The Most Beautiful Etiquette is Obedience to Allah
The most fundamental condition for progressing on the Sufi path and attaining Allah’s pleasure is absolute etiquette and submission. Knowing one’s limits before the Creator, both outwardly and inwardly, adhering to divine boundaries, makes this possible. Shaykh Geylani states, “Good manners bring you closer to a friend; bad manners push you away. The most beautiful etiquette is obedience to Allah. Rudeness is rebellion against Him,” emphasizing that etiquette is not merely an ethical rule but the very essence of servitude. Complaining about divine decree and destiny, lamenting, or being led to rebellion is the greatest rudeness a servant can commit against Allah.
Abandoning ‘Why’ and ‘How’ Questions
A perfect believer should strongly avoid making inquiries with their limited intellect regarding Allah’s actions. Instead of raising the flag of revolt in the face of calamities or illnesses, one is commanded to embrace tranquility. The admonition, “Adopt your etiquette! And be silent, patient, accepting, and cooperative for your Lord!” clearly shows that a servant has no right to say ‘why’ before divine will. That absolute Creator has the right to dispose of His dominion as He pleases and cannot be held accountable according to the secret, “He is not questioned about what He does” (Prophets 23).
Divine Conversation Through Silence
Silence is not only about holding back one’s tongue but also silencing objections and fleeting desires in the heart. Remaining silent until one’s inner world is filled with Allah’s knowledge is the first step towards spiritual maturity. “Look to becoming a companion of conversation with Truth. That conversation is truly silence.” When a person fully realizes that they are in the presence of Allah, their tongue becomes speechless and only the heart’s reverence comes into play. The servant who maintains his dignity, does not violate his etiquette in sorrow or joy, ultimately attains the unwavering obedience and pleasure of that Most Noble and Majestic Lord.