Why Is Etiquette More Important Than Knowledge?

Knowledge in the hands of the civilised is a tool to build civilisation and bring goodness to others. However, without adab, knowledge can become a source of harm to many. In Islam, Allah provides clear guidance that before one attains knowledge, one must prioritise taqwa.

‘Taqwa must be prioritised before knowledge, and one of the branches of taqwa is adab,’ said Ustaz Adi Hidayat (UAH) in one of his lectures on YouTube.

This is evident in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 282:

…وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَۗ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللّٰهُۗ وَاللّاهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيْمٌ

Meaning, ‘Be mindful of Allah; Allah will teach you, and Allah is Knowing of all things.’

Taqwa is mentioned in the Qur’an 240 times, with the terms taqi (‘the one who possesses it’) and muttaqin (the plural). This underlines the importance of this trait as a moral foundation in Islam.

Interestingly, one of the offspring of taqwa is adab. Among the characteristics of those who are muttaqin is a good relationship with Allah, with fellow humans, and with the environment around them.

The main attribute of a muttaqin is their adab towards Allah. In the Qur’an, Surah az-Dzariyat, verses 15–23, Allah describes the pious as servants who constantly maintain their relationship with Him through worship, gratitude, and obedience to His commands. They recognise their own weaknesses and rely wholly on Allah’s mercy.

In addition to the relationship with Allah, muttaqin are also known for their adab towards the environment and fellow humans. In Surah Ali Imran, verses 133–134:

“And race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and the earth prepared for those who are pious.” “(That is) those who give in charity in good times and in hardship, and those who restrain their anger and forgive others. And Allah loves the doers of good.” (QS Ali Imran 133-134)

‘The adab should take precedence over knowledge because adab is a moral attitude that guides us to behave well. If someone who is knowledgeable does not have good adab, they can cause greater damage than someone who has not yet acquired knowledge,’ explained UAH.