Ingush Ethics: Ezdel

Ingush ethical code Ezdel has a lot in common with Chechen and Circassian ethics, though in some aspects it is different not only from Circassian ethics, but also from Chechen ethics. The Ingush word "ezdel" means "good manners, civility, delicacy, tact, courteousness, polite manners, politeness, decency, propriety, decorum, morality, morals, courtesy." The corresponding Chechen word is "özdangalla" and the corresponding Circassian word is "adygaghe."

Here are some principles of Ezdel from A. H. Tankiev Ezdel - Ingush Ethics (Russian text: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6):

1. Do not lift up yourself when you have joy, do not be discouraged when you have sorrow.
The first part of this principle means that whatever success a person has, whether he became very famous, very rich, obtained a high position or whatever else, he should not become arrogant, proud, boastful or think of themselves as being superior than others. The second part of the principle means that whatever sorrows and problems a person has, he should suffer silently, not expressing their emotions, without complaints, not asking for pity or sympathy. Chechen and Circassian also have this principle. Chechen, Ingush, and Circassian men never cry whatever sorrows they have. To cry is considered to be very shameful for a man. Only women are allowed to cry.

2. Do not hurry and do not forget.
This means: "Think carefully before doing something. However, do not forget to do what you need to do."

3. Do not give up a difficult task, do not neglect an easy task.
This means that both difficult and easy tasks should be done.

4. Do not say: "I did it" if it were not you who did it, do not neglect a person who did it.
It means: "Do not try to present other's work as yours. Appreciate what other people do."

5. Do not say a word without consideration, do not give up after you said.
This means that a person is not obligated to promise anything. However, after he promised something, he has to keep his promise.

6. Do not require others to do what you are able to do yourself.
This principle means that everyone has different abilities and skills. A person should not expect that everyone else will be able to do what he is able to do.

7. Do not make a step without looking forward, do not say a word without looking backward.
This principle teaches to carefully consider the results of words and actions before saying or doing them.

8. If you think that you are intelligent, do not become arrogant; if you think that you are courageous, do not boast.
This principle teaches to be humble.

9. Do not be sweet: everyone will "eat" you; do not be bitter: everyone will throw you away.
The first part of this principle means that a person should not be too much in keeping Ezdel and trying to please everyone. Otherwise, some people will misuse it. The second part means that a person should not neglect keeping Ezdel and become rude, arrogant, impolite, not respectful to others. Otherwise, people will not respect and trust him.

10. Stretch your legs according to your blanket.
This means that a person should act according to his capacity, not according to his desires.

11. Do not do things you will regret about.
This principle teaches that before doing something, a person should think whether he is not going to regret that he did it. In other words, a person should think about consequences of his planned actions and should not do immoral things.

12. Everyone should be a prince of his soul.
This principle means that a person should control himself, do moral things, and abstain from doing immoral things.

13. Do not tell others what you do not want others to tell you.
This principle means to avoid saying hurtful things, bad words, and any such things. It teaches to speak in polite and respectful manner. People should treat one another with mutual respect and trust.

14. The one who does not get angry is an ass, the one who keeps being angry is also an ass.
This means that there are situations when a person should get angry and it would be foolish not to get angry. On the other hand, when such situation is over, a person should stop being angry and it would be foolish to keep being angry. There is a difference between getting angry and getting offended. According to Ezdel, men are allowed only to get angry. For a man to get offended is considered to be a weakness which is not allowed for him. Only women and children are allowed to get offended.

15. What will happen if you fear, will happen if you do not fear.
It means that whether a person fears or not, his fear will not change the things that happen. So, there is no need and no sense to fear.

16. Do not catch a master's (or a father's) beard, but if you did, do not loose it.
This principle teaches that a person should try to avoid conflicts, especially, with people who have authority over him. However, if a conflict began, he should not give in.

17. Beat the one who beat you, prick the one who pricked you.
This principle teaches that a person should repay his offender exactly as he did to him.

18. Do not be afraid of a hot person, do not trust a calm person.
This means that quick-tempered people are usually frank and honest. They do not pretend. However, calm and kind people may be hypocrites. They also may act unexpectedly.

19. Keep your tongue from a bad word, keep your hand from other's possession.
Both bad words and theft are against Ezdel.

20. Do good to people as if you are going to die today, but live in society and be interested in what is going on as if you are never going to die.
This principle teaches that to do people good should be a person's goal. He should not delay doing good to people. However, even when a person is old, he should not just passively wait for death, but should be interested and involved in the things around him as if he is never going to die.

21. If you fear difficulties, you will not reach good.
It is not easy to do good things. In order to do them, a person should overcome fear of difficulties.