Humility (tawāḍu‘) in Islam is a noble trait—but it’s often misunderstood. Being humble doesn’t mean thinking you're worthless. It means knowing your place before Allah, treating others with dignity, and recognizing your strengths without arrogance. True humility lifts your soul—while low self-esteem holds it down. Here's how to follow the Islamic path to humility without confusing it with self-doubt.

 

1. Know That Humility Is a Strength, Not a Weakness

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him.” (Muslim)

Humility doesn’t lower your value—it elevates your spiritual rank.

 

2. Recognize Your Gifts Are From Allah

Your talents, intellect, beauty, and success are all blessings—not reasons for pride. A humble person says: “Alḥamdulillāh, it is all from Him.”

 

3. Accept Praise Without Letting It Define You

It’s okay to receive a compliment. Just don’t let it enter your heart as a measure of your worth. Stay grounded by remembering Who gave you those qualities.

 

4. Avoid Self-Pity—It’s Not the Same as Humility

Saying “I’m nothing, I’m useless” is not piety. It's despair. The Prophet ﷺ had full awareness of his role, but lived with the deepest humility.

 

5. Know Your Worth Without Needing Validation

A humble person doesn’t need constant praise to feel secure. They know their value is tied to taqwā, not popularity.

 

6. Don’t Confuse Shyness With Humility

Shyness may hold you back from speaking truth or taking action. Humility speaks when it must—calmly, sincerely, and without ego.

 

7. Treat Everyone With Equal Respect

True humility shows in how you treat the cleaner and the CEO, the child and the scholar. Islam teaches: “None of you is better than another except in taqwā.” (Qur’an 49:13)

 

8. Accept Correction Without Defensiveness

A humble person can admit mistakes. They say, “You’re right,” not “You’re attacking me.” Growth matters more than pride.

 

9. Keep Your Good Deeds Private When You Can

You don’t need to announce your charity, your night prayers, or your intentions. Doing good quietly deepens sincerity and humility.

 

10. Compare Yourself to Your Past—Not to Others

Envy lowers self-esteem. Instead, ask: “Am I closer to Allah than I was last year?” Your journey is your own.

 

11. Speak Less About Yourself, Listen More to Others

The Prophet ﷺ gave full attention to others and never interrupted. He made people feel seen—not outshined.

 

12. Don’t Be Harsh on Yourself in the Name of Humility

Self-discipline is good. But don’t bully yourself. Allah is gentle with you—so be gentle, too.

 

13. Use Success to Uplift, Not Dominate

If you’ve been blessed with knowledge, wealth, or influence—use it to serve others, not to elevate your status.

 

14. Ask Allah to Purify Your Heart From Pride

Make this du‘a often: “Allāhumma ij‘alnī fī ‘aynī ṣaghīran, wa fī a‘yuni’n-nāsi kabīran.”

(O Allah, make me small in my own eyes and great in the eyes of others.)

 

15. Remember: Humility Is Being Low Before Allah, Not Before Creation

You are a servant of the Most High. That identity gives you dignity, strength, and balance—not inferiority.

 

Islam teaches you to walk gently, not to walk small. To bow only to Allah, not to people’s opinions. True humility is confident, not crushed. And it starts with knowing that everything good you have is a gift—and you are still worthy of it.