What Makes a Man?

My first shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Akhtar Sahib (RA) mentioned, “There are some etiquettes for living one’s life. To be particular regarding these etiquettes is what distinguishes man from animal. If these manners were not in place, then besides our external form and figure, there would be no difference between man and animal. This reality has been simplistically explained in poetry by a poet, but the words carry great meaning.
“Adab hi se insaan insaan hai – Adab jo na seekhay woh haiwaan hai”
“A man is a man due to etiquettes, and whoever does not learn etiquette is an animal”
Whatever facet of life it may be, Allah and His messenger Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam have in detail given us an explanation regarding it. When you familiarize yourself with these manners and etiquettes, then only will you be regarded as a complete human being. Human qualities will start to develop in you. Your level of ethical behavior will rise, and your character will become firm.”

Baatein Unki Yaad Rahengi pg. 33

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