Introduction
Before knowledge, etiquette is mastered
Knowledge of Islam is the inheritance of the prophets
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was sent only to perfect character
The scholars referred to manners as guidance
Chains of narration can be omitted in basic texts to keep them concise
There is a distinction between fear and reverential fear
The reality of supplication is that one must be worthy in order to have their supplication answered
Weak hadith can still be used
Evidences
Three facets of scholars’ value
During the time of Abu Bakr, scholars had legislative authority
Jurisprudence must be both knowledge and action
Practicing jurists are saints
Gatherings of scholars are like gatherings of the Prophet peace be upon him
Islamic sciences are not meant for worldly gain, they are meant for the next life
Encouragement comes before warning, but both are necessary
Etiquette of the teacher
12 important points
Is mindful of Allah’s constant supervision
Safeguards knowledge in all actions
Practices abstention from worldly delight
Purifies knowledge from worldly pursuits
Avoids potential accusation and lowly earnings
Preserves the liturgy and rulings of Islam
Maintains legal recommendations
Engages people with good manners
Refines character
Is devoted to knowledge and is diligent in worship
Learns from one of lesser degree
Immersed in compilation or authorship if capable
Decorum in class
Well groomed for class and prays for success
Supplicates when heading out
Is visible to the students, and is kind and visible
Begin class with verses and supplications
Orders the lessons in order of importance
Is eloquent without being excessive
Maintains an orderly environment
Warns the students of poor etiquette
Is fair in research and honest about limitations
Is considerate of guests during class time
Opens and closes the lesson with Allah’s name
Be qualified to teach
Manners with students
Seeks Allah’s blessing for teaching
Does not refuse to teach an insincere student
Encourages the student and refines their hearts
Has the students’ best interests in mind
Is gracious with the student and facilitates understanding
Makes learning easy
Kind when quizzing students
Encourages the student when they answer correctly
Advises the student and does not overburden
Reviews fundamental principles and cases
Is equitable with students
Is observant of their condition and teaches what they need
Seeks to benefit and help the student and visits them when they are ill
Is humble and welcoming
Etiquette of the student
“Knowledge is acquired through learning”
Knowledge cannot enter a heart that is consumed with disease
Proper intention
Don’t delay seeking knowledge
Seeking knowledge requires dedication and sacrifice
Need support to make this possible
The lifestyle must be designed to be supportable on as little as possible
Marriage should be delayed if possible
The place of study should be carefully appointed
Leave that which you fear will harm your Hereafter
Don’t reduce sleep too much that the body and/or mind is harmed
End harmful relationships early, before they take root
Manners with the teacher
Remember that seeking knowledge is worship, so the teacher must be chosen carefully
Great status requires great humility
The teacher is the master and the student is the student
The student should not be constantly questioning and doubting the teacher
Just like anything else, there is a protocol for seeking knowledge
The student should defend the scholar in his absence
Look first for faults in yourself when the scholar makes a mistake
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would line people up for prayer based on status/rank and age
Times may change, and cultures may differ, but many forms of respect are universal
Do not question a teacher excessively or annoying the teacher
Don’t try to maneuver the teacher into making a point for you
Sit close but do not crowd the teacher
Prepare things for the teacher before handing them over
Some of these etiquettes come from the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and some come out of more modern culture
Decorum in class
Priority of subjects can change based on age and situation
Manners with books
Scholars would consider books more valuable than gold
Etiquette in the dormitory
Teachers should have office hours
Qualifications for teachers should be made easily available
Coed dorms and bathrooms are a bad idea
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Imam John Starling is the Executive Director of GCLEA, in Cherry Hill, NJ and volunteers at Rutgers University, Camden as a Muslim chaplain. He is an alumnus of NCSU’s Poole College of Management and the Islamic University of Madinah. He holds a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies from the Islamic University of Minnesota, possesses traditional ijazahs in several subjects including Hanbali fiqh, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy. Imam John is also the founder of Hanbalidisciples.com which seeks to revive traditional Islamic studies according to the illustrious school of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.
