Lessons from Mufti Abdur Rahman Waheed
The ‘classroom’ of the Prophet (sa) was unique because this was the only classroom where each ‘student’ (the Companions) attained a position of honour across generations. The hallmark of these students who were diverse in terms of lineage, socio-economic status, learning ability and skill set was their commitment and absolute respect (Adab) for both Allah’s (swt) Words and their teacher, the Prophet (sa).
What is Adab?
Adab is defined as courtesy, respect, etiquettes and good manners that is manifest in our behaviour and every action.
What is the importance of Adab?
When Imam Maalik told his mother that he wanted to pursue the knowledge of Deen, she advised him to learn Adab from his teacher first.
Shah Waliullah explains the importance of etiquettes: ‘A person who becomes lazy about following the etiquettes of certain things, then a day will come when he will become lazy with the Sunnah. If you become relaxed with Sunnah, a day will come when it will become easier for you to miss obligations.’
Consider the prayer. Certain parts of the prayer are obligatory, some are Sunnah, some recommended. There are also the etiquettes of prayer, without which a prayer will still be valid. An example of such a behaviour is using a prayer mat so that the requisite of a clean place for worship is fulfilled. Of course you may pray on grass, or any rug or even on the clean floor, but to ensure that you have a dedicated sheet/ rug shows you are always prepared for Salaah.
Imam Malik said: ‘Good manners is the source of every single virtue.’ We are more in need of a small amount of Adab than we are in need of a large amount of knowledge. Many people are turned away from Deen because of a knowledgeable but ill-mannered person.
Advising at the right time and in a respectful manner will ensure that your audience at least weighs your words. Similarly, performing an action with pleasing manners is a sign that it will be accepted by Allah (swt).
Abdur Rahman bin Qasim spent 20 years with Imam Malik as a student. For 18 years out of which, he was taught etiquettes (how to sit, wear clothes, begin Wudu). Yet, wished he had spent all 20 years learning good manners from him.
Now you see people frequenting the Masjid but they don’t know how to park the car, place their shoes, meet people, or even sit together in a manner that indicates an empathy for people and a goodwill attitude.
The top 4 Adab before you begin your journey to learn
- Constant correction of Intention: It is easy to get derailed on the journey to seeking knowledge. Imam Sufyan Ath Thawri felt that of all the good deeds, the most difficult to attain was sincerity of intention.The lowest punishment Allah (swt) gives to an insincere person is that Allah snatches sweetness of Ibadah from their life. Your intention is to bring about a change in your attitude and behaviour based on what you learn, and then become a source of positive change in society through his goodwill and advice. Your ultimate destination is closeness to Allah (swt) in Jannah and for this you must enlighten your heart with the understanding of Quran and Sunnah, i.e you must determine your goal and choose your companion before you begin your journey.
- You have to work hard and be patient with the struggle. We’re living in a ‘snowflake era’ where people expect to be appreciated for simply showing up with little accountability. As a pious predecessor pointed out: ‘The treasure of bounties lies on the peak of calamities.’ Your eventual comfort will be in the discomfort you will incur in pushing yourself.
- You must be consistent and punctual. We must wait for the teacher, the teacher should not wait for us.
- Respect your teacher and the knowledge that you are being taught.
‘No one attains the status they attain except for (or by the virtue of) respect, and no one fell from status except that they did not have respect.’
Honour and respect are more important than obedience. For instance, when you come to class, come in a state of Wudu. Imam Malik would dress in his best clothes and perfume when teaching.
What is good intention?
You’re learning only for Allah (swt) and nothing else. Ali bn Fudayl was asked why the stories of the Companions are so beautiful? He replied that this is because they did not want anything except Allah’s (swt) Pleasure. Someone else asked why their statements are are so much more beneficial than ours? This is because they spoke to honour Islam. We tend to speak to honour ourselves and to please people. So introspect and hold yourself accountable for your intention, words and behaviour every single day.
What should you not intend?
The scholars often recommended that you should learn something through identifying its opposite.
- You don’t have to express your intention to everyone. Don’t study knowledge to be considered a scholar- be a student of knowledge. Sufyan Ath Thawri was asked: ‘Till when are you classified as a student of knowledge?’ He answered: ‘Till death.’
- You’re not studying to be able to debate with people.
- You’re not studying to look for honour or praise from people. Abu Hazam advised that you should hide your good deeds more than you hide your bad deeds.
Do your actions change after gaining knowledge? Wait quietly for a couple of minutes after the class to let the ideas sink in. Mentally summarize what you’ve learnt and make a checklist of immediate and long term actionable points.
Remember that the actions before and after any good deed are important determinants of its acceptability. In a Hadith, walking towards the Masjid, making Wudu, and waiting for the next prayer are all commendable acts because they are pre- and post-acts that honour the prayer itself. They wipe away your bad deeds, so ensure that your effort in gaining knowledge adds to your good deeds.
This Ramadan, may Allah (swt) grant us Adaab to understand and appreciate Islam. May our worship be mindful, may our Iman be sweet may our soul be content may our body be fulfilled and may Allah’s (swt) pleasure be our ultimate goal. Ameen
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