The Language of the Future
Sufi Terminology
by Murshid F.A. Ali ElSenossi

futuwwah
Chivalry

(Futuwwah). Chivalry. This is 'heroic generosity', a code of honourable conduct following the examples of the Prophets, saints, sages, friends and lovers of Allah. It is exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace). With regards to chivalry: There is a sign of chivalry – His condition does not change nor does he feel the need to change his conduct when he sits with the people of chivalry. The one who sees the people of chivalry and he does not feel shy from them with regards to his conduct and his actions, that is chivalry. (There is no pretencewithin him or his actions).

See also: Assuming [the Divine Character Traits] Beautiful Model Spiritual courtesy

Beautiful Model ( uswa hasana )

(Uswa hasana). The Holy Prophet Muhammad al Mustapha (May the Salutations of Allah be upon him and Peace) is the beautiful model. Through his perfect example man is given the means of drawing closer, and yet closer, to Allah. The degrees of such nearness depend upon the manner and attitude in which one follows the beautiful model. Those who love Allah and His Messenger more than anything, more than life itself, are the slaves who follow Muhammad al Mustapha in their outer lives and in their inner realities. To approach Allah, the slave must first meet the Holy Prophet Muhammad. This meeting is a Mystery. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, the beautiful model, becomes the slave's inner reality through the unveiling of the Reality of Muhammad. The hadith says, "Who has seen me has seen Allah".

Spiritual courtesy ( adab )

(Adab) is spiritual courtesy and gracious behaviour of the Path and perfect refinement of words and deeds. Adab is giving each thing and each moment its proper due. The science of the higher teaching is based upon adab, which encompasses all of human life. It extends from right behaviour with regard to the Sacred Law (Shari'a), right behaviour with one's fellow travellers, proper conduct towards the teaching and one's teacher, and reaches to unceasing spiritual courtesy to Allah Himself. The proper courtesy towards the Law is to stay within its boundaries, the proper conduct with regards to good actions is to complete the action and disconnect from it. Adab with regard to the Real is knowing what belongs to oneself and what belongs to Allah. Each moment and each situation has it's own adab. It has been said that the higher teaching is all adab and the greater your understanding and implementation of proper conduct is, the higher you are in the teaching.

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