In the last two inputs, we have been looking at the concept of humility and analyzed aspects such as self-awareness, open-mindedness, non-defensiveness, empathy, ackowledgment of mistakes, and respect for others. Each of these points can of course also be discussed more in depth, and that is something I may do, inshallah. Humility is something that touches on a lot of things that can be discussed separately and in more detail. For now, we will take a brief look at the following points, as we strive on the path to reach Jannah…
* Selflessness. Keep in mind that someone who expects something in return for their favour, (no matter how small a thing that may be), is technically providing a “service”. (A little like a business transaction, they expect something in return for what they do.) Humble people often prioritize the needs and well-being of others. They are willing to support others without expecting anything in return. In such a way, they represent a spirit of generosity and selflessness.
سورة سبإ ٤٧
قُلۡ مَا سَأَلۡتُكُم مِّنۡ أَجۡرٖ فَهُوَ لَكُمۡۖ إِنۡ أَجۡرِيَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ شَهِيدٞ
Surah Saba 34:47
Say: “No reward do I ask of you: it is (all) in your interest: my reward is only due from Allah: And He is witness to all things.”
Selflessness is also related to respect for others, a point I discussed in the previous input. As I mentioned in that input: “We strive to recognize the value of individuals and do not view ourselves as superior.” By helping, we respect the other person and that person’s needs. In the end, Allah is aware of our good deeds and that is the important thing in all this. A show of trust and faith in His words…
سورة الرحمن ٦٠
هَلۡ جَزَآءُ ٱلۡإِحۡسَٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلۡإِحۡسَٰنُ
سورة الأنفال ٢٨
وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَآ أَمۡوَٰلُكُمۡ وَأَوۡلَٰدُكُمۡ فِتۡنَةٞ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٞ
Surah Ar-Rahman 55:60
Is there any Reward for Good – other than Good?
Surah Al-Anfaal 8:28
And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.
* Modesty. Modest individuals do not seek to draw undue attention to themselves or their achievements. They often downplay/soften their own accomplishments, focusing instead on the collective efforts and success. Even this is related to respect. “We strive to recognize the value of individuals and do not view ourselves as superior.”
سورة النساء ٣٦
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخۡتَالٗا فَخُورًا
Suran An-Nisaa 4:36
For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious
Through this, we also remind ourselves that our own success has been given to us, not through our own independent actions, but through His decision…
سورة فاطر ٤
وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرۡجَعُ ٱلۡأُمُورُ
Surah Faatir 35:4
and to Allah are all affairs returned.
The result of this way of thinking? Increased humility, inshallah. Alhamdulillah endless times.
These aspects are strong definitions of humility and may help us forward on the path to Jannah, inshallah. Once we start to see the world through a perspective beyond the focus on our own selves, we may start to see the world through a bigger lens inshallah. I will continue to discuss this in my next update inshallah, so don’t miss it. For now, I want to wish all of you a beautiful day ahead, full of comfort and safety, inshallah. Jumma Mubarak everyone, from the heart.
The best of times to you all inshallah.
Peace, happiness, and stay faithful.
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