This course explores the text Al-Adab al-‘Asharah by Sheikh Salih al-‘Usaymi, focusing on ten essential Islamic manners that nurture kindness, respect and closeness to Allah. Students will learn how to apply these etiquettes in their daily lives and acts of worship.
Course Outline
1. Greeting with Salām
– Begin interactions with fellow Muslims by saying:
“As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāh”
– Respond with the complete greeting:
“Wa ʿalaykumu-s-salām wa raḥmatullāh wa barakātuh.”
2. Seeking Permission to Enter
– Ask respectfully before entering someone’s home or space.
– Stand to the side of the door and wait for permission. If denied, accept and leave politely.
3. Manners of Eating and Drinking
– Start with “Bismillah”, eat with your right hand, and give thanks to Allah afterward:
“Al-ḥamdu lillāh.”
4. Speaking with Respect and Listening Attentively
– Speak kindly and at a moderate volume.
– Don’t interrupt. Listen with full attention and face the speaker respectfully.
5. Bedtime Etiquettes
– Perform wuḍū’, lie on your right side, and recite:
Sūrat al-Fātiḥah, Āyat al-Kursī, and the Muʿawwidhāt (Sūrahs al-Ikhlāṣ, al-Falaq, and al-Nās).
– Gently blow into your palms and wipe over your body three times.
6. Etiquettes of Sneezing and Yawning
– Cover your mouth when sneezing or yawning.
– Say “Al-ḥamdu lillāh” after sneezing.
– If someone says “Yarḥamukallāh”, reply:
“Yahdīkumullāh wa yuṣliḥu bālakum.”
– Suppress yawns as best as possible and avoid saying “Ah” aloud.
7. Manners in a Gathering
– Greet with salām when entering and leaving.
– Sit where there’s space; don’t interrupt private conversations.
– Don’t sit between people without permission.
– Mention Allah during the gathering.
– At the end, say:
“Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi ḥamdik, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā ant, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk.”
8. Respecting Public Spaces (The Rights of the Road)
– Lower your gaze, avoid harming others, return greetings, and encourage good while discouraging wrongdoing.
9. Etiquette of Dressing
– Wear clean and modest clothing, preferably white.
– Start with the right side when dressing.
– Praise Allah:
“Al-ḥamdu lillāh.”
10. Ending Gatherings with a Supplication of Forgiveness
– Conclude by reciting:
“Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi ḥamdik, ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā ant, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk.”
