The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

al-adib al-ilahi
Man of Divine courtesy

(Al adib al Ilahi) The man of divine courtesy sees clearly the relationship which exists between Wisdom (hikmah) and the secondary causes (asbab). He is the one who affirms what Allah has affirmed in the place where Allah has affirmed it and in the manner in which He has affirmed it and who negates what Allah has negated in the place where Allah has negated it and in the manner in which Allah has negated it.

See also: Causes The Man Spiritual courtesy

Causes ( Asbab )

Asbab - see 'Secondary Causes'.

Spiritual courtesy ( adab )

(Adab) is spiritual courtesy and gracious behaviour of the Path and perfect refinement of words and deeds. Adab is giving each thing and each moment its proper due. The science of the higher teaching is based upon adab, which encompasses all of human life. It extends from right behaviour with regard to the Sacred Law (Shari'a), right behaviour with one's fellow travellers, proper conduct towards the teaching and one's teacher, and reaches to unceasing spiritual courtesy to Allah Himself. The proper courtesy towards the Law is to stay within its boundaries, the proper conduct with regards to good actions is to complete the action and disconnect from it. Adab with regard to the Real is knowing what belongs to oneself and what belongs to Allah. Each moment and each situation has it's own adab. It has been said that the higher teaching is all adab and the greater your understanding and implementation of proper conduct is, the higher you are in the teaching.

Go Back