EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURABAYA — The question of whether knowledge or etiquette should come first often arises in everyday life. Irwan Hasan, a member of the East Java Muhammadiyah Provincial Board’s Council for Islamic Preaching, explained that both are essential, but their priority depends on the context.
Irwan discussed the issue on TVMu’s Ngasah program on Thursday (1/10). He said knowledge provides the foundation for how people live and act. Therefore, before doing something, a person should first acquire the knowledge needed to ensure that their actions align with religious teachings.
“Knowledge must come before action. Scholars have also said, al-ilmu qabla al-qawl wal-‘amal. Knowledge comes before what we say, what we do, and how we act. We must first have the knowledge,” he explained.
Irwan linked the importance of knowledge to the first command revealed to Prophet Muhammad, iqra, meaning “read.” Reading, he said, is part of the learning process. The Quran also gives special recognition to those who believe and possess knowledge.
Knowledge is essential for understanding the Quran, hadith, and religious guidance correctly. In worship, for example, a person needs to understand the procedures, recitations, and requirements of prayer before performing it.
“When it comes to prayer, we need knowledge. How should we perform the takbir? What should we recite during prayer? In this case, knowledge comes first,” he said.
However, when interacting with others, Irwan emphasized that etiquette should take precedence. A person’s knowledge must be accompanied by good conduct so that it does not turn into arrogance.
Someone may possess extensive knowledge, Irwan said, but without proper conduct, that knowledge can lead them to believe they know best and look down on others. By contrast, knowledge accompanied by good etiquette fosters tawaduk, or humility.
Balancing Worship and Social Responsibility
Irwan illustrated this principle through the example of neighborhood relations. People cannot use worship as a justification for actions that infringe on others’ rights. For instance, the desire to worship should not come at the expense of the surrounding community’s comfort when a mosque’s loudspeakers are excessively loud.
“Islam teaches us how to practice ghairu mahdah worship, which includes acts related to muamalah, or dealing with others. as well as interacting with fellow human beings and neighbors,” he explained.
Irwan stressed that one person’s rights are limited by the rights of others. Therefore, when religious activities risk disturbing the surrounding community, the issue must be addressed in a considerate manner.
He also underscored the importance of giving advice appropriately. Even when others are clearly in the wrong, he said, that does not justify abandoning proper conduct when correcting them.
“Even if we are right and believe that someone else is wrong, and they truly are wrong, we must still address the matter, disagree and offer advice in a good manner. That is akhlak,” he said, referring to moral character and conduct.
Irwan further explained that good character is essential to the perfection of faith. He cited the hadith akmalul mu’minina imanan ahsanuhum khuluqan, which teaches that the most complete believers in faith are those with the best character.
He also referred to verse 4 of Surah Al-Qalam, which describes Prophet Muhammad as possessing an exalted character: wa innaka la’ala khuluqin ‘azhim. For Irwan, the verse highlights the central role of good character in the Prophet’s personality.
Etiquette in the Pursuit of Knowledge
When it comes to learning, Irwan argued that etiquette should come first. Proper conduct in the pursuit of knowledge allows learning to transform a person rather than make them increasingly arrogant.
“When we are studying, attending lessons or seeking knowledge, etiquette should come first. When people learn with good manners and put etiquette first, they can acquire knowledge that is beneficial and blessed,” he said.
According to Irwan, the value of knowledge can be seen in the changes it brings to a person’s character. The more knowledgeable someone becomes, the more humble, devoted, righteous, and conscious of God they should be.
Irwan concluded that knowledge and etiquette should not be placed in opposition to each other. Knowledge is essential before performing actions and carrying out tasks, while etiquette should take priority in social interactions and in the process of learning.
“Put knowledge first when preparing to act or do something. Seek as much knowledge as you can. But put etiquette first when communicating and interacting with others. This also applies when attending lessons or pursuing knowledge: etiquette must come first,” he concluded.
