“I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.” – Jinn when he was told to show respect to Prophet Adam (AS) after the creation
Humbleness is one quality that a good Muslim must have, as it’s commanded by Allah SWT and His Messenger. By humbleness, we will be able to live this life rightly and spreading Islam to others. It is the opposite of arrogance, which is the trait of a Jinn as described in the quote above.
“Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqoon (the pious).” (49:13)
Contained the heart with Quran and behave according to the sunnah is among the ways how to become humble in Islam. There are many other ways indeed, and here are some of those:
- Realize How Small We Are
If you look at how big this universe is, you will realize that you are no more than dust. Human is very little that they hardly visible. So that when someone has a high social role in the society, it doesn’t guarantee that he has a high status in Islam. Don’t ever think that you are big enough to boast about it. The universe is way larger that you could ever think. See also How to Avoid Arrogance in Islam
- Make Friends with Humble People
You are who your friends are. They have a big influence in you so be careful in choosing with whom you want to be friend with. Choose humble people who can make you humble too, and surround yourself with this kind of people as many as possible. Choose them who are better in term of worldly and religious life and see how you still have a long way to go.
- Give Everything Back to Allah SWT
The power and wealth that you possess now is originally belong to Allah SWT. It’s only temporary in your hand and Allah SWT can take it back whenever He wants. Having this mindset will make you humble, since everything you have is only lent by you from the original owner. Only a good Muslim will ever realize this. See also Importance of Humble in Islam
- Be Wise with Compliments
Arrogance derived by compliments. How you respond to compliments define how humble you are. A humble Muslim credited his success to others who help him and always say that it is due to Allah SWT. Be careful when others compliment you, as it may become the beginning of arrogance.
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- Everything Belong to Allah SWT
As explained before, all the belongings you have is Allah’s. See also Importance of Moral Values in Islam
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“The feet of a servant will not touch the ground (of Judgement Day) except that he will be asked about his life and how he spent it; his knowledge and how he acted upon it; his wealth and how he acquired it and spent it; and his body and how it was use…” (Tirmidhi)
- There Will be Punishment for Arrogance
Arrogance caused the wreath of Allah SWT, so you might as well stay from it as far as possible. Remember that Allah SWT gives punishment for people who have zero humbleness in their heart. Keep this in mind as a guardian to stay humble.
- Do Charity and Good Deeds
Spend your time wisely and always do good. Islam has a clear boundaries about what are allowed and what are forbidden. By doing good, you will be showered with blessing and reward from Allah SWT.
There are many form of good deeds, one of them is doing charity. Give to those who are in need, as charity will make you more grateful for everything you have. Through charity, you realize how you actually have more that you ever see all these time. See also Benefits of Charity in Islam
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- Ask for Forgiveness from Allah SWT
Putting Allah SWT first before everything will shielded you from arrogance. It’s the way how to become humble in Islam. Don’t forget to ask for forgiveness from Allah SWT everyday, as you may have committed sin without realizing it.
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“Nobody becomes modest and humbles himself for the sake of Allah, but Allah raises and honors his status.”
- Repent from Your Sins
Making mistakes and committing sins are so humane, as human being do it everyday. To be a good Muslim with a humble heart, it’s important to repent from sins especially the major ones. Repenting means that you will never get near it again and never doing it again no matter what. Repent in every prayer, repent by saying istighfar. In fact, you may use istighfar as dhikr so that you will always be in remembrance of Allah SWT. See also Importance of Repentance in Islam
- Remember the Danger of Arrogance
Arrogance, as the opposite of humbleness, is extremely dangerous for both worldly life and in the Hereafter. Always keep in mind that arrogance may take away you wealth, power, and knowledge as those three never truly belong to you. You can lose everything in the blink of the eye before you realize about it.
- Avoid Giving Orders to Others
Humbleness disappears from one’s heart once they feel that they are higher than everyone. They usually give order to others, even when they are capable to do it by themselves. Even though you have the authority to do so, you can train your humbleness by taking care of something you can do without the help from others.
- Greet Each Other with Salaam
“The person who starts salam is free from takabbar/self pride.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Follow the sunnah above to stay humble in life. Greet everyone, including the one you are not so familiar with, with salaam. It contains dua for other and for yourself.
Following the sunnah and sharia is the best way how to become humble in Islam. Remember that humbleness is a requirement to be a good Muslim. Have fear of the punishment you may get when you don’t walk on Earth with humbleness.