Etiquette and Ethics

The etiquette and ethics of the Sufis reflect the way and custom of the highest, most perfected human beings. This etiquette and ethics involve a number of practices, the most important of which are as follows:

1. The Sufi gives precedence to all of creation over himself.
2. The Sufi is fair to all, yet expects fairness from no one.
3. The Sufi is kind and helpful to all, yet expects help and kindness from no one.
4. The Sufi is never self-centered or egocentric.
5. The Sufi serves all of God’s creation.
6. The Sufi always observes the rights of others.
7. The Sufi loves all of God’s creatures.
8. The Sufi praises all things created by God that are beautiful.
9. The Sufi harbors no resentment against anyone and regards no one as an enemy.
10. The Sufi takes the trouble to make things easy for others.
11. The Sufi never speaks with an acid tongue, always being kind and respectful toward others.
12. The Sufi is never pessimistic or depressed.
13. The Sufi never feels offended by anyone.
14. The Sufi neither complains about anyone nor claims anything for himself.
15. The Sufi is never mean or envious.
16. The Sufi never gets angry or harsh with anyone.
17. The Sufi keeps any promises he has made, even if his life must be sacrificed.

Those who consider themselves Sufis and do not possess this etiquette and ethics wear the Sufi garb under false pretenses and risk giving a bad name to those who are truly Sufis.