Abu Sallam reported:
Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, said,
“If a man likes for so much as the strap of his sandal to be of better quality than his companion, then he is included in the Almighty’s saying:
That eternal Home in the Hereafter We reserve only for those who seek neither supremacy nor corruption on the earth. The ultimate outcome belongs only to the righteous.”
(28:83)
Source: Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 18/344
Imam Ibn Hajar commented,
“The purpose is to encourage humility so no one is treated more favorably than others, which entails equality. This cannot be achieved unless one abandons envy, rancor, malice, and malevolence, for all of them are blameworthy characteristics.”
Source: Fatḥ al-Bārī 1/58
In Islam, humility (tawāḍu‘) is a foundational virtue that signifies a believer's submission to Allah and their gentle conduct toward fellow human beings.
It is not merely an outward display but a state of the heart that recognizes everything one possesses is a gift from the Creator.
Key Hadiths on Humility
Elevation through Humility:
One of the most famous narrations states:
"No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him in status"
(Sahih Muslim 2588).
Divine Command:
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shared that Allah explicitly commanded it:
"Verily, Allah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one oppresses another and no one boasts over another"
(Sahih Muslim 2865).
The Danger of Pride:
Humility is the antidote to arrogance, which is strictly warned against.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"No one who has even an atom's weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise"
(Sahih Muslim).
A Sign of True Faith:
A humble person is described as someone who is "easygoing, soft, and everyone knows him"—meaning they are approachable and gentle in their dealings.
Prophetic Examples of Humility
The Prophet ﷺ was the epitome of this trait.
Despite his high status, he was known to:Perform his own chores:
He would mend his own shoes, milk his own goats, and help with housework.
Sit with everyone:
He would eat and sit just as a servant does, often saying,
"Verily, I am only a servant".
Decline excessive praise:
When someone called him "the best of mankind," he deferred the title to Prophet Ibrahim.
Practical Signs of HumilityScholars and traditions identify several ways to practice this virtue daily:
Admitting Mistakes:
A clear test of humility is the ability to apologize and admit when you are wrong.
Being Approachable:
Not seeking the limelight or expecting special treatment in gatherings.
Responding with Peace:
As described in the Quran (25:63), responding to harsh or ignorant comments with words of peace.
WALLAHU A'LAM ..
