Morality & Ethics (Akhlaq)

The Value of Humility

The Value of Humility in Islam: A Path of Faith and Practice

Introduction
Introduction
Quranic Teachings on Humility
Hadith: Prophetic Sayings on Humility
Perspectives of Scholars: Classical and Contemporary
Humility in Practice: Lessons from History
Schools of Thought and Humility
Practical Tips: Cultivating Humility Today
Conclusion
Further Reading – Books on Humility

Introduction

Humility is more than just a good trait—it’s the very heart of a Muslim’s character. In fact, scholars have beautifully described humility as “the queen of moral virtues”, highlighting its supreme importance. But what does humility really mean? At its core, humility is recognizing your true position before God and never seeing yourself as superior to others.

Islam teaches something profound: true faith and arrogance cannot coexist in a believer’s heart. To truly embrace faith, one must first embrace humility. Without it, faith becomes incomplete and hollow.

In this article, we’ll unpack what humility truly means in Islam, why it matters so deeply, and how it transforms lives. We’ll dive into powerful Quranic verses, explore the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings, gain valuable insights from classical and contemporary scholars, and see clearly why Islam’s approach to humility uniquely elevates the human spirit.

Introduction

In Arabic, the word for humility is tawāḍu‘ (تواضع). Linguistically, it comes from a root meaning “to lower” or “to put down.” This gives a beautiful image: a humble person “lowers” themselves, not in a degrading way, but by being modest and not self-important. Essentially, humility is the opposite of arrogance (kibr), which means to feel overly proud, superior, or too good to accept the truth. Another related term is khushū‘ (خشوع), often used for a state of humility and focus, especially in prayer. Being humble doesn’t mean belittling yourself or lacking confidence – it means recognizing one’s true position: we are all servants of Allah (God), and any talent or success we have is ultimately a blessing from Him, not purely our own greatness.

Islam makes it clear that true greatness belongs only to Allah, and human beings, no matter how accomplished, should remain humble. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one oppresses another or boasts over another.” This teaching sets the tone: pride leads to injustice and conflict, while humility leads to fairness and brotherhood.

Quranic Teachings on Humility

The Qur’an, which Muslims believe is the word of God, contains many reminders for believers to be humble and warnings against arrogance. Below are some key Quran verses (translated into English) that highlight humility:

Quran 25:63 – “The true servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [improperly], they respond with peace.”
(Explanation: This verse describes the believers that God loves: they are not proud or harsh. They “walk humbly,” meaning they carry themselves with modesty. If someone rude or foolish tries to provoke them, they don’t respond with anger or ego. Instead, they answer peacefully or politely. This level of self-control is a hallmark of humility.)*

Quran 26:215 – “And lower your wing to the believers who follow you.”
(Explanation: Here Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to “lower his wing” to the believers – a metaphor meaning to be gentle and humble with them. If even the Prophet, the leader of the Muslims, is told to be humble with people, then ordinary folks should definitely do the same. No one is too important to show kindness and humility.)*

Quran 31:18 – “And do not turn your face away from people in pride, nor walk on the earth with arrogance. Indeed, Allah does not like anyone who is self-deluded and boastful.”
(Explanation: This is part of the wise advice that Luqmān (a wise man) gives to his son in the Quran. He tells him not to “snub” people or turn away out of pride, and not to strut about arrogantly. God dislikes those who act conceited. In simple terms: don’t treat people as if you’re above them, and don’t show off.)*

Quran 17:37 – “Do not walk upon the earth exultantly (with conceit). You can neither pierce the earth nor reach the mountains in height.”
(Explanation: This verse uses vivid imagery to knock down human pride. No matter how much swagger someone has, they can’t stomp the ground into pieces, nor can they stretch themselves to the height of a mountain – we’re just humans, after all! It’s a reminder that arrogant behavior is foolish; humans are small compared to the vast earth and creation.)*

Quran 28:83 – “That home of the Hereafter (Paradise) We assign to those who do not seek exaltation (pride) on earth or any corruption. And the good end is for the righteous.”
(Explanation: Allah tells us that the people who will earn Paradise are those who weren’t out to elevate themselves above others or cause trouble. They didn’t live for power or status. Instead, they had humility and righteousness. This shows that humility is a key to Heaven, while pride can lead one away from it.)*

