Hadith #919

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

طَلَبُ الأدَبِ جَمالُ الحَسَبِ۔

This can be translated as,

Seeking [good] etiquette is the embellishment of [one’s] honourable lineage.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (adab) "أدَبِ" in this Hadith refers to good manners, etiquette, and noble behavior. It encompasses a wide range of virtues such as humility, kindness, respect, patience, and honesty. Seeking adab means actively striving to acquire and embody these qualities in our daily lives. It is not merely about superficial politeness, but rather a deep-rooted transformation of character that reflects the teachings of Islam.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good manners in the Quran. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, Allah says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse was revealed about the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), highlighting his impeccable manners and serving as a reminder for all Muslims to follow his example.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and honor lie not in one's lineage or social status, but in one's righteousness and piety. Seeking adab, as mentioned in the Hadith, is the means to attain this true nobility.

The Hadith highlights the significance of seeking adab as the embellishment of one's honorable lineage. It reminds us that our true worth lies not in our ancestry or worldly possessions, but in our character and conduct. By seeking adab, we adorn our lineage with the beauty of noble behavior, elevating ourselves and our families in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge, wisdom, and impeccable character. His deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness serve as an inspiration for all Muslims. His words in this Hadith emphasize the importance of seeking adab as a means to enhance our own honor and that of our families.

When we strive to acquire good manners and etiquette, we not only improve our relationships with others but also strengthen our connection with Allah. Our actions and behavior are a reflection of our faith, and by embodying the teachings of Islam in our conduct, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Allah.

Seeking adab has profound consequences in our personal and social lives. It fosters harmony, empathy, and compassion within our families and communities. It promotes unity and understanding among people of different backgrounds and cultures. It also enhances our spiritual growth and brings us closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking adab as the embellishment of our honorable lineage. It urges us to strive for good manners, noble behavior, and righteous conduct in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we not only adorn our own character but also elevate the status of our families and communities. May Allah guide us all in seeking adab and grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Islam in our interactions and relationships.