Our Ethos

Consideration is civilisation

The motto for Clement’s Gate is consideration is civilisation.

What we mean by this is that a Muslim is known by his manners – his adab. This is a part of the way of the Prophet and it is for those who live every breath with their Lord to take care of themselves and their surroundings. They consider not only themselves but also others that are around them.

This consideration may be removing harmful things from the road. The Prophet has said that this is sadaqah – an act of charity.

This consideration may be through cleanliness – whether on the streets or with oneself. To leave places cleaner than how one found them. The Prophet has said that cleanliness is half of faith.

This consideration is through the food we eat and how we eat it. To honour the fact that the bread that can so easily be eaten has taken so long to make, from the wheat through the flour to the bread itself. To not waste food, and to eat not only of the halal but also of tayyib (goodness) – as Allah states in the Quran.

This consideration is through the words that we use. The Prophet said ‘Speak good or keep silent’ and ‘The good of a Muslim is that he leaves that which does not concern him’. To leave vain talk and gossip, and instead to urge towards good words and fruitful actions.

Ibn Ata’illah said that there are three signs of the wali – the friend of God:

Sakhawat an nafs – generosity of spirit
Husn ad dhann – holding good opinions of others
Salamat as sadr – being open hearted towards others

These three characteristics are signs of the wali – that he has discovered the vastness of Eternity. As the Sufis say, people wrapped up in themselves make small packages. So instead, we encourage that consideration itself is civilisation.