Quran 5:54 – “…Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him – who are humble toward the believers, but mighty against the disbelievers…”
(Explanation: This verse highlights humility as a trait of true believers. It says if Muslims turn away from their faith, Allah can replace them with people who love Him. These people are described as “humble toward the believers,” meaning they’re gentle and modest among their fellow Muslims (yet firm and confident against injustice or unbelief). This shows humility is a strength, not a weakness – believers are soft with each other, not haughty.)*

Quran 21:90 – “Surely they (the prophets) used to hasten to do good deeds and call upon Us in hope and fear, and they were humbly submissive to Us.”
(Explanation: This verse speaks about past prophets and righteous people. Despite all their good deeds and their closeness to God, they remained humble in their prayers and attitude towards Allah. They rushed to do good, prayed with hope in God’s mercy and fear of His justice, and kept their hearts soft. If prophets like Noah, Abraham, Moses, or Zachariah (who is directly referenced here) were humble before God, it makes sense that we should be too.)*

Quran 23:1-2 – “Certainly will the believers have succeeded: those who in their prayer are humbly submissive.”
(Explanation: One of the first qualities of true believers mentioned in Surah Al-Mu’minūn is khushū‘ in prayer, meaning a humble, attentive state. Humility in Islam begins with our relationship with Allah – recognizing His greatness and worshiping with full focus and modesty. If we train our hearts to be humble in front of God during prayers, it becomes easier to be humble with people in daily life.)*

These Quranic verses paint a clear picture: humility is a beloved trait in Islam, while arrogance is hated. Allah promises reward and honor for the humble, and disapproval or even punishment for the arrogant. We see that humility should reflect both in our inner attitude (knowing we’re not above others, and submitting to God) and our outer behavior (walking and talking without pride, treating others with respect).

Hadith: Prophetic Sayings on Humility

The Hadith is the record of the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Prophet’s teachings strongly emphasize humility and warn against pride. Here are several authentic (ṣaḥīḥ) hadiths related to humility:

“Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one oppresses another or boasts over another.” – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Narrated by Muslim)
(Meaning: God directly inspired or instructed the Prophet with this message. Being humble is not just a nice idea – it’s a divine command. The point is that humility ensures we don’t wrong people or consider ourselves superior. When everyone is humble, no one tries to bully or look down on anyone.)*

“No one will enter Paradise who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart.” Someone asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what if a person likes his clothes and shoes to look good (is that arrogance)?” The Prophet replied: “Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty; arrogance is rejecting the truth and looking down on people.” (Narrated by Muslim & Tirmidhi)
(Meaning: The Prophet ﷺ made it absolutely clear that even a tiny grain of pride in one’s heart can block a person from Paradise – that’s how dangerous arrogance is. However, he also clarified that dressing nicely or enjoying good things is not arrogance by itself (Allah loves beauty). The real definition of arrogance is denying the truth (e.g. being too proud to admit when you’re wrong or to accept God’s guidance) and belittling others. Humility, therefore, is the opposite: accepting truth even if it goes against your ego, and treating others with respect.)*

“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him (in status).” (Authentic Hadith – reported in various sources)
(Meaning: This profound statement, which is confirmed by scholars like Imam Nawawi , shows the paradox of humility – by lowering yourself, you are elevated by God. In worldly terms, people often think being humble means you’ll be overlooked. But the Prophet teaches that when you’re humble seeking Allah’s pleasure (not trying to show off your humility, but sincerely being modest), Allah will honor you either in people’s hearts, in this life, or certainly in the next life. Many scholars commented that this “raising” happens both here and hereafter .)*

“Shall I inform you about the people of Paradise? It is every person who is modest and humble (weak in worldly eyes, but valued by Allah), such that if he swears by Allah, Allah would fulfill it for him. And shall I inform you about the people of Hellfire? It is every cruel, greedy and arrogant person.”** (Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim) (Meaning: The Prophet ﷺ gave a simple description of who mostly enters Heaven and who mostly enters Hell. The people of Paradise are those considered “weak” or lowly by arrogant folks – the humble who might be poor or not powerful, but they are so sincere that God honors their prayers (“if he swears by Allah…Allah would fulfill it” means God values their word). In contrast, the inmates of Hell are often those who were harsh, selfish (greedy) and full of pride. This hadith flips the script – it’s not outward power or status that matters to God, it’s the quality of humility or arrogance in a person.)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “No one humbles himself except that Allah elevates him,” and “No one exalts himself (in arrogance) except that Allah brings him low.” (Reported in hadith literature, graded authentic)
(Meaning: This reinforces the earlier points – humility is a path to true honor, while arrogance leads to humiliation. History has shown many examples of this principle: arrogant tyrants often fall in disgrace, whereas humble servants of God are remembered with honor.)*

