ADAB – A COMMON NAME FOR SELF-RESPECT AND RESPECT FOR THE OTHER

Abstract

This text thematises multidimensional semantics of the term adab, found in constitutive sources of Islam. Most commonly it signifies upbringing in general, whereas in a particular sense it refers to good manners, appropriateness and courtesy towards the others. It corresponds to practical and applied ethics of Islam which spurs from sincere faith and one’s endeavours in attempt of cleansing one’s heart, as the locus of faith and knowledge, of everything that stands in the way of  man in his pursuit of knowing his Lord. Adab assists in ripening of an individual to his full potential, it gives directions towards self-realisation and towards respecting the other. Adab is an upbringing strategy and its aim is to teach people that spirituality is essentially a common good and cannot be transferred into private good.