The Garden of Knowledge

 
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

09 Jumaadul Ulaa 1447/31 October 2025

All praise is due to Allah, the Cherisher, Sustainer, Nourisher and Provider of the entire creation. May peace, blessings and salutations be upon our Beloved Prophet Muhammed ﷺ.

There is a certain level of Akhlaaq and Adaab (Etiquette) which is required for a seeker and student of knowledge to be successful in his/her endeavors. The first would be etiquette with regards to the books of knowledge. One should ensure that the books of knowledge are well taken care, placed in a safe place and not violated or destroyed in any way.

When seeking knowledge, the behaviour and attitude of the student towards the teacher is of utmost importance. The etiquette towards the teacher as per the advice of Imam Ghazzali includes:

• Being the first to greet and offer salutations
• Not to speak excessively in the presence of the teacher, seeking permission before asking a question
• Not to think of himself as more learned
• To sit with good akhlaaq with one’s eyes downcast
• To stand when he stands (out of respect) and when walking
• To walk behind the teacher and not infront of him

Imam Ghazzali also states:

و لَا يُسِيءَ الظَّنَّ به في أَفْعَالٍ ظَاهِرُ هَا مُنْكَرَةٌ عِنْدَهُ، فَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِأَسْرَارِهِ، وَلْيَذْكُرُ عِنْدَ ذٰلِكَ قَوْلَ مُوسٰى لِلْخضر عَلَيْهِمَا السَّلَامُ: “قَالَ أَخَرَقۡتَهَا لِتُغۡرِقَ أَهۡلَهَا لَقَدۡ جِئۡتَ شَیۡـًٔا إِمۡرࣰا” (الكهف، ٧١) و كَوْنُهُ مُخْطِئًا في إنْكَارِهِ اعْتِمَادً عَلَى الظَّاهِرِ. 

Do not form a bad opinion of him (one’s teacher/guide) regarding actions that appear, outwardly to be blameworthy, for he knows better about his own personal affairs. Let the student be reminded of the words of Musa (A.S) to Khidr (A.S): “Have you made a hole (in the boat) to drown the owners of it? Indeed you have done a peculiar thing!“ (Al Kahf,71). Musa (A.S) was mistaken in his condemnation of the actions of Khidr (A.S) because he relied on the outward appearance of the action.

We ask Allah to grant us the ability to and strength to be of the best of students observing the best of etiquette towards the books of knowledge and towards our teachers. May Allah accept our efforts from us and grant us understanding In Sha Allah!