Adab is more important than knowledge

Adab is something that must take precedence over knowledge.
What is meant by adab?

Adab literally means implementing noble morals. In Fathul Bari, Ibn Hajar stated:

"Adab means practicing everything that people praise, whether in words or deeds. Some scholars also define adab as practicing noble morals" (Fathul Bari, 10/400).

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So, the overall meaning of adab is all forms of attitude, behavior, or way of life that reflect the values of politeness, refinement, kindness, good character, or morals.

Learning adab takes time. In a study by Ustadz Budi Ashari, Lc, he conveyed the importance of adab before knowledge.

Why do even religious scholars prioritize the study of adab?

As Yusuf bin Al Husain said,

"By studying adab, it will be easy for you to understand knowledge."

Because intelligence is meaningless if someone does not have manners (ethics). Knowledge becomes dangerous for its owner and other people because it is not decorated with morals.

In fact, perhaps we often hear,

"Knowledge without manners is like fire without firewood, and manners without knowledge is like a body without a spirit" (Adabul Imla' wal Istimla' [2], quoted from Min Washaya Al Ulama li Thalabatil Ilmi [10]).

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Manners are so important that Allah SWT places them at the top of his priority list. After all, intelligence is meaningless if someone lacks them.

Knowledge can be dangerous to its possessor and others if it isn't accompanied by manners.

We must also understand the crucial role of instilling manners in the process of developing good character in students, as in this era, manners and character are beginning to fade with the passage of time. Many students overlook the importance of manners and character in education.

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Quoting from the book Antologi Hadith Tarbawi by Tejo Waskito, adab is essential in education, especially for students, so they can understand, apply, and implement positive values and become good individuals. Ibn al-Mubarak (may Allah be pleased with him) stated:

"Having adab (good manners), even if it is small, is more necessary for us than (having) much knowledge."

From Ibn Mubarak's statement above, we can conclude that having even a little adab is more important and necessary than having much knowledge. Because a person with knowledge is not necessarily civilized, but someone with adab is certainly knowledgeable. And the level of adab is higher than knowledge.

That's all and thank you.

Regards @afzalzs