One of the many outstanding qualities we find in the life of Hadhrat Moulana Maseehullah (rahimahullah) is that of respect. If ever Hadhrat (rahimahullah) saw any piece of paper lying on the floor, he would immediately pick it up with respect and place it in some respectful place. Hadhrat (rahimahullah) used to say: “We must respect paper because it is a means of us attaining knowledge.”
Theme of life
The entire theme of Hadhrat (rahimahullah)’s life was adab (respect). He used to often say: “Everything in this world is engaged in the zikr of Allah Ta‘ala. When something is making the zikr of Allah Ta‘ala then it is worthy of respect. Remember! Never throw anything down as this is contrary to adab.”
One example of this is when one removes one’s shoes from the shoe rack in order to wear it. One should not throw one’s shoes down onto the ground. Rather put it down with respect.
A student once mentioned that Hadhratjee (rahimahullah) would not even throw or fling dirt into the bin. He would place it inside with utmost care saying: “This was a favour from Allah Ta‘ala which we enjoyed for some time. Now that there is no use for it, do not just throw it away. Instead place it in the bin in a respectful manner rather than just throwing it away.”
Respect for children
Hadhrat (rahimahullah) would respect the children and grandchildren of his Asatizah (teachers). He would also respect anything that was linked to Madeenah Munawwarah and Makkah Mukarramah or anything related to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). In fact, Hadhrat’s adab and respect would reach out to as far as the pens, papers, inkpots and desks in his possession, as these were the means of attaining knowledge.
Great heights can be achieved through this quality of adab (respect).
Adapted from the teachings of Maseehul Ummat Moulana Maseehullah (rahimahullah).
Muslims First 