Addiction is a terrible affliction. Being given over to some harmful and forbidden practice is called…

Addiction is a terrible affliction. Being given over to some harmful and forbidden practice is called addiction. Whatever Allah and the Prophet ﷺ have forbidden, whatever wise and learned, pure and great people dislike — in that practice there is danger for the individual and for humanity. Whether in small or large measure, such a practice puts a person in a grave state. Reason was given to man so that he might guard himself against such things. Etiquette and character were bestowed in order to protect and develop reason. By mastering etiquette and character and applying them in life, reason increases; and when reason grows and develops, it becomes easier for a person to keep himself away from destructive vices. The nations that have made etiquette their chief standard and rule have bright fortunes, and their lives are free of sorrow. Those who did not hold etiquette necessary have pain in their bodies night and day. No wonder if a person escapes even the worst deeds by means of etiquette. Etiquette and modesty are twins. Adab — whose plural is odob — is treating everyone and everything as befits them. Modesty is the feeling that does not permit unbecoming deeds. Modesty is a shield; if this shield falls from the hand, destruction comes from the enemies' attack. Some examples of etiquette: not stretching out one's legs or sitting cross-legged in front of one's parents; not being naked in a room where there are books; not wearing short sleeves among people; not putting books on the floor; not guffawing loudly in any place; not staring at shameless things even when no one is around; leaving quickly wherever evil is happening. Examples of evil are indecency and drinking. Both men and women need modesty. Modesty begins with the eyes. Not fixing one's eyes on forbidden things, not listening to improper words and not saying improper words is modesty. Not uncovering the body is modesty. The true place of modesty is the heart. Being ashamed of improper thoughts entering the heart is the essence of modesty. Not telling one's own or another's secrets is modesty. Concealing one's own and others' faults is modesty. Not praising oneself, not seeking praise, feeling awkward at being praised is modesty. Not bickering with people, not quarreling is modesty. Being ashamed to talk behind others' backs is modesty. The veil of modesty burns quickly. Once it has burned, it cannot be restored. If a person keeps checking his etiquette and modesty, he will not lose them. If in places where modesty is required there is no feeling of shame in the heart, one must weep much over it. Perhaps because of this weeping Allah will bestow modesty. Today it is awkward to speak of etiquette and modesty. For etiquette and modesty would have been ashamed of our present state and fled. What we need most is etiquette and modesty, yet the tree of life whose seed is dying out in the world is etiquette and modesty.

Akrom MALIK