The Prophet’s example: It is also narrated that Prophet Muhammad was so humble that he disliked any special treatment. He didn’t like people standing up for him out of exaggerated respect, nor did he ever behave as if he was above others. When strangers came to his gatherings, they often could not tell which person was the Prophet because he dressed and sat just like everyone else! He used to mend his own clothes and shoes, and help with household chores , despite being the leader of the community. In battle or travel, he was right alongside others, sometimes riding a donkey (an ordinary animal) instead of a high horse. All these reports show the incredible humility in the Prophet’s daily life. He said, “I am only a servant; I eat like a servant eats and sit like a servant sits.” (Narrated in Abu Dawud – indicating he lived modestly, as a humble servant of God.)

The hadith evidence is overwhelming that humility is a virtue that Islam constantly encourages. Arrogance, on the other hand, is a serious sin. In one striking hadith Qudsi (words of Allah revealed beyond the Quran), Allah says: “Pride is My cloak and greatness is My robe; whoever competes with Me in these, I will cast him into Hellfire.” (Sahih Muslim) – meaning that true pride and greatness belong only to God. If a human being tries to claim those qualities (by being arrogant), it’s a grave offense. Thus, a Muslim’s job is to remain humble and remember that Allah knows best and is above all.

Perspectives of Scholars: Classical and Contemporary

Islamic scholars through the ages have spoken on humility’s importance, often by reflecting on the Quran and hadith we saw. Here we will look at both classical scholars from early Islamic history and contemporary scholars of today, to see how they emphasize humility.

Imam Al-Ghazālī (Classical Scholar, 11th-12th century): Imām Al-Ghazālī, one of the great theologians and spiritual masters of Islam, had a lot to say about curing pride and developing humility. He advised people to always consider others better than themselves. For example, he writes: “Your belief that you are better than others is sheer ignorance. If you see a child, say: ‘This child has not sinned against God, but I have sinned – so he is better than me.’ If you see an older person, say: ‘He has worshiped God before I was even born, so he’s better than me.’ If he is a scholar, think: ‘He knows more than I do, so he’s superior.’ If he is ignorant, think: ‘He sins out of ignorance, while I knowingly disobey Allah, so perhaps he is better.’ And if he is an unbeliever, say: ‘Perhaps he will yet embrace Islam and end his life with good deeds, while I could go astray – so in the end he could be ahead of me.’” . This profound advice from Al-Ghazālī shifts the focus away from judging others and toward judging oneself. By deliberately giving others the benefit of the doubt and worrying about one’s own flaws, a person can crush the ego and remain humble. He further said, “Arrogance will not leave your heart until you know that the Greatness truly belongs to God alone.” . In other writings, Al-Ghazālī outlined practical steps to cure arrogance, such as remembering one’s humble origins (a drop of sperm and dust), and one’s inevitable end (a corpse in a grave) – reflecting on these realities makes it hard to be arrogant about worldly things.
Imam Nawawī (Classical Scholar, 13th century): Imam Yahya an-Nawawi, famous for his works like Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn and commentary on Sahih Muslim, also highlighted humility. In his commentary on the hadith “no one humbles himself except Allah raises him,” Imam Nawawi notes that this “raising” can mean honor in this world (winning people’s genuine respect) and/or high rank in the Hereafter . He and other scholars agree that both are likely intended – often, the humbler a person is, the more beloved they become to others. But even if worldly people don’t appreciate your humility, Allah certainly will raise your status in the afterlife.
Ibn al-Qayyim (Classical Scholar, 14th century): Ibn al-Qayyim, a student of Ibn Taymiyyah and a renowned scholar, described humility as of two types : (1) Humbling oneself to obey Allah’s commands and laws – basically submitting one’s ego to what Allah wants. And (2) humbling oneself before the greatness of Allah – feeling awe and lowliness in one’s heart knowing Allah’s power and majesty. He explains that when a person remembers Allah’s greatness and anger towards the arrogant, the person will inevitably feel humble and subdued before God . True humility requires both: following Allah’s orders (even when we feel lazy or our desires pull us elsewhere), and internally revering Allah so much that pride finds no place in the heart.
Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalānī (Classical Scholar, 15th century): Ibn Hajar, who wrote the famous commentary Fatḥ al-Bārī on Sahih Bukhari, gave practical examples of humility from the Prophet’s life. For instance, when commenting on a hadith that describes the Prophet helping with household chores, Ibn Hajar noted: “This shows that we are encouraged to be humble and not arrogant, and that a man should serve his family.” . In other words, doing humble tasks (like cooking, cleaning, or serving guests) is not beneath a believer – it is actually a sunnah (Prophetic practice) and a sign of humility. Another incident he or other scholars cite is how the Caliphs (the Prophet’s successors) remained humble: It’s reported that the second Caliph, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, despite ruling a vast empire, used to carry water for his household at night , and once when he was seen doing so, he remarked that he was testing his soul for pride. Such stories were often quoted by scholars to inspire humility in leadership and daily life.
Contemporary Scholars: Modern Islamic teachers continue to stress humility, sometimes addressing new challenges like social media and materialism. For example, Dr. Yasir Qadhi (a well-known contemporary scholar) emphasizes that faith (īmān) itself is tied to humility. He said that one of the defining characteristics of true faith is humility, and a person cannot have an ounce of arrogance in their heart if they want to have true īmān. He also analyzed the Arabic word tawāḍu‘ (humility) and its root “waḍa‘a” (to lower), pointing out that conquering the ego requires “lowering oneself” deliberately. Another popular speaker, Shaykh Omar Suleiman, refers to the Quranic description “servants of the Most Merciful” (Quran 25:63) and calls their quality “the art of humility.” He notes how being humble in how we “tread on earth” and respond to negativity with peace requires true inner strength, not weakness.

