The Best Act of Worship: Humility

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ: " يَغْفُلُونَ عَنْ أَفْضَلِ الْعِبَادَةِ: التَّوَاضُعِ "

Aisha رضي الله عنها said:

"People are paying no attention to the best act of worship: Humility."

(Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah (13/360) Ibn Hajr graded this Athar as being Saheeh.)

Benefits for this subject:

At-Tabari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

"Allaah tests His believing servants with humility to see how they obey Him and follow His commands." 

[Saheeh Bukhari Ibn Battal]

Shaykh Abdur Rahman As-Sa'dee (May Allaah rest him in Jannah) said,

 "Humility and Humbleness are among the foundations of the religion and its core whereas, pride contradicts Islaam.”

The origin of humility is found in the verse: (سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا) (We hear and obey) [Al-Baqarah:285]. This means we hear what you have said our Lord in the Qur’aan and what Your Messenger has said.

Humility and pride are two distinct traits that aren’t hidden from anyone. Let's look at the differences between the two:

The humble person submits to the truth no matter who it comes from. He doesn’t care about his old views, speech or position. He aides the truth whenever it becomes clear to him its right.

The arrogant stubborn one clings inflexibly to his speech, actions and ways. In fact he has a high opinion of his speech and deeds. When the truth is made clear to him, he turns up his nose arrogantly as he is amazed with himself. Having this trait lowers a person to a very low status.

The person with humility spreads the greetings of peace to the young and old, to those of high status and low. He treats everyone the same.

The conceited person doesn’t give salaams or even look at the needy and poor. He has no concern for their needs and he won't even intermingle with them.

The humble individual is loved by Allaah and His servants. He is always close to good and distant from evil, sin and transgression.

The arrogant one is hated by Allaah and His servants. He is always distant from piety and righteousness and close to evil, sin and transgression.

Humbleness is a quality to the Prophets and Messengers. This attribute is for the God fearing and Guided. Arrogance is a characteristic of the tyrants and oppressors.

Humility increases a person's nobility and raises his status until he eventually reaches the ranks of those loved and pleased by Allaah. How many humble people attain love and charity! How many times is a person with humility praised! How often do people supplicate to Allaah for a modest man!

On one hand, there isn’t a humble person to Allaah, except that the Most Merciful raises his rank. On the other hand, there isn’t an arrogant person except Allaah lowers his status. [Majmu' As-Sa'dee vol 22/ 150-153]


Translated and compiled by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle