Adopting Humility and Modesty

Authored by: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (Rahimahullah)
Chapter Title: Humility and Modesty
Arabic Title: باب ما جاء فى التواضع

Hadith on Humility

❀ Sayyiduna Iyad ibn Himar (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

"Indeed, Allah has revealed to me that you must humble yourselves, so that no one boasts over another or oppresses another."
(Sahih: Muslim 2185:64)


❀ Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

"Indeed, Allah has revealed to me that you should humble yourselves and that none of you should oppress another."
(Hasan: Ibn Majah 4214, al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad 426)

The Virtue of Humility

❀ Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated from Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) that he said: "I know not except that it is attributed to the Prophet (PBUH): Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, says: 'Whoever humbles himself for My sake in this manner (Umar gestured by lowering his palm towards the ground), I will raise him in this manner,' (and Umar gestured by raising his palm towards the sky)."
(Sahih: Ahmad 309, al-Bazzar 175, Abu Ya'la 187)

Practical Examples of Humility

❀ Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

"He is not arrogant who eats with his servant, rides a donkey in the market, and ties up his goat to milk it."
(Hasan: al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad 550)

Key Lessons from These Ahadith

  1. Humility as a Command from Allah: Allah explicitly commands humility, warning against arrogance, boasting, or oppression.
  2. Elevation Through Humility: Those who humble themselves for the sake of Allah are promised honor and elevation in both worlds.
  3. Practical Humility: Engaging in simple, mundane acts, such as eating with servants, milking animals, or using modest means of transportation, reflects true humility.
  4. Rejection of Pride: Pride is incompatible with the values of Islam, and practical humility fosters equality and compassion among individuals.
These narrations highlight the profound value of humility in Islam and its role in building a harmonious and just society.
 
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