Hadith #931

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ كَلَفَ بِالأدَبِ قَلَّتْ مَساوِيهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever is keen about [acquiring] good etiquette, his vices will decrease.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (adab) "أدَبِ" refers to good etiquette, manners, and behavior. It encompasses all aspects of one's conduct, both in private and public settings. It includes showing respect, kindness, and consideration towards others, as well as observing the proper decorum in various situations.

The word (qallat) "قَلَّتْ" means to decrease or diminish. It implies that when a person actively seeks to acquire good etiquette, their vices and negative traits will gradually decrease. This highlights the transformative power of adab in purifying one's character and elevating their spiritual state.

To further understand the significance of good etiquette in Islam, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 etiquette and respectful behavior. It teaches us that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in worldly status or lineage.

Another verse that highlights the significance of good etiquette is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages Muslims to speak in the best manner, choosing words that are kind, truthful, and beneficial. It warns against falling into the traps of Satan, who seeks to create discord and division among people. By practicing good etiquette in our speech, we can foster harmony and unity within our communities.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. When a person actively seeks to acquire good etiquette, they are essentially striving to align their behavior with the teachings of Islam. This requires self-awareness, self-discipline, and a sincere desire for self-improvement.

By focusing on good etiquette, one becomes more conscious of their actions and their impact on others. They become more considerate, empathetic, and respectful in their interactions. This not only enhances their relationships with others but also cultivates a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Moreover, the process of acquiring good etiquette naturally leads to a decrease in vices and negative traits. When one is committed to embodying the values of Islam, they become more aware of their shortcomings and strive to rectify them. For example, a person who is conscious of their tendency to speak ill of others may actively work on controlling their tongue and refraining from gossip.

The consequences of practicing good etiquette are far-reaching. It not only improves our relationships with fellow Muslims but also has a positive impact on society as a whole. When individuals prioritize adab, they contribute to the creation of a harmonious and compassionate community, where mutual respect and understanding prevail.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transformative power of good etiquette in purifying one's character and reducing vices. By actively seeking to acquire adab, Muslims can align their behavior with the teachings of Islam and foster harmonious relationships with others. This practice not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the creation of a virtuous and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody good etiquette in all aspects of our lives.