Adorn Yourself With the Splendor of Knowledge - Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd

To adorn yourself with the splendor of knowledge is to have beautiful manners, pious conduct, such as continual peacefulness, awe, humility, humbleness, adhesion to the clear path; by filling one's outer and inner self (with these qualities) and leaving all the characteristics that appose them.

Ibn Uthaymeen, (rahimahUllaah) said: This could be a branch of what has preceeded, because good manners and pure guidance are from continual peace, awe, humility, and humbleness and filling one's outer self with qualities displaying guidance, which has been previously pointed out, that it is imperative for a student of knowledge to be a righteous example in these things.

It was narrated that Ibnu Seereen, may Allaah have mercy on him, said, "They (i.e. the Salaf) use to learn manners as they would learn the knowledge."

And it was narrated that Rajaa ibn al Haywah, may Allaah have mercy on him, once said to a man, "Narrate (i.e. hadeeth) and do not narrate to me through a person who is lifeless or a slanderer." Narrated by al-Khateeb Al-Jaami (1/156) and then he commented further saying, "It is incumbent upon the seeker of hadeeth to refrain from play, idle fiddling, and displaying vulgar manners in the gathering by acting foolishly, giggling, laughing loudly, or excessive in continual joking. Joking is only permissible if it is in small amounts, and if it is occasional, and subtle, and the type that does not exceed the boundaries of good manners and the way of knowledge. As for continual joking and that which is vulgar and foolish and that which arouses bitter feelings and attracts evil, then it is blameworthy. Excessive laughing and joking degrades your rank and your honour..."
 

Ibn Uthaymeen, said: This is from the best words that have been mentioned about a student of knowledge that he should abstain from playing and joking except for that which the Shari'ah has sanctioned, like playing archery, sword fighting, horse riding, because that will aid him in fighting for the sake of Allaah. Also in this present time playing with small traditional rifles, there is no problem with that. Also idle fiddling which it to indulge into something which there is no call for, or say something for no need. Also displaying vulgar manners in a gathering by acting foolishly, giggling, laughing loudly, or excessive or continual joking - even with the general people. As for with your fellow companions or contemporaries then the matter is easier, but in front of the general people I warn you from opening the door of trial on yourself. Because that will take the respect away from the hearts of the people, so they will not respect you, or the knowledge that you come with.

His saying: There is a saying: "Whoever is excessive in something will be recognized by it." So avoid these flaws in your gatherings and in your speech. Amongst those that are ignorant there are some that think there is relaxation in doing this excessively."

It was narrated that Ahnaf Ibnu Qays said, "Preserve your gatherings from the mention of women and food for indeed I hate a man who describes his (desires) and his stomach." (Siyar Al-A'lam An-Nubula 4/94)

From Ibn Uthaymeen's Explanation of Etiquettes of A Seeker of Knowledge (Point 7)