“The other aspect of the personality of Hussein (peace be upon him) that captivated me was his humility alongside his revolutionary spirit. These two traits [often] cannot coexist in a single person. Humility is one of the qualities of those chosen by God. He, while feeling pride and dignity in front of his enemies, possesses a unique form of humility.”
Antoine Bara, Christian thinker and author of the book Hussein in Christian Thought.[1]
“Often, ignorant individuals, with just a little wealth or position, look down on others and tend to impose their opinions on people. These individuals, even though they are among others, are truly alone and isolated. In fact, human arrogance stems from ignorance, neglect, and self-centeredness. Arrogance creates distance between an individual and society, making the individual pessimistic about the community, while the people become disgusted with him. On the other hand, the more knowledge, wisdom, awareness, and understanding of God a person has, the more humble and modest he becomes.”
“Leaders and prominent individuals in society, in particular, should adopt humility and avoid arrogance. It is a form of defiance and corruption when a leader takes pride in their clothing, mounts, and homes, and creates for themselves an entourage and ceremony that sets them apart from ordinary people.”
Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) was a clear example of a humble and modest person. He was highly respected by the people, to the extent that when he went on foot to perform Hajj, all the prominent figures and companions who were with him would dismount from their steeds in his honor and walk beside him.[2]
This respect for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) among the people was not because he had luxurious palaces, expensive steeds, servants, or soldiers who preceded or followed his caravan, or because the Prophet’s mosque was cleared for him, or because the paths were closed off when he traveled. No! It was none of these things. Rather, it was because Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) lived among the people, was not separate from them, and lived in utmost simplicity and humility.”
He went on foot for Hajj 25 times.[3] He sat and conversed with the people; he interacted with the poor; he brought food for the needy, the widows, and orphans; he joined congregational prayers; he visited the sick; he participated in funeral processions; and he would sit with his friends and companions in the mosque of his grandfather, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him). Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) even accepted invitations from the poor and hosted them in return.”
For example, one day, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) encountered a group of poor people who were sitting on their cloaks eating dry bread. They invited him to join them. He dismounted from his horse and said, “God does not love the arrogant.”[4] He sat with them and accompanied them. Then he said, “I have accepted your invitation; now accept mine as well.” He then took them to his house, ordered his servant, “Prepare whatever has been set aside for the honored and special guests,” and he treated them with hospitality.[5]
These are just small drops from the ocean of Imam Hussein’s (peace be upon him) boundless humility and modesty. It is indeed a great virtue that we too, by following our beloved Imam whose heart beats with love for him, strive to embody humility, which, as the Holy Quran mentions, is one of the qualities of God’s special servants, in our lives.”[6]
(Adapted from the book: A Glimpse of the Grandeur of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) by Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani)
Footnotes:
[1] Antoine Bara stated these words in an interview with the Kayhan newspaper, which was published in issue 18723 on 4/11/1385.
[2] Irsad by Shaykh Mufid, p. 128; Manaqib by Ibn Shahr Ashub, vol. 3, p. 168.
[3] Kashf al-Ghama, vol. 2, p. 232.
[4] “Indeed, God does not love the arrogant.” (Surah An-Nahl, verse 23).
[5] Tafseer Safi, vol. 3, p. 131; Tafseer al-Ayyashi, vol. 2, p. 257.
[6] “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility…” (Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63).