Hadith #893

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Good etiquette in a person is like a tree whose roots are the intellect.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of good manners and etiquette in a person's character. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "adab" in Arabic refers to good manners, etiquette, and proper conduct. It encompasses a wide range of virtues such as respect, humility, kindness, patience, and honesty. It is through good etiquette that one can cultivate harmonious relationships with others and attain spiritual growth. The word "insan" refers to a human being, highlighting that this Hadith is applicable to all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares good etiquette to a tree, symbolizing its strength, stability, and growth. Just as a tree's roots provide nourishment and stability, the intellect serves as the foundation for good manners. The intellect enables us to understand the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy. It guides us to make wise decisions and act in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the significance of good etiquette and the role of intellect in shaping one's character. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 the importance of knowing and understanding one another, which can only be achieved through good manners and etiquette. By treating others with respect and kindness, we foster unity and harmony within society. The verse also highlights that true nobility lies in righteousness, which is a product of good character and moral conduct.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:70), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse reminds us of the inherent dignity and honor bestowed upon every human being. It is through good manners and etiquette that we uphold this honor and fulfill our purpose as Allah's vicegerents on Earth. By treating others with kindness and respect, we acknowledge their worth and fulfill our responsibility towards them.

The consequences of practicing good etiquette are far-reaching. When we embody good manners, we create an atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding. Our interactions become a means of spreading positivity and uplifting others. Good etiquette also strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as it reflects our sincerity and devotion to Him.

Moreover, good etiquette has a transformative effect on our own selves. It purifies our hearts, enhances our spirituality, and brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It enables us to navigate through the challenges of life with grace and resilience. Just as a tree provides shade, fruits, and beauty, good manners enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense value of good etiquette in our lives as Muslims. It is through the cultivation of good manners that we can truly embody the teachings of Islam and follow in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to develop good manners and etiquette, and may He bless us with the ability to be a source of goodness and inspiration for others.