Introduction to the Book of Manners

All praise is for Allh. We praise Him; we seek His aid, and His forgiveness.
We seek Allhs refuge from the evils of ourselves and from our evil actions.
Whomsoever Allh guides then none can misguide him, and whomsoever Allh
misguides then none can guide him.
We testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allh, alone, having
no partner, and we testify that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.
Allh completed our religion for us, completed His favours upon us and sent to
us a messenger who is merciful to his nation. The Messenger of Allh r taught
us and guided us to every good and warned us against every evil. The
Messenger of Allh r is no longer present amongst us; however, he left behind
his everlasting teachings which will continue to guide those who seek the
truth. His teachings are comprehensive and universal, involving every aspect of
life which is applicable to the whole of society. From these teachings are a set
of manners and etiquettes which encompass our worldly dealings and religious
affairs.
Allh the Almighty sent Muhammad r the seal of the Prophets, to perfect all
moral values and to serve as the best example for mankind to follow. He I
said,

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{Indeed in the Messenger of Allh (Muhammad r) you have a good example ...}
[Al-Ahzaab 33:21]
He is our best guide and mentor and about him Allh I said:

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Truly, you have the best of manners [Al-Qalam 68:4]
The importance of having good manners in Islm can be understood from the
hadeeth of Abu Hurairah t that the Prophet r said: I have not been sent as a
Messenger, except to perfect character. He r also said that: The nearest of
you to me on the Day of Judgement will be the one who is best in character.
(Bukhaari)
We should strive to be a reflection of the Messenger of Allh r in terms of our
manners, etiquettes and interactions with others. Our personalities should
invite people towards Islm and good. We should exhibit character traits which
Islm teaches; qualities that bring about harmony, peace and brotherhood.
At the time of the Prophet r, one of the polytheists mockingly said to his
companion Salman Al-Farisi: Your Prophet has taught you everything, even
the manners of going to the toilet. Salman answered, Yes, the Prophet
forbade us from facing the Qiblah when urinating or defecating. Salman
continued, The Prophet asked us not to use the right hand when cleaning
ourselves and to use at least three stones for cleaning.
Imaam Zakariya al-Anbari once said: Knowledge without Adab is like fire
without wood, and Adab without knowledge is like a spirit without a body.
The Arabic term Adab (plural Aadaab) in the context of behaviour is defined as
Islmic etiquettes: refinement, good manners, morals, decorum, decency and
humaneness. Adab hence includes all that is good; every noble characteristic,
habit, or trait.
There are different kinds of manners, and so the Islmic ruling changes
depending on the etiquette. A specific manner can be Haraam (forbidden),
Waajib (compulsory), Mustahabb (recommended), Makrooh (disliked), or
Mubaah (permissible).
SAJID IBN AHMED UMAR
9/10/2010

Chapter 1- Importance and etiquettes related to seeking

knowledge
The Shariah and Islmic texts explain in various places the importance and
magnitude of seeking Islmic knowledge, and that indeed the one who
sacrifices to learn all pertaining to Allhs revelation is praised and honoured.
The Prophet r says in a hadeeth found in both the authentic compilations,
that: If Allh wants goodness for someone, He grants him understanding of
the Deen. (Bukhaari and Muslim).
In another hadeeth Rasoolullah r explains that Islmic Knowledge is from the
inheritance of the prophets. In At-Tirmithi and other books of hadeeth, a
narration states that: Indeed, the Prophets never left behind dirhams and
dinars they left behind knowledge as inheritance.
However, an understanding should not be taken from this that knowledge in
regards to other fields, such as those found in the secular world are irrelevant!
Some Scholars have made becoming a doctor or an engineer Fardh Kifaayah
due to their importance to our communities. (Fardh Kifaayah: if some
individuals from society undertake this responsibility, the compulsion is lifted
upon the rest of society).

