The Importance of Adab, Etiquette, & Character Before Seeking Sacred Knowledge

قال الإمام عبدالله بن المبارك رحمه الله: (طلبت الأدب ثلاثين سنة، وطلبت العلم عشرين سنةً، وكانوا يطلبون الأدب قبل العلم).
وقال: (كاد الأدب أن يكون ثلثي الدين).
وقال أيضاً: (نحن إلى قليل من الأدب أحوج منا إلى كثير من العلم).

Imam Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, May Allah have mercy on his soul, said:
“I learned etiquette for 30 years, then I learned (sacred) knowledge for 20 years because (the righteous predecessors) used to learn manners and etiquette before knowledge.”

He also said, “Adab, manners, is like 1/3 of the religion. We are more in need of a little Adab, manners, than a lot of knowledge (with no manners).”

When Angel Jibreel AlaihiSalam came down to teach the Ummah faith, the first lesson he taught was a lesson in manners in the way he and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sat and faced one another in utmost respect and veneration towards one another.
May Allah bless us with adab, ilm, and wisdom, for whoever has been given wisdom, has been given a bountiful share. Ameen.

- Hibr Institute