Have you ever remained silent when someone treated you unfairly because you thought speaking up would make you arrogant?
Have you ever refused to acknowledge your abilities because you believed that being humble meant thinking less of yourself?
Humility is an important Islamic virtue, but it is not the same as believing that you have no value.
Understanding this difference can help us develop good character without allowing others to mistreat us.
### WHAT IS HUMILITY IN ISLAM?
Humility means recognising that whatever blessings, abilities, knowledge, or achievements we possess ultimately come from Allah.
A humble person does not consider themselves superior to others because of their wealth, beauty, education, family background, or social position.
Allah says:
“And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.”
*Qur’an 31:18*
This verse warns against arrogance and looking down on other people.
A humble person can acknowledge their achievements without using them to belittle others.
WHAT IS LOW SELF-ESTEEM?
Low self-esteem involves having an excessively negative view of oneself.
A person experiencing it may constantly believe they are not good enough, feel unworthy of respect, or assume that their opinions and contributions do not matter.
Although everyone experiences moments of self-doubt, persistent feelings of worthlessness can make it difficult to fulfil responsibilities or maintain healthy relationships.
Islam does not require Muslims to hate themselves or deny their abilities.
Allah says:
“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam…” Qur’an 17:70
This verse reminds us of the dignity Allah has granted human beings.
Recognising your dignity does not mean considering yourself better than others. It means understanding that you, like other people, deserve to be treated with dignity.
THREE IMPORTANT DIFFERENCES
1. Humility acknowledges strengths without boasting.
You can recognise that you are talented, knowledgeable, or hardworking while remaining grateful to Allah.
2. Humility accepts correction without believing you are worthless.
When someone points out your mistake, you can learn from it without concluding that you are a failure.
3. Humility does not require accepting mistreatment.
You can be polite and forgiving while maintaining appropriate boundaries and seeking help when someone treats you unjustly.
Being patient does not mean you must remain in a harmful situation.
HOW CAN YOU PRACTISE HEALTHY HUMILITY?
Begin by thanking Allah for your blessings.
Treat people respectfully regardless of their social position.
Admit when you are wrong and be willing to learn from others.
Avoid boasting about your achievements or using them to humiliate people.
At the same time, do not dismiss your abilities. Develop your skills, pursue beneficial knowledge, and use your strengths to serve others.
REMEMBER THIS
You do not have to make yourself feel small to demonstrate that you are humble.
You can be confident without being arrogant, knowledgeable without being boastful, and firm without being disrespectful.
True humility is not about believing you are nothing. It is about recognising your place before Allah while treating His creation with respect.
May Allah protect our hearts from arrogance, help us recognise our blessings, and grant us beautiful character. Ameen.
