The Middle Path of Humility: Lessons from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

This is a summary of a YouTube video by Ustadh Hisham, whom I greatly admire for his knowledge. He provides all the references for the Hadiths and Verses of the Quran in his video.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that humility requires balance between two harmful extremes. On one end lies arrogance and pride: when people believe they are superior to others, comparing their wealth, status, or achievements. On the other end lies self-humiliation: when people lower themselves below their rightful dignity, allowing others to take advantage or harm them.

True humility occupies the middle ground: maintaining self-respect while avoiding both arrogance and degradation. The Prophet said, "A believer should not humiliate themselves," distinguishing between healthy humility and harmful self-deprecation.

The Prophet's Choice: Servant Over King

When Islam began, the angel Gabriel offered Prophet Muhammad (SAW) two paths: he could be a king-prophet with palaces and armies, or a servant-prophet among his people. Without hesitation, the Prophet chose to be a servant-prophet, preferring to remain close to his community rather than elevated above them.

Allah (SWT) rewarded this conscious choice of humility with the highest honours. The Prophet became the master of all humanity on Judgment Day, the first to intercede for believers, and the first to be resurrected, all because he chose humility over worldly power.

The Spiritual Foundation of Humility

Humility begins in the heart before manifesting in actions and speech. The depth of humility in one's heart determines how it expresses itself outwardly. However, the Prophet delivered a sobering warning: "A person will not enter paradise if they have an atom's weight of arrogance and pride in their heart."

This means that even someone who performs all religious obligations (prayer, charity, pilgrimage) cannot enter paradise with arrogance remaining in their heart. If pride is not removed through life's tests, righteous companionship, or self-struggle, it will be purged through the fire of hell before paradise becomes accessible.

Practical Examples of the Prophet's Humility

Rejecting Special Treatment

When the Prophet entered a room, his companions would stand up in respect. He instructed them to remain seated, saying, "This is what the Romans and Persians do. When I enter, do not stand up." He believed that wanting people to stand for your entrance indicated a spiritual problem.

Humility in Victory

After twenty years of persecution, when the Prophet conquered Mecca, he entered the city with his head bowed rather than in triumph. This demonstrated the highest form of humility: showing grace to those who least deserve it.

Rejecting Excessive Praise

The Prophet warned against exaggerated praise, telling his companions, "Do not praise me like the Christians praised Jesus, son of Mary. Do not make me a god like they made him a god." He instructed them to say simply, "He is Allah's messenger and His servant."

Notably, Allah (SWT) honored the Prophet in the Quran by calling him "My servant" during the night journey, not "My prophet" or "My messenger." The Prophet considered being called Allah's (SWT) slave the greatest honor possible.

Humble Service at Home

The Prophet actively participated in household tasks: milking animals, repairing his clothes and sandals, cleaning, and eating with servants. When people offered to do these tasks for him, he politely declined, preferring to serve himself. Islamic scholars note that a man's refusal to help with any household tasks can indicate arrogance and pride.

Market Interactions

Once, while buying trousers in the market with Abu Hurayrah (who was older than him), a merchant tried to kiss the Prophet's hand. The Prophet pulled away, saying, "This is what Romans do with their kings. I am just like one of you." When Abu Hurayrah offered to carry the purchase, the Prophet replied, "The person who owns the trousers should carry them. Walk beside me if you want, but I'll carry my own things."

Distinguishing Genuine from False Humility

The Prophet's humility was authentic: he genuinely believed other prophets surpassed him. When someone called him "the best of creation," he redirected praise to Prophet Abraham. False humility, by contrast, involves self-deprecation designed to elicit excessive praise from others.

Humility Toward the Vulnerable

The Prophet showed special tenderness toward children and orphans. Once, a little girl grabbed his hand in the street and led him wherever she wanted to go. Despite his responsibilities, he followed patiently until she released his hand.

His practice was to rub orphans' heads and embrace them. When a man said, "I have ten children and don't do this with any of them," the Prophet replied, "You are not from us if you don't show mercy to the young and respect for the old."

The Root of Arrogance and Its Cure

The Quran addresses human arrogance by reminding people of their origins. Allah (SWT) says that when humans become too proud, they should remember they began as a drop of semen. Whatever beauty, wealth, power, or status they possess came not from their original essence but as gifts from Allah (SWT).

The Quran states: "I created this human being from a drop. They grow up and become argumentative and arrogant, giving me analogies while forgetting how they were created." This remembrance (that we came from nothing and will return to nothing) serves as the fundamental cure for pride and arrogance.

A Reflection

This topic is something I actively seek to help myself remember this lesson. I believe removing arrogance and being humble is as important as trying to do other obligations like prayer. Since our main goal is attaining Jannah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established that whoever humbles themselves for Allah's sake will have their rank elevated. True humility requires rejecting both arrogance and self-humiliation while maintaining dignity and serving others. Since even a mustard seed of arrogance prevents entry into paradise, cultivating genuine humility becomes essential for spiritual success.

The Prophet's example shows that humility expresses itself through simple living, refusing special treatment, serving others regardless of status, and remembering our humble origins before Allah (SWT). This balanced approach to humility creates both personal spiritual growth and harmonious relationships with others.