Contemporary scholars often warn about “hidden arrogance” today – like the pride that can come with knowledge, fame, or even religious deeds. They remind us that even if one is pious or very knowledgeable, it must be coupled with humility. For instance, you might find someone who prays and gives charity but then looks down on those who don’t – that’s a trap of arrogance while doing good. Scholars quote the Prophet’s words that “Whoever has an atom’s weight of pride will not enter Jannah (Paradise)” to caution against this. They also use logical arguments: if everything we have is from God, what do we really have to be arrogant about? We didn’t choose our looks, our parents, our birthplace, or our natural talents – these are given by Allah. So being arrogant about them makes no sense. It’s far more sensible and truthful to be humble and thankful.

Even in academic or professional contexts, Muslim thinkers today promote intellectual humility – acknowledging that no matter how much we learn, Allah’s knowledge is infinite and ours is limited. The Qur’an reminds people of knowledge: “Above every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing” (12:76), ultimately referring to Allah. This instills a mindset of always being open to learning and correction, which is humility in practice.

Humility in Practice: Lessons from History

Throughout Islamic history, the greatest heroes were those with humble hearts. We’ve already mentioned the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his closest companions. Here are a few more historical notes that show humility’s value:

When Makkah (Mecca) was conquered by the Muslims, Prophet Muhammad entered the city without boasting, revenge, or pride. In fact, it is narrated that he lowered his head so much out of humbleness and gratitude to Allah that his chin almost touched his chest, as he rode into the city that had once violently rejected him. He declared a general amnesty for his former enemies. This unparalleled humility and forgiveness at the moment of victory led to many of those former enemies embracing Islam willingly. Many consider this merciful, humble approach a miracle of character – it succeeded in touching hearts where force would have failed.
In battles, Muslims attributed victory to Allah, not to their own strength. At the Battle of Badr, the first major battle in Islam, the Muslims were outnumbered about 3 to 1. The night before, the Prophet prayed with such humility, crying out to Allah for help, that his cloak fell off his shoulders. Allah answered by sending an army of angels to assist the believers (a miraculous help). The Quran (8:17) later told them it was not they who actually defeated the enemy, but Allah’s doing – a reminder to stay humble in triumph. Contrast this with arrogant armies of history who took all the credit for themselves and later met defeat; the early Muslims remained humble and thus were given continued success.
The story of Qārūn (Korah) in the Qur’an (Surah al-Qaṣaṣ) is a dramatic cautionary tale. Qārūn was a wealthy man at the time of Prophet Moses who grew arrogant, claiming his wealth was from his own knowledge and merit. He strutted arrogantly and looked down on the poor. Allah punished his arrogance in a miraculous way: the earth opened up and swallowed Qārūn, his mansion, and all his wealth . This incident shows that God can humiliate the haughty in extraordinary ways. It’s a reminder that no matter how rich or powerful one gets, staying humble is literally a lifesaver – pride can lead to one’s downfall, sometimes quite literally as it did for Qārūn.
