Akhlaq (Ethics) and Adab (Etiquette)
Ethical Foundations
Akhlaq concerns character and conduct rooted in revelation. Candidates must know the core virtues: honesty (sidq), trustworthiness (amanah), patience (sabr), gratitude (shukr), justice ('adl), mercy (rahmah), and modesty (haya'). Understand that intention shapes the moral value of an act.
Adab in Practice
Adab covers etiquette with God, parents, teachers, guests, neighbors, and the community. Know the etiquettes of speech, visiting, eating, and seeking knowledge. Expect questions on backbiting (ghibah), slander (buhtan), and the obligation to guard the tongue.
Traps
- Confusing ghibah (mentioning a true fault) with buhtan (false accusation).
- Treating etiquette as cultural rather than religious.
- Separating worship from character, as if they were unrelated.
Worked Example
A scenario describes a student correcting a classmate publicly. The better answer invokes sincere advice (nasihah) delivered privately, citing the principle of preserving dignity. Rule of thumb: ask whether the act combines truth, intention, and harm avoidance.