Adab (gesture)

Aadab (Hindustani: آداب (Nastaleeq), आदाब (Devanagari); Bengali: আদাব), meaning respect and politeness, is a pluralistic hand gesture used by South Asian Muslims, while greeting one another. It is associated with Indo-Persian culture. The word is derived from Urdu, through the Arabic word Aadaab, meaning etiquette.

Since the normal greeting of Muslims i.e. "As-salamu alaykum" is meant for Muslims only, and Muslims in India live in a multi-faith and a multi-lingual society, this alternative form of greeting was coined. The use of Aadab is especially popular in the Indian city of Hyderabad, where religious pluralism has been historically emphasized; the Nizam of the region stated: "Hindus and Muslims are like my two eyes ... How can I favor one eye over the other?" Fundamentalist elements in the society oppose the use of "Aadab" in an all-Muslim society.

The gesture involves raising the right hand towards the face with palm inwards such that it is in front of the eyes and the finger tips are almost touching the forehead, as the upper torso is bent forward. It is typical for the person to say "aadab arz hai" (Nastaleeq: آداب عرض ہے, Devanagari: आदाब अर्ज़ है), meaning "I offer my respects to you", or simply just "aadab". It is often answered with the same or the word "Tasleem" is said as an answer; sometimes it is answered with a facial gesture of acceptance.

In popular culture today, the aadab is often associated with the courtly culture of the Muslim Nawabs.

See also
Civilian salutes
Greetings

References

Category:Hand gestures
Category:Islamic culture
Category:Islam in South Asia
Category:Greeting words and phrases of Bangladesh
Category:Greeting words and phrases of India
Category:Greeting words and phrases of Pakistan
Category:Gestures of respect