Many of the pious Muslim scholars and saints lived very humbly. There are stories of great scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, and Imam Ahmad (the founders of the four schools of thought) showing extreme humility before their teachers and even towards their students. Imam Malik, for example, when asked a question he didn’t know, would openly say “Allāhu a‘lam” (Allah knows best) rather than try to pretend he knew the answer – a sign of intellectual humility. Imam Abu Hanifa, despite being a giant in knowledge, once stood up out of respect for a scholar of hadith who came into his circle, showing humility toward someone expert in a field he was not. These behaviors trickled down: students learned that no matter how high your status, humility is what earns respect, not self-importance.
Humility was also evident in governance. The Caliphs ‘Umar and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) would dress simply and avoid any pomp. When a Roman envoy came to find Caliph ‘Umar, he expected to find a king in a palace. Instead, he found ‘Umar resting under a tree in ordinary clothes, with no guards – and he exclaimed, “O ‘Umar, you ruled justly so you are safe, and thus you can sleep in the open.” That just leadership came from humility and fear of God, not fear of people.

These historical examples reinforce that humility has always been a mark of true Islamic leadership and righteousness. Whenever Muslims adhered to humility, they earned both Allah’s blessings and people’s admiration. And whenever arrogance crept in, losses and disgrace followed. As one scholar commented, “Those who distance themselves from the blessing of humility inevitably end up following the path of Pharaoh.” In other words, arrogance is pharaonic – it’s the trait of history’s worst villains (like Pharaoh, who is infamous in the Quran for his arrogance saying “I am your lord, most high”).

Schools of Thought and Humility

When it comes to Islamic law (fiqh) and the four major schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali), there is no disagreement on the importance of humility. It is considered part of good character (akhlāq) which all schools emphasize through the Quran and hadith. Since humility is more of an ethical virtue than a strict legal ruling, you won’t find the schools debating “Is humility required or not?” – it absolutely is encouraged by all.

However, scholars in these schools might have minor differences in identifying arrogant behavior. For example, the Prophet warned against a man arrogantly dragging his garment on the ground (a fashion of the proud at that time). All scholars agree arrogance is sinful, but they differed on the specifics of that example: some scholars (including many from the Hanbali school) took it strictly and said any dragging of garments below the ankles is forbidden as a precaution against arrogance. Scholars from other schools, like Hanafis and Shafi‘is, said that if someone lengthens their garment without arrogant intent, it’s not a sin – only if done pridefully . So the goal (avoiding pride) is shared, but the outward rule had slight nuances. This isn’t really a “which school values humility more” issue, but an interpretational difference on a related practice.

Another subtle area is prayer posture: showing humility in prayer (khushū‘) is required by all schools, but for instance the Maliki school traditionally allows praying with hands to the sides (instead of folded) partly because they consider it closer to the humble stance of a servant (historically, Malik ibn Anas saw the people of Medina praying with arms at sides, possibly as a sign of calm humility). Meanwhile others fold hands – but both intend humility. These are minor variances in outward form, not in the concept of humility.

In essence, all four schools agree on humility as a virtue and arrogance as a vice. You won’t find any reputable scholar from any school praising arrogance or belittling humility – the evidence in Islam is just too clear on this. If anything, differences might be in cultural practices or personal approaches to staying humble, rather than principles. Each school’s scholars produced works on refining character (taṣawwuf or tazkiyah) which heavily feature humility as the path to Allah. So on this topic, the unity among thought is far greater than any tiny difference.

