Adab Above All Knowledge
We are often seduced by numbers and rankings. Amid the increasingly fierce competition in the world of education, many forget to ask: what is the point of pursuing knowledge if it is not accompanied by noble character?
That question seems to have found a real answer in the figure of Nabila Anggraeni, a Year 12 student at SMA Muhammadiyah Kota Serang who graduated in 2025. This quiet girl harboured a deeply touching story. During her three years at school, almost no one knew she was an orphan. She kept her circumstances secret for a reason—simply so as not to become a burden to others, and so she could continue her studies in peace.
Every day, Nabila walked a two-kilometre round trip between school and the Hubbul Qur’an al-Islami Islamic boarding school. She covered that distance to save on transport costs that were beyond her means. After formal lessons ended, she would immediately enter the pesantren environment, delving into the study of nahwu, shorof, fiqh, and even tasawuf under the guidance of K.H. Mad Hatta, Lc. Not only that, she had memorised 29 juz of the Quran, diligently observed voluntary fasts, and still made time for her hobby of playing badminton.
When the author asked what expression was most deeply embedded in her heart, her answer was brief yet profound: “Al-adabu fauqal ’ilmi” (adab is above knowledge). In her explanation, knowledge that is not accompanied by adab will not benefit its owner or others. Conversely, a person of noble character, even if their knowledge is not yet extensive, will find it easier to be respected and accepted in social life.
This view aligns with the teachings of earlier scholars, who always placed character building as the primary foundation before broadening one’s horizons. Sadly, this spirit is increasingly being eroded by the times. We still often encounter knowledgeable people who are arrogant, forget to respect their educators, or feel superior to others. Yet, the true purpose of education in Islam is to perfect one’s character.
Nabila’s story is living proof that limitations are no barrier to growing into a resilient and courteous individual. She studied alongside Fathullah, another santri who also attended school there and had memorised 30 juz, demonstrating that an environment that upholds adab will produce a generation that is excellent and beneficial.
This story deserves to be a mirror for all of us—from parents and educators to policymakers. Do not let numerical grades displace noble values, as was instilled in Nabila. Knowledge can be pursued throughout one’s life, but adab must be embedded from the very beginning. It is the true distinction between a person who is merely knowledgeable and a person who truly brings blessings to their surroundings.