Ruh al-Adab

According to the jurists, adab (refined conduct) refers to the observance of virtuous and recommended practices that go beyond the obligations of the shari'a and the sunna.

According to the Sufis, adab is the embodiment of all noble traits and acts of goodness. It is a comprehensive term for exalted attributes and praiseworthy character, befitting the station of servanthood and the majesty of Lordship.

Ruh al-Adab adresses explicitly this topic. It is the very first work composed by Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse - may Allah be pleased with him.

Professor Zachary Wright writes about Ruh al-Adab:

"The text demonstrates not simply his early mastery of classical Arabic but also his ability to speak authoritatively about the essence of Spiritual Wayfaring (Suluk) within Sufism. In many ways, the text is thus a testament to the educational system established by his father, Al-Hajj Abdallah, and the integration of Sufism within a rigorous curriculum of Islamic learning.

The later following of Shaykh Ibrahim made frequent use of the text, and many instructors used it to prepare students before giving them the Direct Experiential Knowledge (Ma'rifa) of Allah through initiation (tarbiya)."