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Adaab in Seeking Knowledge
In searching for knowledge, one should have correct attitudes and manners towards it. Knowledge cannot be attained without the right adaab (i.e. manners).
Reflecting upon Ibn Qayyim’ (رحمه الله) words of wisdoms, adaab is how a person represent oneself:
“Adaab is manifesting a beautiful character through extracting it from your nature, the most complete of your abilities in actions, speeches, attitudes & demeanour. Knowledge of manners entails the knowledge of correcting the articulation of the tongue and protecting it from mistakes and malfunctions” -Ibn Qayyim-
Students of knowledge should have the right sincere intention which would be the result from a purified heart and self.
Narrated Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Verily, in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the entire body is sound, and if corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” [Bukhari]
It’s true that nothing is perfect but Allah ﷻ. However a student of knowledge would always seek perfection in one’s character and keep on working to perfect it. As narrated Abu Hurayrah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,“I was sent to perfect good character.” [Al-Albani]
Hence, in perfecting one character, we should try our best to follow the sunnah of Rasulullah (ﷺ) for it is acknowledged that he (ﷺ) was the epitome of good manners.
Scholars of Islam put urgency in having the best adaab in seeking knowledge. Abdullah Ibn al-Mubarak shared his views that he who belittles or devalues manners, will be punished by Allah SWT by being uninspired towards the Sunnah; and he who being prevented from practising the Sunnah, he will be punished by not valuing the compulsory acts of worship. and he who is prevented from the obligatory acts of worship, he will be punished by being prevented from knowledge.
Allah ﷻ says in Surah An-Nahl verses 90:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded [QS 16:90]
Knowledge would be meaningless without the right adaab. in his book stated