Why Humility? – A Superior Moral Outlook
One might ask, why is humility so stressed in Islam? What makes it superior or more beneficial than other approaches to life? Let’s consider a few theological and logical points that highlight the wisdom in Islam’s emphasis on humility:

All Greatness is God’s: In Islam’s purely monotheistic view, only Allah is truly Great (al-Kabīr) and Proud (al-Mutakabbir, meaning He has the right to pride). Any greatness we see in creation is a reflection of His greatness. Thus, a human claiming greatness for themselves is seen as usurping a right of God. This theological stance makes humility the only logical attitude. If I know that my abilities, beauty, or intelligence are gifts from the Creator, taking personal pride for them is almost like stealing credit from God. The Pharaoh in Moses’ time bragged “I am lord” – Islam shows how absurd that is, since Pharaoh couldn’t even control the next moment of his life. A humble person acknowledges God’s lordship and their own servitude; an arrogant person challenges it (whether they realize it or not). Therefore, Islam’s view is that humility is actually truthfulness: seeing the truth of our position relative to God. Alternatives that encourage ego and self-glorification are seen as rooted in falsehood or illusion.
Humility vs. False Confidence: Some philosophies or lifestyles might celebrate “survival of the fittest” or being aggressively confident, even to the point of pride. But Islam differentiates confidence from arrogance. You can be confident and strong yet humble – like the Prophet and his companions were. Humility doesn’t mean being a doormat; it means you don’t let your ego rule you. Theologically, Islam holds that our honor comes from Allah, not from self-assertion. As a logical matter, a humble person is more open to learning and self-improvement. An arrogant person thinks they already know or are the best, so they often stagnate or make ignorant mistakes. History and even modern business studies show that leaders who are humble tend to listen to feedback and correct course, whereas arrogant leaders often lead their teams to ruin by refusing to admit mistakes. In this way, Islamic humility proves superior because it encourages a growth mindset and cooperation, whereas arrogance breeds toxicity and collapse.
Social Harmony: Humility in Islam isn’t just about one’s relationship with God; it hugely impacts society. When people are humble, they treat each other kindly, justice prevails, and peace is maintained. When arrogance takes over, it leads to oppression, class superiority, racism, and conflict. The Quranic vision of an ideal society (for example, the community of the Prophet in Medina) is one where “the humble” are valued. Everyone stands shoulder to shoulder in prayer, rich or poor, king or peasant, which instills equality. The Prophet ﷺ said a truly faithful person loves for others what he loves for himself – that golden rule requires empathy and humility. If I think others are as worthy as me (or even better, as Ghazali advises), I will want them to have what I have. Compare this with a materialistic outlook where success is measured by being above others – that approach leads to endless competition, envy, and anxiety. Islam’s encouragement of humility leads to stronger community bonds and personal contentment. One could argue this is superior for societal well-being: a humble society is more charitable and just, while a prideful society is stratified and unjust.
Inner Peace: Philosophically, humility is aligned with knowing oneself. Greek philosophers like Socrates stressed "Know thyself." Islam teaches that knowing yourself means recognizing your weaknesses and your dependence on God. A humble person is at peace because they’re not constantly worried about maintaining a facade of greatness. Arrogant people, deep down, often suffer from insecurity – they need to feel better than others, which is a never-ending burden. Islam liberates us from that by saying: only Allah is the Greatest, we are all flawed and small before Him, and that’s okay. Our worth comes from being loved by Allah, which anyone humble and sincere can attain. This perspective is spiritually and psychologically healthier than tying self-worth to beating others. Modern psychology backs this up: gratitude and humility are strongly linked to happiness, whereas narcissism (extreme self-centered pride) is linked to anxiety and relationship problems. So from a practical view, the Islamic virtue of humility leads to a more balanced, happy life compared to prideful alternatives.
Openness to Truth: One major reason humility is exalted in Islam is that it makes a person open to accepting truth and guidance. The Quran often contrasts believers who humble their hearts to God’s message with disbelievers who reject it out of pride. For example, Satan (Iblīs) refused to bow to Adam out of arrogance – and that made him fall from Allah’s grace. Many of the Prophet’s contemporaries who opposed him did so because they couldn’t humble themselves to accept that a fellow human (Muhammad) could be a Prophet above them. Pride was literally a barrier to salvation. In contrast, people like Bilāl (a former slave) or Salman (a foreigner from Persia) humbled themselves, accepted the truth of Islam, and Allah raised them in honor – even Umar, the tough chieftain, used to call Bilal “our master” because of Bilal’s rank in faith. This demonstrates a powerful point: Islam’s view is that humility allows you to see reality as it is, whereas arrogance blinds you. Other worldviews might put human intellect or status on a pedestal, but then what happens when that ego is wrong? Islam prefers the stance of “God knows best, and I’ll listen and obey.” This humility before God leads to enlightenment (nur) and wisdom, whereas arrogance leads to misguidance. Thus, from a truth-seeking perspective, humility is superior because it keeps our minds and hearts receptive to learning and guidance, whether it comes from scripture, evidence, or even from other people.

