Friday, December 4, 2009

"Adab-e-Islami" or Islamic Behavioral Etiquette

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 working with others, talking to family, talking to friends, entering or exiting a washroom, posture when sitting, and cleansing oneself. Unfortunately, we have many Muslims who don't even know what Adab-e-Islami is. This is a result of the dry, legalistic, and literal interpretations of Islam that many Muslims are exposed to. This of course is a result of various political factions within the Islamic world that want to dominate one's belief in order to submit to their politics vs. true Islamic spirituality, morals, and values. What good is it to defend the Civil Rights of Muslims, when you forget what being a Muslim is all about? I think many people have taken up the idea of the "ends justifying the means" attitude towards their practice of Islam, which is counter-productive to the peace that Islam offers it's adherents. We as Muslims only do things if it is with a positive intent, however sarcasm and hurtful words are not part of Islamic Adab. Here are some references from The Holy Qur'an in relations to Adab-e-Islami:

"See you not how Allâh sets forth a parable? - A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high)...... And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth having no stability." Qur'an 14: 24, 25. Ibrahim Sura

"Repel evil with that which is best: We are Well-acquainted with the things they say."—Qur'an 23:96.

"And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: 'To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.'"—Qur'an 28:55.

"Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good."—Qur'an 3:134.

"When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things."—Qur'an 4:86.

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