Lessons in Humility

Humility (tawadhu’) is one of the most cherished virtues in Islam. Allah nurtures us by teaching us humility in many ways — through life experiences, challenges, and the realization of our dependence on Him. He reminds us that everything we have is from Him, and arrogance leads to downfall. True humility draws us closer to Allah, makes us beloved to people, and grants us honour in both this life and the Hereafter.

1. The Importance of Humility in Islam

Humility is a sign of sincerity and piety. The more a person realizes their dependence on Allah, the more humble they become. Islam warns against arrogance and encourages us to lower ourselves before Allah and His creation. Allah says:

وَعِبَادُ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ هَوْنًۭا وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ ٱلْجَـٰهِلُونَ قَالُوا۟ سَلَـٰمًۭا

“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say words of peace.” (Al-Furqan 25:63)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ

“No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him in status.” (Muslim 2588)

This means that true honour comes from humility, not arrogance.

2. Ways Allah Teaches Us Humility
3. Through the Reality of Creation

Allah reminds us that we were created from dust and will return to dust. No matter how powerful or wealthy we become, we remain completely dependent on Allah. Allah says:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِن كُنتُمْ فِى رَيْبٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْبَعْثِ فَإِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن تُرَابٍۢ ثُمَّ مِن نُّطْفَةٍۢ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍۢ ثُمَّ مِن مُّضْغَةٍۢ مُّخَلَّقَةٍۢ وَغَيْرِ مُخَلَّقَةٍۢ لِّنُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ

“O people! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider] We created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then from a clinging clot, then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed, that We may clarify [the truth] for you.” (Al-Hajj 22: 5)

This verse humbles us by making us reflect on our origins and our ultimate return to Allah.

1. Through Wealth and Power

Allah gives some people wealth and power to test whether they will be humble or arrogant. Qarun (Korah) was one of the richest men of his time, but he became arrogant, believing that his wealth was due to his own efforts. Allah caused the earth to swallow him as a lesson for others. Allah says:

فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ فِى زِينَتِهِۦ ۖ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا يَـٰلَيْتَ لَنَا مِثْلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ قَـٰرُونُ إِنَّهُۥ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍۢ

“So he came out before his people in his adornment. Those who desired the worldly life said, ‘Oh, if only we had what Qarun was given! Indeed, he is truly fortunate.’” (28: 79 – Al-Qasas)

But when he was destroyed, people realized the truth:

وَخَسَفْنَا بِهِۦ وَبِدَارِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهُۥ مِن فِئَةٍۢ يَنصُرُونَهُۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُنتَصِرِينَ

“So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home, and he had no one to help him against Allah, nor was he of those who could defend themselves.” (28: 81 – Al-Qasas)

This story teaches us that true success is not in wealth but in humility before Allah.

1. Through Hardships and Illness

When people face illness, loss, or hardships, they realize their weakness and turn to Allah in humility. Many people become closer to Allah only after going through difficulties. Allah says:

فَإِذَا مَسَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ضُرٌّۭ دَعَا رَبَّهُۥ مُنِيبًا إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ إِذَا خَوَّلَهُۥ نِعْمَةًۭ مِّنْهُ نَسِىَ مَا كَانَ يَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ مِن قَبْلُ

“When adversity touches man, he calls upon his Lord, turning to Him. Then when He bestows upon him a favour from Himself, he forgets the One he called upon before.” (39: 8 – Az-Zumar)

Practical Steps to Develop Humility

• Remember Your Origin and Mortality
• Reflect on how we were created from a drop of fluid and will return to dust.
• Acknowledge That All Success Comes from Allah
• Whether in wealth, knowledge, or achievements, everything is a gift from Allah.
• Treat Everyone with Kindness and Respect
• The Prophet ﷺ was the most humble, even though he was the greatest of creation.