Hadith #938

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاحَسَبَ كالأدبِ۔" which translates to,

There is no merit like good etiquette.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance and value of having good manners and etiquettes in Islam. Let us delve deeper into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hasaba) "حَسَبَ" in this Hadith refers to merit, virtue, or excellence. It signifies the qualities or attributes that elevate a person's status in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is important to note that in the context of this Hadith, the word "حَسَبَ" is used to highlight the significance of good etiquette as a means of attaining merit or virtue.

The word (adab) "أدب" in this Hadith refers to good manners, proper conduct, and etiquette. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors and attitudes that reflect respect, humility, kindness, and consideration towards others. Good etiquette is not limited to formalities or superficial gestures; rather, it is a reflection of one's character and inner values.

The Quranic verses provide ample evidence of the importance of good etiquette in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4:

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse praises the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for his exemplary manners and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for similar conduct.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from ridiculing or insulting them. It highlights the significance of good etiquette in interpersonal relationships and reminds Muslims to avoid behavior that tarnishes their faith.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that good etiquette holds immense value in Islam. It is not merely a superficial display of manners, but rather a reflection of one's inner righteousness and piety. When a Muslim embodies good etiquette, they demonstrate their commitment to following the teachings of Islam and their love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation.

Having good etiquette impacts various aspects of a Muslim's life. It affects their interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. By treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy, a Muslim can foster harmonious relationships and contribute positively to their community.

Moreover, good etiquette also plays a crucial role in the spiritual development of a Muslim. It cultivates humility, patience, and self-control, which are essential qualities for attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When a Muslim practices good etiquette, they are more likely to avoid sinful behavior, seek forgiveness for their mistakes, and strive for self-improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize good etiquette in their lives. It highlights the significance of treating others with respect, kindness, and empathy. By embodying good manners and etiquettes, Muslims can attain merit and virtue in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in embodying the teachings of Islam and grant us the ability to practice good etiquette in all aspects of our lives.