What is the etiquette of the student of knowledge?
Before a student studied with the classical scholars, they were taught how to study. Al-Ghazali's chapter on the adab of the seeker sets the bar — and it is higher than most modern curricula assume.
7 passages from 5 books in the library
The classical approach.
These passages are drawn from 5 books by Imam al-Ghazali, Ibn Kathir, and Ibn Battuta — part of the classical Sunni tradition that carries over a thousand years of reflection on the Qurʾān, the authentic Sunnah, and the consensus of the early community. Nothing below is a paraphrase. The words are the scholars' own, translated from the original Arabic manuscripts.
11th–12th century · Ṭūs, Khurāsān
Reviving the inner life of Islam through the Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn — one of the most influential works ever written in any religious tradition.
More on Imam al-Ghazali →
· Provenance →
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"As for the etiquette of proposals, proposals should be made with the guardian present and not during the woman's waiting period after divorce or widowhood."
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"During menstruation it is advisable for the woman to wear a garment from her waist to above her knees as a matter of etiquette"
14th century · Bosra, Syria
Monumental history Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah, the world's most widely read Qurʾanic commentary, and the classical Stories of the Prophets.
More on Ibn Kathir →
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"Ibn Hibban explained that a deficient companion refers to one whose condition is lacking who belittles what they have been given and seeks more"
14th century · Tangier, Morocco
The Riḥlah — a 30-year, 75,000-mile journey across three continents, and the most important travel account of the pre-modern world.
More on Ibn Battuta →
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"The issue was raised to the king of commanders, and he was brought forth along with his student, who concurred with his statement."
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"I was also told this story by the son of the aforementioned Ibn Shaikh al-Laban, a student who teaches the Quran in Mali."
14th century · Tangier, Morocco
The Riḥlah — a 30-year, 75,000-mile journey across three continents, and the most important travel account of the pre-modern world.
More on Ibn Battuta →
· Provenance →
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"My traveling companion was a fief, al-Din al-Turzi. The servants mounted some horses, and we covered the rest due to the cold."
14th century · Bosra, Syria
Monumental history Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah, the world's most widely read Qurʾanic commentary, and the classical Stories of the Prophets.
More on Ibn Kathir →
· Provenance →
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"I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the most merciful so you would be to Satan a companion his father replied"
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