See yourself as inferior to others because piety is the criterion for a person’s status. This is known only to Allah. This is why we should always be humble.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of arrogance will not enter Paradise.” A companion said, “But a man likes to wear nice clothes. He said, “This is not arrogance. Arrogance is denying the truth and injustice to people.”
Traits of a Humble Person: Pardoning, Consulting, and Seeking Guidance
The characteristics of a humbles person are that he pardons people, consults people, and feels that he needs their advice and prayers for him. If one feels he does not need to learn because he knows and understands everything is not humble, rather he is arrogant.
The Prophet’s ﷺ humbleness can be seen at the battle of Badr when he wanted to camp in a certain place. One of the companions advised that this is not the most strategic place to camp. The Prophet ﷺ accepted his advice.
How does one reach the feeling of humbleness? By considering faith. Someone may be clearly inferior in terms of position or wealth, however as faith is the criteria for status, perhaps he is much closer to Allah than others. Perhaps he is afflicted with such trials in this life and is patiently and wisely enduring them for the sake of Allah. He could very well be better than others in the sight of Allah.
So step 27 to Allah ﷻ is to not think of yourself as above others. Rather, see yourself as inferior, as we do not know our status in the sight of Allah ﷻ
Do YOU struggle with humility? CLICK HERE to enrol in our Holistic Diploma in Islamic Studies. It will help you let go of your ego and embrace the true measure of worthiness – piety and good deeds.
Article inspired by Shaykh Zaqir’s classes
