Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 965 [Read full issue]
Humbleness
Some people behave humbly with others, but at the same time, they think and feel that they are superior to them! This is arrogance and has nothing to do with humbleness. Humbleness should come from the heart. A person who is humble with others thinks that he is indeed inferior to them.
The question is, how does one reach that feeling of humbleness? By considering faith. Perhaps someone is clearly inferior in terms of position or wealth, however, if faith is a criterion for status, perhaps he is much closer to God than others, or his belief is much stronger. Perhaps he is afflicted with real trials in this life and he is enduring them patiently and wisely for the sake of God. He could very well be better than others in the sight of God.
Sahl al-Saidi narrated that: A man passed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Prophet asked his Companions: "What do you say about this man?" They replied: "If he asks for a woman's hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes for someone, his intercession should be accepted; and if he speaks, he should be listened to." The Prophet kept silent, and then a man from among the poor Muslims passed by, and the Prophet asked them: "What do you say about this man?" They replied: "If he asks for a woman's hand in marriage he does not deserve to be married; and if he intercedes for someone, his intercession should not be accepted; and if he speaks, he should not be listened to." The Prophet said, "This poor man is better than the earth's fill of the first man." [Muslim]
The first evaluation given by the Companions was based on material standards. The real evaluation considers the criterion of faith alone, and this what the Prophet applied. The second man, in terms of faith, is better than billions of the likes of the first man.
Real humbleness is to see yourself as inferior to others because piety is the criterion for status and nobility and this criterion is known only to God. God knows best as to who is pious. A humble person is not the one who thinks that he is above his act of humbleness. A humble person is the one who thinks he is below his act of humbleness.
Compiled From:
"A Journey to God: Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ataillah" - Jasser Auda