In Book 1, Section 4 of the Masnavi, Rumi introduces the foundational concept of Adab (spiritual courtesy, respect, or proper conduct). He illustrates its absolute necessity on the spiritual path by asserting that disrespect (bi-adabi) deprives a person of divine grace and brings destruction not just to the individual, but to the entire world. To exemplify this, Rumi references the stories of the Israelites who ungratefully demanded worldly food instead of divine sustenance, and the followers of Jesus who hoarded the heavenly banquet (Ma'idah) out of greed and a lack of trust. Through these examples, Rumi teaches that abandoning Adab severs the seeker from God's continuous blessings.