Islamic Etiquettes (Adab)

Overview

Adab (أدب) refers to the comprehensive code of social, personal, and spiritual etiquettes taught in Islam. Far from being mere formalities, Islamic etiquettes reflect the believer's relationship with Allah, with other people, and with the world around them. The Prophet Muhammad was described as 'the walking Quran' by Aisha (Sahih Muslim 746), meaning his character perfectly embodied Islamic etiquette.

Etiquettes of Greeting

The Islamic greeting is 'As-Salamu Alaykum' (Peace be upon you). The Prophet said: 'You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not guide you to something that will make you love one another? Spread the salam among yourselves' (Sahih Muslim 54). The younger greets the older, the walking person greets the sitting one, and the smaller group greets the larger (Sahih al-Bukhari 6231).

Etiquettes of Eating and Drinking

Say Bismillah before eating, eat with the right hand, eat from what is nearest to you, do not criticize food, thank Allah after finishing. The Prophet said: 'A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must eat more, then a third for his food, a third for his drink, and a third for air' (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2380).

Etiquettes of the Home

Seek permission before entering, announce your arrival by greeting, enter with the right foot saying Bismillah and the dua of entering, remove shoes, greet family members, and maintain cleanliness and order. The Prophet said: 'When any of you enters his home, let him say the greeting of salam' (Sunan Abu Dawud 5096).