgment than good character.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2003) Thus, a society grounded in adab is a society of peace, dignity, and divine blessing.