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Humility is derived from the Arabic word, “tawadu” means both
modesty and humbleness.
Humbleness is to avoid pride and underestimating people. Pride
can also mean to regard oneself better than others while considering
them inferior. Many times we find this character as the value for
one who is important and significant and as he fears to gain
notoriety or to become arrogant amongst people.
Modesty is purity of intention in all actions. It is an essential
aspect of Islamic tahdhib or moral. A modest or humble person does
do good deeds without trying to get noticed or showing off. The
opposite of modesty and humility is pride.
Before thee We sent (Messengers) to many nations, And We afflicted
the nations With suffering and adversity, That they call (Allah) in
humility.
Surah Al An-Aam Ayat 42-43
And remember it was said to them: “Dwell in this town and eat
therein as ye wish, But say forgive (us) and enter the gate in a
posture of humilty: We shall forgive you your faults: We shall
increase the portion of those who do good.”
Surah Al Araf Ayat 161
Has not the time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all
the remembrance of Allah and of the truth which has been revealed to
tem, and that they should not become like those to whom was given
the boo aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts
grew hard? For many among them are rebellious and transgressors.
Surah
Al Hadid Ayat 16
A person who embodies humility will make the effort to listen to and
accept others. The greater the acceptance of others, the more that
person will be held in high esteem, and the more that person will be
listened to. One word spoken in humility has the significance of a
thousand words.
Humility is found in a vast ocean of still waters which run very
deep. At the bottom lies self-esteem. At first, going within the
ocean is like journeying into an unknown area of immense darkness.
But, just as exploration can lead to buried treasures, one searching
his or her inner world can find jewels buried in the depths. And the
jewel buried deepest - which shines the brightest and gives the most
light - is humility. At the darkest moments, its rays penetrate. It
removes fear and insecurity and opens up the self to universal
truths.
Trusteeship (Amanah)
Humility is to accept natural principles which cannot be controlled.
Everything we have from the bodies we were born into our most prized
possessions is inherited. It therefore becomes a moral imperative
to use those assets in a worthwhile and benevolent way. The
consciousness of being a trustee of such unlimited and timeless
resources touches the core of the human soul and awakens it to the
realization that, just as at the time of birth such resources were
inherited, at the time of death they will be left behind. In death,
all that will accompany the individual will be the impressions of
how those resources were used, combined with the wisdom of being and
living as a trustee.
Removing ‘I’ and ‘Mine’
Humility is to let go and let be. The stone of conflict lies in the
consciousness of "I" and "mine" and in possessiveness - over a role,
an activity, an object, a person, even the physical body.
Paradoxically, such a consciousness makes one lose that which he or
she wants to hold onto - most significantly, the universal values
which give worth and meaning to life. Humility eliminates
possessiveness and narrow vision which create physical,
intellectual, and emotional boundaries. Such limitations destroy
self-esteem and build walls of arrogance and pride, which distance
others. Humility gently works on the crevices to allow for
breakthroughs.
When one has the virtue of humility, everyone "bow down," since
everyone bows to those who themselves bow first. Thus, the sign of
greatness is humility. Humility enables the individual to become
dependable, flexible, and adaptable. To the extent one becomes
humble is the degree to which one becomes great in everyone’s heart.
A person who embodies humility will make the effort to listen to and
accept others. The greater the acceptance of others, the more that
person will be held in high esteem, and the more that person will be
listened to. Humility automatically makes one worthy of praise.
A Call to Serve
Success in service comes from humility. The greater the humility,
the greater the achievement. There cannot be world benefit without
humility. Service is best done when
1) one considers the self a trustee or an instrument, and
2) one takes the first step toward accepting another who is
different.
A humble person is able to function in all environments, no matter
how unfamiliar or negative. There would be humility in attitude,
outlook, words, and in connections and relationships. The humble
person would not say, "It wasn’t in my attitude, but the words just
emerged." No, whatever the attitude, the outlook would be
accordingly; whatever the outlook, the words would reflect that; and
the three combined would assure quality interactions. The mere
presence of a humble person creates an inviting, cordial, and
comfortable environment. His or her words are quintessential and
powerful and spoken with good manners. A humble person can defuse
someone’s anger with just a few words. One word spoken in humility
has the significance of a thousand words. On the high tides of human
interactions, humility is the lighthouse which provides signals of
what to expect in the distance. To adhere to these signals, the
screen of the mind and intellect must be clean. Humility gives the
power to perceive situations, to discern causes of obstacles and
difficulties, and to remain silent. When one does express an
opinion, it is with an open mind and with recognition of
specialties, strengths, and sensitivities of the self and others.
Humility as well
as the concept of trusteeship embrace our relationship with nature
and oblige us not to tamper with natural laws. Nature is as
life-giving as an umbilical cord. To arrogantly exploit and damage
the natural habitat is to put the entire human family at peril.
Humility is to inculcate natural principles in personal behavior,
relationships, and other areas of human development. Without
humility, we can neither build civil societies nor serve the world
benevolently.
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