Humility

Jafar as-Sadiq (may God sanctify his innermost being), the fifth Shaykh in the Naqshbandi Golden Chain, said the following:-

Humility embraces every precious and noble rank and highest position. If humility had a language which people understood, it would speak about the realities which are hidden in the outcomes of affairs. Humility is whatever is undertaken for God, and in God, and anything other than that is trickery. Whoever is humble to God, God will honour over many of His bondsman.
The people of humility have recognizable signs. When one of them was asked about humility, he said, “It means you are humble to the truth and follow it, even if you hear it from a child.” Many types of pride keep one from using, accepting and following knowledge. There are certain verses about this, denouncing the haughty. The people of humility have signs recognised by the angels and the gnostics on earth. God says,

“A barrier divides the two groups with men on its heights recognizing each group by its marks.” (Quran 7:46)
and elsewhere . . .

“You who believe, if any of you go back on your faith, God will soon replace you with people He loves and who love Him, people who are humble towards the believers.” (Quran 5:54)

again . . .

“Surely the most honourable of you with God is the one among you with the greatest precaution.” (Quran 49:13)

The root of humility comes from the majesty, awe and immensity of God. God is not pleased with any act of worship, nor does He accept it unless it comes with humility. No one knows what is the true meaning of humility except those of His bondsmen who are close and connected with His unity. God says,

“The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on the earth, and who, when aggressive people address them, reply, with words of peace.” (Quran 25:63)

He commanded the mightiest of His creation and the master of his people, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to be humble, saying,

“Make yourself gentle to the believers.” (Quran 15:88)

From humility grows submission, fear and modesty; it is only from within humility that these qualities appear. True and perfect nobility is only given to those who are humble in the essence of God.

 

Sources:-
‘The Lantern of the Path’ by Imama Jafar as-Sadiq.
‘The Naqshbandi Way – History and Guidebook of the Saints of the Golden Chain’, by Mawlana Shaykh Hisham.