The Characteristics of a Student of Knowledge

The seeker of Islmic Knowledge must aspire to develop a noble character
based on a calm temperament, excellent morals and noteworthy conduct. In
Soorah al-Qalam, Verse 4, Allh says regarding his messenger Muhammad:

L o n m l kM
And verily (O Muhammad), you are on an exalted standard of character
The Sunnah epitomises the best possible example of social conduct. Anas
narrates that he served Rasoolullah r for ten years, and he never said to him
Uff (a minor harsh word denoting impatience) and never blamed him by
saying why did you do so? and why didnt you do so? (Bukhaari)
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And Abu Hurairah narrates that the Messenger of Allh r said: The most
complete of the believers in Eemaan, is the one who has the best of character.
(At-Tirmithi)
Below are some of the most important qualities and etiquettes for one to be
truly successful as a Student of Knowledge

Sincerity in Intention
Being sincere to Allh is of paramount importance in Islm. Seeking knowledge
is an act of worship, and all worship requires sincerity for it to be accepted.
There are two aspects to this sincerity. The first of these is sincerity in worship.
We must worship Allh alone, offering all of our devotion to Him and to no
other. The second is sincerity in our belief. We must have absolute faith that
Allh alone is our Creator, our Sustainer, and our Lord. Allh says:

ut s r q p o n m l k j i h M
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They were not commanded but that they should worship Allh sincerely and
worship none but Him, and that they should perform prayer and pay Zakaah. That
is the right religion. [Al-Bayyinah 98:5]
The Commander of the Faithful, `Umar bin al-Khattaab, relates that he heard
Allh's Messenger r say: "Actions are but by intentions and every man will
have only what he intended. So whoever emigrated for Allh and His
Messenger, then his emigration was for Allh and His Messenger. And whoever
emigrated to attain something of this world or to marry a woman, then his
emigration was for whatever reason he emigrated." [Bukhaari and Muslim]
The greatest threat to our worship is the threat of insincerity. We can do the
noblest of deeds and make the greatest of sacrifices, but if our intentions are
not right, those deeds become stripped of virtue. This can leave a person
without good deeds on the Day of Judgment.

At-Taqwaa
The recipe to constant advancement as a student of knowledge is Taqwaa
(God Consciousness and the fear of Allh)! At-Taqwaa was advised to those
before us and is the advice for us and those to come after us. Allh says in
Soorah an-Nisaa, Verse 131:

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And we have instructed those who were given the scripture before you and yourselves
to fear Allh
At-Taqwaa was also the advice of Rasoolullah r to his Ummah. Abu Umaamah
reports that he heard the Messenger of Allh r say: Fear your Lord, pray your
five (salaah), fast in your month (Ramadan), pay your Zakaah, obey those of
Islmic authority over you; and you will enter the Paradise of your Lord. (AtTirmithi)

Love for Allh I and Love for His Prophet r

It is incumbent upon us to love Muhammad r for he invited us towards Allh,
and taught us the way of Allh. Consequently all goodness that reaches us
today is because of the sacrifice made by Prophet Muhammad r. Allh says in
Soorah al-Baqarah, Verse 165:

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But those who believe, love Allh more than anything else
And Allh I says in Soorah al-Imraan, Verse 31:

L H G F E D C B A @ ? >M
Say, if you love Allh, then follow me (Muhammad r), so Allh will love you and
forgive your sins
The Messenger of Allh r said: None of you believe until I become the most
beloved to him, more (beloved) than his children, his parents and all of
mankind. (Bukhaari and Muslim)

Seek closeness to Allh

It is highly desirable to seek closeness to Allh I through performing acts of
worship that have not been made obligatory, such as voluntary prayer, charity,
acts of kindness etc. Abu Hurairah narrates that the Prophet r said: Allh I
said: I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper
of Mine. And the most beloved thing with which my slave comes nearer to Me,
is what I have enjoined upon him, and My slave keeps coming closer to Me,
through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides that which
is obligatory) till I love him. Then I become his sense of hearing with which he
hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he
grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if
he asks My protection, I will protect him, and I do not hesitate to do anything
as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to
disappoint him. (Bukhaari)

Know that Allh I is watching you.

