10.1, Superiority of the Humble and Modest

In the Name of Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, who says in the Qur’an, “And keep yourself (O Muhammad (SAW)) patiently with those who call on their Rubb (Lord) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them.” (18:28)

Here we are, the start of another academic year, and for those beginning their first year, the start of three or four or more very important and decisive years. And there is no doubt about that. After all, this is the bridge between your years as a youth and your years as an adult. This is the time and this is the place wherein you decide who it is you want to be for many years to come.

For many, you will be starting university alone. Hardly anybody, perhaps no-one, will know you or the years that have preceded you. And so you are faced with an opportunity, a great opportunity, to regroup and to redefine yourself.

The choice, ultimately, is twofold. On the one hand, you can rise in pride, chin raised, chest puffed, conforming to the masses you can walk the university campus as a king; you are your own boss and free to do as you please.

On the other hand, the more difficult option, you can step back, reflect upon, regret and refrain from past mistakes, and decide that there is a purpose more meaningful; you humble yourself with those who recognise and call on their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His Face.

That is the topic of my Khutbah today: The superiority of those who have humbled themselves before God and the excellence of those who have chosen the path of modesty.

Harithah bin Wahb (RA) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “Shall I not inform you about the people of Jannah? It is every person who is modest and humble (before Allah), a person who is accounted weak and is looked down upon but if he adjures Allah, Allah will certainly give him what he desires. Now shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud man.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

We see here the distinction of such modest and humble persons who, despite not having any important position in society, are so eminent in piety and trust in Allah that if they were to take an oath for something, Allah Almighty would fulfil it.

Not only does this Hadith highlight the importance of modesty, it condemns pride, miserliness and lust for name and fame.

Sahl bin Sa3d As-Saa3idi (RA) reported: A man passed by the Prophet (SAW), so he (the Prophet) asked a man who was sitting near him, “What is your opinion about this man?”

That man replied: “He is one of the noblest men. By Allah he is certainly a proper person for (a girl) to be given in marriage if he seeks to marry, and his recommendation is fit to be accepted if he recommends.”

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) remained silent. Then another man passed. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) enquired, “What is your opinion about this man?”

The man replied: “O Messenger of Allah, he is one of the poor Muslims. He is not a proper person (for a girl) to be given in marriage to, and his recommendation would not be accepted if he makes one; if he speaks, he is not to be listened to.”

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He is better than the former by earthfuls.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

This Hadith contains the following two important points:

Firstly, the distinction and greatness of such poor Muslims who are neither known nor respected in society because of their poverty, but due to their faith and piety, each of them is better in the sight of Allah than those who look down upon them. This Hadith makes it abundantly clear that what really matters with Allah is faith and piety; not lineage nor pomp nor show.

Secondly, for marriage purposes, men and women of noble character should be selected even if they are poor because, at the level of religion, they are on par with other Muslims. Thus, the principle underlined here is that preference is given for religion over worldly wealth and richness.

Abu Sa3eed Al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: There was a dispute between Hell and Jannah.

Hell said: “The haughty and proud are my inmates.”

Jannah said: “The modest and the humble are my residents.”

Thereupon, Allah the Exalted and Glorious (addressing Jannah) said: “You are My Mercy, through you I shall show mercy to those whom I wish.”

(And addressing Hell), He said: “You are (the means) of My punishment by which I shall punish such of My slaves as I wish and each one of you would have its fill.” (Muslim)

In this Hadith the people who are termed as ‘modest’ and ‘humble’ are those who are rich in faith and piety, who lead a life of patience and contentment. This Hadith gives glad tidings to such noble people.

On the contrary, this Hadith has a threat of Hell for those who disobey the commandments of Allah out of haughtiness and pride, who refuse to bow down their faces in submission of their Lord, Most High.

Now, it is entirely our own choice which way we go, and as I said in the beginning, there is no better time than the present.