Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

What is Humility?

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Humility is the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance. The absence of any feelings of being better than others.

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Why is Humility important?

 

Humility is an important trait to possess because it allows us to recognize our limitations and weaknesses. It helps us to be open to learning from others and to accept constructive criticism. Humility also allows us to be more empathetic and understanding towards others, which can lead to stronger relationships and a more positive impact on the world around us.

 

To help us better understand the importance of humility- let us reflect on the harm that arrogance and pride- the opposite to humility- can bring. How does it make us feel when somebody speaks or behaves in a manner that gives us the impression that they believe themselves to be ‘better’ than someone else? When we are arrogant or proud, we are less likely to listen to others’ perspectives, and to understand and be open to self-reflection, mindfulness, less likely to be open to hearing about other perspectives on ‘truth’, to learning, to bettering ourselves. Arrogance also often leads to reduced levels of compassionate loving kindness that we show others, and therefore others are far less likely to listen to what we also have to say. This we find to short-lasting- if any- success in relationships, and in all other areas of life.

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So much of humanity is divided. Much of this division is a result of conflict and mutual jealousy, and pride and arrogance and because of believing that we are right and others are wrong. Much of it comes from our lack of humility and therefore our inability to judge right from wrong. With humility, comes awareness, and understanding- we are more likely to grow spiritually, embrace and respect and love one another and forgive one another- we are less likely to therefore argue or fight over land, or power or materialistic wealth- because the more humble we are, the more likely we are to want to share our blessings with others because we feel less deserving of them- or we use them to help others as a way of proving our gratitude for them.

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Instead of ‘blaming God’ for events that happen in our lives that we may perceive as negative- through humility we remember that He knows best and that everything is given out by Him in due measure- and that He is the Best of Planners- and that perhaps if we assume something to be bad, it may in fact be good, and that if we assume that something is good, that it may in fact be bad for us.

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How can Humility help us?

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​Humility is a valuable trait that can benefit us in numerous ways. It allows us to recognize our limitations and weaknesses, enabling us to learn and develop. Additionally, humility fosters empathy and understanding towards others, enhancing our ability to collaborate effectively in teams. By practicing humility, we can experience personal and professional growth, as well as cultivate meaningful relationships with those around us. We are all human beings, prone to making mistakes. Despite our differences in appearance, background, and beliefs, we all share a common humanity and the freedom to have faith. When we embrace humility, we open ourselves up to spiritual growth by learning from others and our own life experiences. Most importantly, humility enables us to treat others with the same respect and kindness that we desire, leading to success in all aspects of life, including our relationship with both our Creator and His creation.

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What sets one person apart as 'better' than another? We all have the freedom to believe whatever we choose, as long as we're alive. Some may use this freedom to believe they are superior to others due to the blessings they've received. However, let's take a moment to reflect. Did we choose the color of our skin, or was it chosen for us? If we were born into a different family or culture with fewer opportunities, would we be where we are today? Did we choose our education, or was it chosen for us? How much control do we really have over our material wealth? Can we take it with us when we pass away? Did we choose the blessings we believe we have, or were they given to us? What have we done to deserve these blessings? Did we create our talents, or were they bestowed upon us? How do we use these blessings in our lives? Do we benefit ourselves or do we use them to help those less fortunate? Asking these questions can help us realize that much of what we have is not because of our own merit. It can lead us to be more humble, less boastful, and more grateful. One way to show gratitude for our blessings is to share them with others or use them to help those in need. Having these blessings does not make us 'better' than others. Instead, it becomes a test of our humility and gratitude.

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Those who have faith in a Creator come to realize, through life's experiences, the fleeting nature of our blessings when we fail to appreciate them or when we become arrogant and believe that our blessings make us superior to those less fortunate. It is crucial to remind ourselves that we are not entirely self-sufficient or in complete control of our lives. We have been granted free will to utilize our blessings to the best of our abilities. Therefore, let us express gratitude for our blessings by using them to assist those who are less fortunate than ourselves. However, let us not look down upon others, as they may utilize their blessings in ways that surpass our own, even if it may seem that we are more blessed than they are. For those of us who believe in God, the scriptures that have been bestowed upon humanity for guidance and wisdom convey the message that our superiority over others does not stem from the blessings we possess, but rather from how we utilize those blessings to worship God and aid others. Only God knows our true intentions and thoughts, and the scriptures encourage us not to pass judgment on one another. Even if someone appears to be more righteous than another, only God knows the intentions behind their actions. It is possible that the person we look down upon is more pleasing to our Lord than we are, and their intentions may be purer than ours. Let us remain humble and seek His assistance in maintaining humility, so that we may foster a positive and harmonious relationship with Him and with others, who are also His creations.