The Arabic term "Muraqabah" is defined as knowing that Allh is watching
over us. Allh U says:

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And know that Allh knows what is in your minds, so fear Him
[Al-Baqarah 2:235]

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And Allh is Ever a Watcher over all things. [Al-Ahzaab 33:52]

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And He is with you wherever you may be. [Al-Hadeed 57:4]
In the hadeeth of Jibreel u, when he asked the Prophet r about ihsaan
(goodness and excellence), the Prophet r replied, "Ihsaan is to worship Allh

as if you see Him, but since we do not see Him we should know that He sees us
at all times." (Bukhaari and Muslim)
The meaning of this hadeeth is the definition of muraqabah. It can be defined
as the endurance of the servant's knowledge and his conviction and certainty
that Allh is watching over his internal and external affairs. To have this
knowledge and certainty at all times is called muraqabah.
Al-Junaid said, "The one firm in muraqabah fears the waste of even a moment
for other than his Lord."
Dhun-Nun said: "The sign of muraqabah is to favor what Allh has sent down
(of the revelation), to glorify what Allh has glorified, and to despise what Allh
has despised."
Ibrahim Al-Khawas said: "Muraqabah is the sincerity of both the internal and
external to Allh." It has been said that "The best that man may cling to on this
road to Allh is muhaasabah (reckoning of the self), muraqabah, and governing
his conduct with knowledge." (Madarijus-Salikeen, Ibn Al-Qayyim)

Be Humble and distance yourself from Arrogance

Muslim and At-Tirmithi narrate that the Prophet r said: "One will not enter
Paradise, if one has an atoms weight of arrogance in his/her heart." A man
then asked, "One may love his clothes to look good and his shoes to look
good?!" The prophet r replied, "Allh is beautiful and loves beauty, arrogance
is rejecting the truth and looking down on people."
Allh turns the arrogant people away from being guided by His signs. He says
in soorah Al-A`raaf, Verse 146,

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"I shall turn away from My ayaat (verses of the Quraan) those who behave
arrogantly on the earth, in a wrongful manner."

Be Contented and Satisfied

Be contented with Allhs decree and beware of falling into the blameworthy
hole of chasing after the extravagance of this temporary world.
Hold tight to that which is permissible, and refrain from going anywhere near
anything that is impermissible, and that which may contain elements of doubt.
Allh I says in Soorah Ar-R`ad, Verse 28:

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Those who believed, and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allh: verily,
in the remembrance of Allh do the hearts find rest.
Equip yourself with the tools of leadership and learning
Refrain from ineffectual playfulness and joking whilst in public. Laughing aloud,
arguing for no purpose and speaking frivolously are highly deplorable acts!
Without doubt this diminishes self-respect.
A leader in Islm cannot act of his own desires, nor can he submit to the
desires of others, rather he must lead in accordance with the teachings of Allh
and His Prophet r. Hence it is imperative that a student commits himself to his
studies gaining knowledge that will assist him to lead and guide the people.

Refrain from gatherings which result in sin

TIME is precious! Trivial play is not our domain! Whilst balance is necessary in
life, activities which result in the disobedience of Allh must be avoided.
Presence in mixed gatherings, hukka assemblies and aimless cruising are all
detrimental to our ability to acquire knowledge.
On the contrary, associate with a dynamic circle of friends that constantly
remember the Hereafter and seek closeness to Allh. Allh I says in Soorah
at-Taubah, Verse 119:

L I H G F E D C BM
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O you who believe! Be afraid and conscious of Allh, and be with those who are
truthful (in words and deeds)
Be gentle
Adopt a moderate approach in your dealings with others in both your actions
and speech. Severity in forms of scolding, reprimanding, shouting, sternness,
seriousness and firmness in situations not suited is a predetermined recipe for
disaster. Allh says in Soorah Al-Baqarah, Verse 195:

