In Islamic teachings, humility is considered one of the most valuable moral virtues, and generally, people like humble individuals. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth with humility…” [1]
Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), in a narration, not only describes humility as a divine blessing but also reveals an important characteristic of this virtue: “Humility and modesty are blessings that no one envies.” [2]
Some blessings may be envied by people, but humility and modesty are among the blessings that no one envies. The humble person is always loved and praised, while the arrogant individual is despised.
The importance of humility is so great that Imam al-Askari (peace be upon him) describes the status of a person who behaves humbly with his brothers as follows:
“Whoever is humble with his brothers in this world will be counted among the truthful (Siddiqin) in the sight of Allah.” [3]
But humility has signs. Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) introduces two signs of humility in a narration:
“One sign of humility is that whenever you meet anyone, you greet them with peace, and when entering a gathering, you sit wherever there is space.” [4]
Some people only greet their friends and acquaintances. However, the religious recommendation is that one should greet everyone upon meeting. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was famous for initiating greetings and would sit wherever there was space when entering a gathering, without reserving a special seat for himself. [5]
Achieving this moral perfection requires practice; for instance, we should try to greet everyone we meet without arrogance or self-conceit. Gradually and consistently, wherever self-importance or selfishness arises, we must crush that “I” underfoot and break our pride so that humility becomes part of our character. In this way, arrogance will be eradicated, and Allah’s mercy will descend upon us.
(Adapted from the book “Hikmat-e-Askari,” by Hujjat al-Islam Jawad Mohaddethi)
Footnotes:
[1] Surah al-Furqan, Verse 25.
[2] (al-Tahf al-‘Uqool, p. 486).
[3] (al-Tabarsi, Ihtijaj, Vol. 2, p. 267) Surah An-Nisa, Verse 69. The “Siddiqin” are noble ranks mentioned in the Quran, referred to after the Prophets, and followed by martyrs and the righteous.
[4] (al-Tahf al-‘Uqool, p. 487).
[5] Makarim al-Akhlaq, p. 14.