[Tanya Jawab Kajian Musawarah] Kenapa Belajar Adab Lebih Lama dibanding Belajar Ilmu ? -UAH-

Summary

In this enlightening talk, Fikri, a teacher, emphasizes the importance of adab (moral etiquette) over knowledge. He cites Imam Malik's 16-year journey to learn adab compared to 4 years for knowledge, highlighting the Quran's emphasis on Taqwa (piety) as a foundation for learning. Fikri explains that adab guides moral behavior, and without it, knowledge can lead to greater harm. He discusses the impact of poor adab on society, the importance of a teacher's character, and the significance of learning adab in Islamic education. The talk concludes with a call for a balanced approach to adab and knowledge, with references to key Islamic scholars and texts.

Takeaways

• 🕌 Imam Malik studied manners (adab) for 16 years and knowledge for 4 years, emphasizing the importance of good conduct over intellectual learning.
• 📚 There are books dedicated to adab (manners) in various aspects of religious practice, such as wudhu (ablution) and salah (prayer).
• 🌿 Quran Surah 2, Ayah 282 stresses the importance of taqwa (God-consciousness) before knowledge, as taqwa leads to understanding and wisdom.
• 👥 Taqwa encompasses having good manners towards Allah and others, with references to Surah 51:15-23 and Surah 3:133-134.
• ⚖️ People with knowledge but without good manners can cause more harm than good, such as in the case of corruption or misuse of knowledge.
• 👨‍🏫 Learning from a qualified teacher is important, and the teacher should have good manners and knowledge in their specific area of expertise.
• 🕊 Imam Nawawi emphasized the importance of manners in his early works, such as *Riyadhus Shalihin*, focusing on how Quran scholars should behave.
• 🤝 A teacher's character is as important as their knowledge. Students should choose teachers who are kind and respectful in their behavior.
• 📖 Shaykh Muhammad Hasyim Asy'ari's first book, *Adabul Alim wal Muta'allim*, focused on teaching the foundations of manners before diving into core knowledge.
• 📚 Several books are recommended for understanding the wisdom, meaning, and manners in prayer, such as *Nadharat Fimanis Salah* and *Asror Sholah*.

Q & A

Why did Imam Malik emphasize learning adab (etiquette) for 16 years and only 4 years on knowledge?

Imam Malik emphasized learning adab for a longer period because proper moral conduct and character are foundational to applying knowledge effectively. Without good adab, knowledge can lead to harmful behavior, whereas with good adab, knowledge is used for good and avoids causing harm.

Is there a specific book that addresses adab in various religious practices like wudu or prayer?

Yes, there are books that specifically discuss adab in various religious practices. For instance, there are works that explore the etiquette and spiritual aspects of wudu (ablution) and prayer, offering insights beyond just the legal rulings (fiqh).

What does the Quran say about the connection between taqwa (piety) and knowledge?

The Quran emphasizes the importance of taqwa before knowledge. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 282, it states that by increasing one’s taqwa, Allah will enhance their knowledge and understanding. This suggests that spiritual discipline and morality precede and enhance the acquisition of knowledge.

How does taqwa manifest in the life of a muttaqin (a pious person)?

Taqwa manifests in two key ways in the life of a muttaqin: (1) through adab towards Allah, including how one conducts worship and engages in acts like istighfar (seeking forgiveness), and (2) through adab towards other people, reflecting moral behavior in social interactions.

Why is adab considered more important than knowledge in some cases?

Adab is considered more important because, without it, even knowledgeable people can behave in destructive ways. For example, a knowledgeable person without adab may use their intelligence to harm others, while someone with good adab will apply their knowledge in beneficial ways.

What are the dangers of having knowledge without adab, according to the speaker?

The speaker mentions that individuals with knowledge but lacking adab can cause more harm than those without knowledge. For instance, a corrupt individual who is intelligent can cause greater damage, such as a skilled person engaging in large-scale corruption compared to an unskilled thief.

How does the speaker describe the role of Islamic scholars in teaching adab and knowledge together?

The speaker explains that Islamic scholars prioritize teaching adab before delving into specific fields of knowledge. Scholars like Imam Nawawi and Sheikh Muhammad Hasyim Asy'ari wrote books emphasizing adab, which they considered essential before teaching legal or religious rulings.

Can you name a few works that focus on adab in the context of religious practices?

Yes, the speaker mentions several works that focus on adab, including 'Nadharat fimanis Salah' and 'Asrar Sholah,' which explore the wisdom, meaning, and etiquette surrounding prayer.

What did Imam Nawawi write about the relationship between a student and their teacher?

Imam Nawawi stressed that students should only learn from teachers who are experts in their fields and have good character. He advised against learning from knowledgeable but harsh or immoral teachers, as this could negatively impact the student’s character.

What key point does the speaker make about the proper approach to learning in Islam?

The speaker emphasizes that learning in Islam should involve a balance between acquiring knowledge and cultivating good adab. Islam trains individuals to develop good character while simultaneously learning, as both are necessary for the knowledge to be beneficial and properly applied.