Literasi Guru dan Santri

In our fast-paced world, we are often obsessed with "intelligence." We celebrate high grades, professional certifications, and impressive titles. Whether we are students at Tsurayya Islamic School, teachers in the classroom, or professionals in the workforce, we all strive to be the smartest person in the room.

But as we accumulate "Ilmu" (knowledge), a fundamental question remains for us all: Is being "smart" enough to make us truly successful?

In the Islamic tradition, there is a beautiful, timeless balance between Ilmu and Adab (Manners/Character). However, our scholars have left us a profound legacy: Adab is the foundation upon which the house of knowledge is built.

1. Knowledge is the Engine, Adab is the Steering Wheel

Imagine a high-speed car with a powerful engine but no steering wheel. No matter how fast it goes, it is a danger to itself and everyone around it. That is what "Knowledge without Manners" looks like.

• For the Student: High scores are meaningless if they lead to arrogance toward parents or teachers.
• For the Teacher/Asatidz: Vast knowledge is empty if it is not delivered with sincerity and kindness.
• For the General Public: Professional success is hollow if it is achieved by stepping on others’ dignity.

As the legendary scholar Imam Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak famously said:
"I spent thirty years learning manners (Adab), and I spent twenty years learning knowledge (Ilmu)."

2. The Weightiest Deed on the Scale

Why is character so emphasized in our Deen? It is because our character is the ultimate reflection of our faith. Look at this powerful Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim:

"The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one's good manners.'" (Sahih Muslim)

This reminder is for everyone. On the Day of Judgment, our "scale" will not be weighed by the number of books we’ve read or the diplomas on our walls. It will be weighed by how we spoke to our neighbors, how we treated our subordinates, and how we carried ourselves with humility.

Allah SWT Himself praised the Prophet (PBUH) in the Qur'an by highlighting his character above all else:

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

"And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (Surah Al-Qalam: 4)

3. The Danger of "Cold" Intelligence

Knowledge without Adab is dangerous because "Ilmu" can easily feed the ego. A person with vast knowledge but no manners might look down on others, creating a "cold" intelligence that lacks empathy.

In contrast, a person with Adab uses their knowledge to serve. They use their intelligence to solve problems, heal hearts, and bring people closer to Allah. As the saying goes: “Knowledge makes you bright, but Adab makes you respected.”

A Call to Reflection

Whether you are a student, a parent, or an educator, let us redefine what "success" looks like. Let us not just race to fill our heads with facts, but also race to purify our hearts with kindness.

• Before we speak, let’s ask: Is it kind?
• Before we judge, let’s ask: Am I being humble?
• Before we learn, let’s set the intention that our knowledge will be a bridge to help others, not a wall to separate us.

At the end of the day, a person with a little knowledge but great manners is far closer to the Prophetic ideal than a person with vast knowledge but no character.

Let us be the generation that is not only intellectually brilliant but also morally beautiful.