Is Mentioning One’s Virtues Against Humility in Islam?

Is Mentioning One’s Virtues Contrary to Humility?​

Source: Fatāwā Amanpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri

❖ Question:​

Is it against humility and modesty for a person to mention his own virtues?

❖ Answer:​

In general, praising oneself and highlighting one’s virtues is not appropriate.


Allah Almighty says:


فَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ
So do not claim purity for yourselves.
(Al-Najm: 32)

❖ Types of Self-Praise​

1. Blameworthy:
   
   • When it is done out of pride, boasting, or to claim superiority over peers.
   • This is contrary to humility and condemned in the Sharīʿah.
2. Praiseworthy (Permissible):
   
   • When there is a genuine religious benefit or need, such as:
     
     • Encouraging others in amr bil-maʿrūf (enjoining good),
     • Establishing credibility for effective advice,
     • A teacher, preacher, or leader mentioning qualities to increase the impact of guidance.

❖ Evidences​

◈ Prophet Yūsuf عليه السلام said:


اجعلني على خزائن الأرض إني حفيظ عليم
Appoint me over the storehouses of the land; indeed, I am trustworthy and knowledgeable.
(Yūsuf: 55)


◈ Prophet Shuʿayb عليه السلام said:


ستجدني إن شاء الله من الصالحين
You will find me, if Allah wills, among the righteous.
(Al-Qaṣaṣ: 27)


◈ The Prophet ﷺ said:


أنا النبي لا كذب، أنا ابن عبد المطلب
I am the Prophet, this is no lie; I am the son of ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib.
(Bukhārī 4317; Muslim 1776)


◈ The Prophet ﷺ also said:


والله إني لأخشاكم لله وأتقاكم له
By Allah! I am the most fearful of Allah and most pious among you.
(Bukhārī 5063; Muslim 1401)


◈ And he said:


إني أبيت يطعمني ربي ويسقين …
At night my Lord provides me with food and drink…
(Bukhārī 1966; Muslim 1103)


Conclusion:
Self-praise motivated by boasting is condemned, but when it is for a legitimate religious purpose, such as establishing trust in advice or daʿwah, it is permissible and in line with prophetic practice.