"There is really no good English translation for adab. It means behaving well or good etiquette. It is acting with heedfulness, beauty, refinement, graciousness, and respect for others. The Koran teaches us the importance of acting beautifully. 'Do what is beautiful. God loves those who do what is beautiful.'
"You can see beautiful adab in how a dervish serves or receives a cup of tea. You can learn to serve tea graciously if you are trained in the right charm school, and it would look just lovely on the outside. However, what is most important is the inner sense of genuine respect and service."
