Al-Adab Al-Mufrad: An Overview

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (A Code for Everyday Living)

Imam al-Bukhari's Masterpiece on good conduct.

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad is Imam al-Bukhari's second most well-known work; a collection of 1300 narrations on Islamic etiquette and conduct, it is a fascinating insight into how one should begave as practised by the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) his companions and the Aimmah of the Tabi'in from the following generation. It tackles a variety of issues, from dealing with specific family members, to how to writhe letters, to how to go shopping to even on how to walk properly,. The unique depth and importance of this book makes it an undeniable classic.

Imam al-Bukhari is world-renowned for his major work, "al Jami' al Sahih" ("Sahih al Bukhari"), but he has also produced a number of other works, including "al Adab al Mufrad", here translated into English from Arabic. This book provides a vivid insight into the moral conduct of the early Muslims in a society led by the perfect character of the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him its a compilation of hadeeths from various sources.

Imam Bukhari's intellectual qualities became noticeable. He had great piety and an extremely good memory and devotion to learning. It is said that while he was still in his teens he knew by heart seventy thousand Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

Imam Bukhari was very interested in history and the Ahadith (sayings of the Prophet). He sought the company of great scholars in order to learn and discuss the Ahadith of the Holy Prophet. He visited various countries, travelling to Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, Basra. Mecca, Medina etc. During his stay in Baghdad, he frequently held discussions with the Imam Ahmed Hanbal, the founder of the Hanbali school of law.

During all these travels, Imam Bukhari had one aim: to gather as much knowledge as possible and to make the greatest possible collection of the Traditions of the Holy Prophet. He wrote profusely all the time. He once said that, “l have written about 1800 persons, each of whom had a Saying of the Prophet, and I have written only about those who have passed my test of truthfulness."

The Imam possessed one of the most amazing memories, and his contribution to the science of the Ahadith remains unequalled. He wrote several books on Ahadith but in his book: "Al-Jami-al-Sahih': the Imam had recorded all the Sayings of the Prophet which he found to be genuine after thorough examination and scrutiny. He spent sixteen years in research and examined more than sixty thousand Sayings from which he selected some 7,275 Sayings whose genuineness and accuracy he established beyond the slightest doubt. Deducting duplicates, the Imam's collection contain about four thousand distinct Sayings.