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And do good, for indeed Allh loves those who do good.
Furthermore, Allh says to Moosa and Haroon when sending them to Firawn:

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And speak to him mildly [Taa-Haa 20:44]
This was the advice given when being sent to a person who denied Allh! So
what about when dealing with those who have declared the oneness of Allh
I and accepted the prophecy of his Prophet r!?
Its every worshippers prerogative that they receive their advice and warning
from students of knowledge in a beautiful manner with wisdom. Allh says in
Soorah An-Nahl, Verse 125:

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Invite to the way of your lord (O Muhammed r) with wisdom, and good preaching,
and argue with them in a way that is better
And Allh says in Soorah Aal-`Imraan, Verse 159:

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And by the mercy of Allh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe
and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from around you

Practice what you learn!

Practicing what one learns and preaches is an absolute prerequisite. The
Messenger of Allh r is reported to have said: The Quraan is either evidence
for you or against you (Muslim)
It will be an aid if one implements its teachings.

Wisdom
The endowment of wisdom is a great bequest upon a student of knowledge.
Allh says in Soorah Al-Baqarah, Verse 269:

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He (Allh) grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and he, to whom wisdom is
granted, is indeed granted abundant good
And Allh says in Soorah An-Nahl, Verse 125:

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Invite to the way of your lord (O Muhammed) with wisdom
A wise person is an individual who uses all at his disposal in a manner that is
suitable and rational. Every person and circumstance has a unique method in
its handling. A successful student of knowledge determines the correct
handling of every subject and executes his approach accordingly. Examples of
this are many in the life of Rasoolullah r. The incident of the Bedouin that
urinated in the Masjid is a famous one. The companions were enraged as a
result of this derogatory act! But the Messenger of Allh r prevented them
from harming the Bedouin, and in fact allowed him to complete his urination!!
Then when the Bedouin finished, the Prophet r called him and said: "It is not
appropriate to urinate or relieve yourself in the Masjid, Indeed this is a place
where the remembrance of Allh takes place, and the performance of Salaah,
and the recitation of the Quraan." (Muslim)
Another instance is when the companions of the Prophet r were performing
prayer and a man sneezed. Upon his sneeze, Muaawiyah bin al-Hakm as10

Sulami recited the supplication said to the one who sneezes, whilst still in
prayer. As a result all the companions starred at him strangely. So he said,
What is wrong with you all that you look intently at me like that? In response
the companions began patting their thighs as way to silence him, as they were
all in prayer. So he remained silent and after the prayer was completed, the
Prophet r said: "Indeed this Salaah does not cater for the speech of man, for
indeed it is Tasbeeh and Takbeer, and the recitation of Quraan." (Muslim)
Muaawiyah says: I never saw a teacher after him that was better than him.
From these examples we learn the importance of inviting towards Allh with
wisdom.

Be Patient
Seeking knowledge requires time, sacrifice and effort! Allh I says in Soorah
Hood, Verse 49:

ut s r q p o n m l kj i h g f e M
L z y x wv
This is the news of the unseen we reveal to you (O Muhammad r); neither you nor
your people knew it before this. So be patient. Surely a good end awaits the pious.
Patience also necessitates restraining oneself from issuing ones views
regarding the commands of Allh I, and passing Islmic rulings with haste.
Allh says in Soorah Taa-Haa, Verse 114:

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L 3210
Then high above all be Allh, the true King. And be not in haste with the Quraan
before its revelation is completed to you (O Muhammad r), and say: My Lord!
Increase me in knowledge.
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Respect for Teachers

