Adab or Ahkam, which one is important?

Assalamualaikum and hi everyone!

    It is our second usrah meeting and for our first assessment, Madam Rosmaya had assigned each group some topics to be discussed with our usrah members. "Adab or Ahkam, which one is important?" is the topic that my group was assigned. My part in this group assignment is to do some research about Adab. Therefore, here are some brief explanation from our discussion.

    Adab refers to Islamic etiquette. It is the manner of conduct that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used while interacting with the world around him. It is the way he treated his companions, his wives, his enemies, his Ummah and all living things. It is impossible to practice Adab in Islam. By implementing good manners and Adab we are actually reinforcing our faith. Furthermore, it is not only Allah’s Love that we gain but also the love and respect of those around us. Even the disbelievers of Mecca who wanted to kill Muhammad (PBUH) acknowledged his truthfulness. None could deny his noble character and good manners.The Prophet (PBUH) once said: "The perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners"

 So, what about Ahkam?

    Ahkam in Arabic (أحكام‎) means 'rulings' which is plural of hukm (حُكْم) is an Islamic term with several meanings. In the Quran, the word hukm is variously used to mean judgment, authority, or Allah's will. A law, value, ordinance or ruling of Shari'ah (Islamic law). Every Muslim, male or female who is mature by reaching the age of puberty (baligh) and mentally competent (rushd) is obligated to follow the command of Allah. Thus, generally Ahkam is about rules that have been prescribed by Allah to mankind as guidance for them to live in the world as faithful servants to Him. Other than that, Ahkam also helps man to live with etiquette and full manners towards each other. Islamic law is all about submission to Allah as well as ensuring a good life for humans.

    Therefore, what are the purposes of Ahkam? It is to conduct and guide mankind to be on the right path and do good deeds. So if we are people with good ethics we would not do anything against the ruling of Allah as every single thing we do have its good way to observe which is adab. From that, we can see that adab does not contradict ahkam. Both aim to control man's action and of course, both are important.