Humility in Islam

The teachings of Islam greatly emphasize Humility. Infact, what expelled the Satan from the Heavens was  that he refused to be humble and insisted on being proud and arrogant.

And [mention] when We said to the angles, "Prostrate to Adam," and they prostrated, except for Iblees. He said, "Should I prostrate to one You created from clay?" 17:61 Quran 

Islam is the religion of submissiveness to the Almighty God. This submissiveness entails humility and worship. The acknowlegment that we are mere servants of God and must worship the One Who deserves to be worshipped because He is the Creator of all, makes us feel humble and submissive.

 When a slave understands his worth and origin of existence and his End then he feels humble in front of the One Who has created him. Not only does he realize that he was nothing and then came into being by the Will of the Almighty God but also that God is capable of taking him back any time in any state. When one ponders on the origin or birth and keeps in mind the end of every living thing one feels so helpless and dependent. 

O People, if you should be in doubt about the Resurrection, then [consider that] indeed, We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed - that We may show you. And We settle in the wombs whom We will for a specified term, then We bring you out as a child, and then [We develop you] that you may reach your [time of] maturity. And among you is he who is taken in [early] death, and among you is he who is returned to the most decrepit [old] age so that he knows, after [once having] knowledge, nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and swells and grows [something] of every beautiful kind. 22:5 Quran 

Some of rhe dictionaries define Humility as follows: 

-the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people : the quality or state of being humble

-the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

This means that humility is not just a way of being submissive in front of God but it is also a way of behaving with other people. Here you do not submit to someone's will as you do for God but what you display is the simplicity of character, free from pride and arrogance.

Generally people do not like to be around those who are boastful, proud and rude because of their physical appearance, wealth, talent etc. 

People are most comfortable with those who are down to earth, simple and easy going. 

Humility is an overall virtue that brings the person closer to God due to the realization of His Greatness and one's weakness and it also brings him closer to people due to the comfortable feeling others get from a humble and lenient person.

If one wants to be loved by the Almighty one must be Humble and Submissive. If one wants the love of the people he should not eye their position, wealth and any other quality that he does not have. He should be content with his own possessions and never be jealous or competitive with others. Each of us has our own share of things in this life. No two persons are alike in every way. 

Humbleness shows in one's manners, talks and dealings. Being humble to parents, elders and teachers is greatly emphasised in Islam. Even showing humility with children is encouraged in the traditions of the Prophet peace be upon him. 

Seeing the Prophet kissing his grandson, a person named Alaqr’a Ibn Habis found this behavior strange and said, “I have ten children, but I have never kissed any of them.” The Prophet (s) replied, “The one who has no compassion will not be treated mercifully” 

(Bukhari and At-Tirmidhi).

Hence, humility is a great virtue and one must work on it to improve it because with this one can attain both the love of the Creator and His creation. 

Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues. 

Confucius