Reverence of the Ulamaa is essential as they were integral to Islmic
knowledge being passed on from past generations. Engaging in paltry
conversations regarding them is deeply disrespectful and becomes an obstacle
to ones own progress in gaining knowledge.
Give the Ulamaa their due. Never ask a question to test them! And when they
speak, listen attentively. Avoid calling them by their names, but instead call out
saying our teacher as this is more polite.
Nonetheless, whilst its relevant to give them their due; it is also important not
to overdo it! It should be understood that none of us are free from making
mistakes! The only human being free of that was our beloved Prophet r, the
other Messengers of Allh, and the Angels. The Messenger of Allh r said: All
the children of Adam make mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes
are the ones who repent.
Note: The above hadeeth is reported by at-Tirmithi. Weakness regarding this
hadeeths chain of narrators is apparent, however some of the Muhaqqiqoon
(correctors and revisers) have ruled this hadeeth to be HASAN (good and
acceptable), and Allh knows best.
It should be noted though, that any questioning of ones teachers in the event
they do err, must be done with utmost respect and humbleness, and with a
pure intention of learning. If our teacher does make a mistake; it is
disrespectful for us to spread this mistake.

Supplicate
Duaa is an essential part of a believers life. Duaa is indispensable to ones
progress in learning Islmic knowledge whilst serving Allh.
Moosa called out to Allh before continuing upon his way saying:

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O my Lord, open for me my chest, and ease my task for me, and loosen the knot
from my tongue that they understand my speech [Taa-Haa 20:25-28]
Allh says in Soorah Taa-Haa, Verse 114:

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L 3210
Then high above all be Allh, the true King. And be not in haste with the Quraan
before its revelation is completed to you O Muhammed r, and say: My Lord!
Increase me in knowledge.
And Allh I says in Soorah Al-Baqarah, Verse 186:

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And when my slave asks you concerning me, then (tell them), I am indeed near. I
respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on me. So let them obey me
and believe in Me, so that they be led alright
Abu Hurairah narrates that the Messenger of Allh r said that: Allh I said: I
will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine.
And the most beloved thing with which my slave comes nearer to Me, is what I
have enjoined upon him, and My slave keeps coming closer to Me, through
performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides that which is
obligatory) till I love him. Then I become his sense of hearing with which he
hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he
grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if
he asks My protection, I will protect him, and I do not hesitate to do anything
as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to
disappoint him. (Bukhaari)

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Never speak without knowledge!

The aspect of passing Islmic Verdicts and Rulings is a great responsibility. With
it, difficulties are removed and problems resolved. This activity should never be
done except by those who are qualified to do so!
This is why it is important to fear Allh I and not offer any verdict that one
doesnt have absolute and complete knowledge about!
Realize that it is Allh I alone who makes anything permissible (Halaal) and
impermissible (Haraam). Allh I detests those who pass verdicts regarding His
Religion from their desires! Allh I says in Soorah Yoonus, Verses 59-60,

w v u t s r q p o n mlM
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L
Say (to the polytheists) tell me, what provision Allh has sent down to you! And
you have made it lawful (halaal) and unlawful (haram). Say, Has Allh
permitted you to do so, or do you invent a lie against Allh. And what think those
who invent a lie against Allh on the day of resurrection?
Allh after warning against associating partners with Him mentions the
immorality of speaking about Him with that which you know not! Allh I in
Soorah Al-Araaf, Verse 33 says:

_ ^ ] \ [ Z Y X W V U T S R Q PM
L l kjihgfe dc ba`
Say, the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are great evil sins and every kind
of unlawful sexual intercourse (fawaahish), whether committed openly or secretly, all
sins, unrighteous oppression, joining partners in worship with Allh for which he has
given no authority, and saying things about Allh for which you have no knowledge

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It is from intelligence, Eemaan, and Taqwaa to answer a question you dont

know enough about by saying, I dont know or this question requires further
research thus I will get back to you with the answer Inshaa Allh.
Even the Messenger of Allh r waited until revelation occurred before he
answered certain questions. How many times do we find in the Book of Allh
I the following statement?

They ask you concerning. Say

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