In summary, Islam’s insistence on humility is not about making people feel low for no reason; it is about grounding ourselves in reality – the reality of God’s greatness, our limitations, and the dignity of others. It’s a realistic approach that yields love, knowledge, and progress, as opposed to the delusional approach of arrogance which yields hatred, ignorance, and downfall.

One might also note, as a theological marvel, how humility ties into other virtues. For instance, humility is connected with gratitude – a humble person recognizes blessings and says “Alḥamdulillah” (praise be to God), whereas a proud person thinks “I deserved it.” Humility is also connected with patience and forgiveness – if someone wrongs a humble person, they are more likely to forgive (since they don’t see themselves as too lofty to pardon), but an arrogant person’s ego might seek revenge for the smallest slight. In this way, humility in Islam is like a foundation that supports many other good qualities.

Practical Tips: Cultivating Humility Today

Knowing the importance of humility is one thing – living it is another. In today’s world, how can Muslims (and anyone, really) cultivate humility in their daily lives? Here are some practical applications and tips, drawn from Islamic teachings, that we can start practicing:

Remember God often (dhikr) and reflect on His attributes: Regularly remind yourself of Allah’s greatness and our dependence on Him. For example, saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest) with understanding can shrink the ego. When you succeed or get praise, say “Alhamdulillah” (thanks to God) to direct the credit to Him. When you’re frustrated or things don’t go your way, say “Inna lillah…” (we belong to Allah…) to remember you’re under His decree. This constant remembrance creates an awareness that we are servants and Allah is the Master, keeping us humble and grounded.
Count your own faults instead of others’ faults: A famous saying in Islam is, “Glad tidings to the one who is so busy improving his own faults that he has no time to look at others’ faults.” When you feel pride creeping in, immediately turn inward and recall your mistakes, sins, or weaknesses. Islam teaches that no one is perfect – and we each know our own flaws best. If I focus on fixing my shortcomings, I won’t have room to feel superior. This doesn’t mean to have low self-esteem; it means be honest with yourself. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib said, “The sin that makes you sad and repentant is better in the sight of God than the good deed that makes you arrogant.” The goal is to use our mistakes to stay humble and seek Allah’s mercy, rather than using our good deeds to feel arrogant.
Serve others and do “lowly” tasks: One of the quickest ways to kill arrogance is to get your hands dirty in service. Our Prophet ﷺ and his companions did not shy away from manual labor or serving the community. Try to do things like cleaning the mosque, picking up trash, helping your mother in the kitchen, volunteering at a shelter, or carrying someone’s groceries. Do it without expecting any praise. This trains the soul to enjoy being useful rather than being applauded. In a hadith, the Prophet said “the best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” Often, that benefit comes from humble work. Additionally, be there for the “little people” – children, the elderly, the poor, the newcomers. Listening to and assisting people who can’t do anything for you in return is a great humility practice. It makes you realize the value of each human being and softens your heart.
Avoid the traps of boasting and showing off: In the age of social media, it’s very easy to fall into bragging – even a humble-brag is dangerous for our hearts. Islam teaches riyyā’ (showing off) can nullify our good deeds because the intention gets corrupted. To cultivate humility, practice doing good deeds in secret, where nobody knows except Allah. For instance, give charity anonymously, pray extra prayers at night when no one sees, or help someone privately. This builds sincerity (ikhlāṣ) and breaks the habit of seeking validation. When you achieve something or buy something nice, fight the urge to flaunt it. The Quran says, “Do not exult, for God does not love those who exult (in riches)” (28:76). This doesn’t mean hide all blessings, but check your intention: am I sharing to inspire gratitude or just to feed my ego? If it’s the latter, hold back. Also, when conversing, steer away from constantly talking about yourself. Ask others about their lives, genuinely listen, and you’ll curb self-centeredness.