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How can Humility help others?​

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Humility can be a powerful tool for helping others. When we approach situations with a humble attitude, we are more open to listening and learning from others. This can lead to better communication, understanding, and ultimately, more effective solutions to problems. By practicing humility, we can create a more supportive and collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved.

 

Our level of humility plays a significant role in our ability to connect with others, regardless of their race, religion, or background. How we feel in the presence of those who are boastful and arrogant differs greatly from how we feel around those who are humble and admit their mistakes. By being modest and humble ourselves, we can make others feel more comfortable and be their authentic selves in our presence. This, in turn, helps to foster love, compassion, and trustworthy relationships. When we behave modestly, we reduce feelings of envy and jealousy in others, making it easier for them to like us and build relationships with us. By understanding and valuing others, we create an environment where everyone can be true to themselves and use their blessings to help one another.

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The more we embrace humility, the more we recognize our interconnectedness as part of one soul and existence. This awareness allows us to perceive our surroundings with unity, focusing on our commonalities rather than our differences. We acknowledge that there is no deity but God, the only one worthy of worship. By releasing conflict and anger, we refrain from assuming we are always right. Our actions are not about competing with others, but about pleasing God and following His divine will. We trust in His judgment, seek His guidance, and express gratitude by serving Him to the best of our abilities.

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How can we become more Humble?

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To become more humble, it's important to practice self-reflection and acknowledge our own limitations and mistakes. We can also learn from others and be open to feedback, as well as show empathy and respect towards everyone we interact with. By cultivating a mindset of humility, we can become more compassionate, understanding, and effective in our personal and professional relationships.

 

Life has a way of surprising us and reminding us that we are not always in control. Whether it's losing a loved one or facing a crisis that strips away our sense of security, these events can humble us and make us realize the importance of gratitude. It's during these challenging times that we often turn to a higher power for guidance and support. Ultimately, these experiences help us grow, become more appreciative, and understand that life is fragile.

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Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can help us move on from past hurts and improve our relationships with others.

 

Here 10 ways to become more forgiving:

 

1) Practice empathy and try to see things from the other person's perspective.

 

2 Let go of grudges and focus on the present moment.

 

3) Communicate openly and honestly with the person hurt you.

 

4) Take responsibility for your own actions and emotions.

 

5) Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself.

 

6) Set healthy boundaries to protect yourself from future harm.

 

7) Seek support from trusted friends or a therapist.

 

8) Practice mindfulness and meditation to cultivate inner peace.

 

9) Remember that forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event.

 

10) Choose to forgive for your own well-being, not just for the other person.

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(Above Writings are based on the reflections of Dr Lale Tuncer)

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Scripture quotes on ‘Humility.’

 

'When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.' Proverbs 11:2 

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'Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honour.' Proverbs 29:23 

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'Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honour and life.' Proverbs 22:4

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'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' Matthew 11:29-30 

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'Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honour.' Proverbs 18:12 

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Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.' Mark 9:35 

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'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' Matthew 6:2 

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'Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honour.' Proverbs 15:33 

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'Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.' Psalm 25:8-9 

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'Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”' Luke 9:48 

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'He must become greater; I must become less.' John 3:30 

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'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Mark 10:45

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'Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.' Daniel 4:37 

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'Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.' Psalm 115:1

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'When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' Matthew 6:16

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'Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making? ‘Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?' Isaiah 45:9 

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'Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14 | NIV

Come; let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.' Psalm 95:6

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'The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.' 1 Samuel 2:7 

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'Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' Zechariah 9:9 

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'Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.' Matthew 20:26-27 

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'What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?' Psalm 8:4 

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‘The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say words of peace.’ Quran 25:63

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‘Call upon your Lord with humility and in private. Verily, He does not love transgressors.’ Quran 7:55

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‘Remember your Lord in yourselves with humility and in private without announcing it in the mornings and evening, and do not be among the heedless.’ Quran 7:205

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‘Lower to your parents the wing of humility out of mercy and say: My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.’ Quran 17:24

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‘Successful indeed are the believers who humble themselves in their prayers.’ Quran 23:02

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‘And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily God likes not each arrogant boaster.’ Quran 31:18

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‘And we have already sent messengers to nations before you, then we seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves.’ Quran 6:42

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‘Give good news to the humble-hearted.’ Quran 22:34

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‘Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds and humbled themselves to their Lord- those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide eternally therein.’ Quran 11:23

 

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