Preserving Our Values

✒ Jazeera Bint Zakariyya

(Jamia Al-Hind Ladies Campus)

3 October 2026, 0 22 Rabi al-Thani 1448 AH

A person truly becomes human when they uphold their values. When they abandon their values, they lose what makes them truly human. Preserving our values requires holding firmly to certain principles of etiquette and good conduct, known as adab. In an age when knowledge is expanding at an unprecedented pace, etiquette is increasingly being forgotten. The misconduct we sometimes witness among knowledgeable people reminds us that possessing vast amounts of knowledge is not what matters most. What truly matters is maintaining conduct that is worthy of that knowledge.

It is not correct to think that knowledge is limited to theories and equations acquired from books. If knowledge is not accompanied by good manners, proper conduct, humility, dignity, and gentleness, the knowledge acquired can become harmful to both the individual and society. A person is not respected or valued merely because of knowledge, wealth, or status. True worth emerges when these are accompanied by noble qualities of character.

The world has witnessed many people who have spoken about lofty values. Yet, those who have been able to firmly uphold those values in their own lives are rare. Muhammad ﷺ became the greatest example the world has ever seen because he not only spoke about noble values but also practised them fully in his own life and demonstrated them through his example. Allah praised the Prophet ﷺ, saying:

“Indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Qur’an 68:4)

A believer has certain forms of adab, or proper conduct, that must be observed towards Allah, the Messenger, and His creation.

Recognizing Allah’s greatness and majesty, worshipping Him alone with both fear and hope, is the adab we owe to Him. Only then does the testimony, “La ilaha illallah,” truly become meaningful.

Giving precedence to the way of the Messenger ﷺ in our words and actions, and following it, is the adab we owe to the Messenger. Accepting or rejecting the words and actions of the Messenger according to our own reasoning undermines the very essence of showing adab towards him. The beauty of adab towards the Messenger becomes evident when the Sunnah is accepted with obedience and respect rather than viewed through the lens of doubt.

Treating people with the noble character taught by Islam, giving everyone their rightful place, and sincerely wishing well for others are forms of adab towards fellow human beings.

It is by observing these forms of proper conduct towards Allah, the Messenger, and His creation that our lives become truly meaningful.

Translation: Raihan Shaheed