Accept advice and criticism gracefully: A big test of humility is how we handle correction. If someone (younger, less experienced, or even non-Muslim) points out you’re wrong or gives you advice, do we reject it angrily or consider it? A humble person can take benefit from anyone. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that “Wisdom is the lost property of the believer – wherever he finds it, he has the most right to it.” That means if even a stranger or someone I usually disagree with says something true, I should accept it without feeling “Oh no, that makes me less.” Try to say “thank you” to feedback instead of getting defensive. Even if the advice was not delivered kindly, extract the useful part. Imam Al-Shafi‘i famously said, “Whenever I debated someone, I cared not about winning; rather I hoped truth would appear through him so that I could follow it.” This is real intellectual humility – preferring truth over one’s ego. We can practice this in everyday disagreements by reminding ourselves: it’s better to be corrected than to persist in wrong.
Keep company with humble people: They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If you hang around boastful, arrogant personalities, you’ll likely pick up those traits or always feel the need to compete. But if you surround yourself with gentle, humble souls, you’ll feel encouraged to be like them. Choose friends who remind you of God, who are kind to the waiter, who don’t obsess over status. Also, read the biographies of great humble Muslims – the Prophet and companions, the scholars, the saints. Their stories set a high bar and inspire us to emulate their humility. On the flip side, limit exposure to media that glorifies extravagance, arrogant talk, or vanity, as those can seep into our hearts over time.
Make du‘ā (supplication) for humility: Ultimately, humility is a blessing from Allah, so we should ask Him for it. The Prophet ﷺ taught us a beautiful du‘ā: “O Allah, make me humble in my own eyes and in the eyes of others.” Another prayer from the Quran is: “O Allah, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us” (3:8), which can include deviation by pride. When you pray, prostrate (sujūd) with full concentration on how small you are and how great Allah is – the Prophet said the closest a servant is to their Lord is when prostrating, so ask for virtue then. Continually seeking God’s help to purify our hearts is key, because none of us can claim to be perfectly humble on our own.

By implementing these steps, humility becomes a daily practice, not just a concept. It’s normal to struggle – the ego doesn’t like being subdued! But over time, what starts as conscious effort transforms into a natural part of our character, insha’Allah (God willing). The goal is not to think less of yourself (Islam actually wants you to know you have dignity as a human being), but to think of yourself less – to not make everything about “me” and to acknowledge the worth of others and the supremacy of Allah.

Conclusion

In Islam, humility isn’t just a minor nice-to-have trait; it is central to the faith. It deepens one’s connection with Allah and sweetens our interactions with people. A humble believer remembers their blessings come from God, admits mistakes, respects others, and never feels too grand to bow their head in prayer or to stoop down to help someone in need. The Quran and Hadith make it plain: Allah loves the humble and promises them honor, while He dislikes the proud and warns of their humiliation .

For Muslims today, adopting humility is perhaps more challenging than ever – we live in a culture that often promotes narcissism and self-promotion. Yet, as we’ve discussed, the Islamic perspective on humility offers superior guidance for a fulfilling life. It teaches confidence without ego, strength without oppression, and piety without self-righteousness. When we see humility in action – whether in historical figures like the Prophet or in a kind person in our community – we recognize it as something beautiful and miraculous. In fact, one might say true humility itself is a kind of miracle, because it transforms people and situations in amazing ways. It can turn enemies into friends, arrogance into openness, and chaos into peace.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ summed it up in a few words: “Whoever is humble for the sake of Allah, Allah will elevate him.” May we all strive to humble ourselves and be elevated in the sight of God. And may we raise our children with this precious value, so that they walk lightly on earth and inherit the rewards of the humble in the Hereafter.

To continue learning and nurturing this quality, here are some beneficial books (classical and modern) on humility from an Islamic perspective: