Humility
Mohamedarif Mohamed Suleman (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) is a digital marketing specialist and an Educator-cum-Trainer. He has involved himself in community organisations and matters from a young age, and through his writings, continues to speak of social and cultural reform to this day. He is also the founding moderator of this forum.
In a world full of people and ideas, the idea of humility appears to be vanishing. As the world’s population grows, so does our inclination toward conceit and self-serving actions. This is a trend that should be discussed and given careful consideration, particularly in the context of academic debate.
Consider the words of renowned philosophers Philippa Foot and Mary Warnock, whose self-deprecating remarks belie their profound contributions to their field. Foot, despite her brilliance, confessed to limitations in her knowledge and cognitive abilities. Warnock, too, acknowledged her shortcomings, preferring to excel as an explainer and facilitator rather than an original thinker.
Their humility was not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to their self-awareness and honesty. In a world where knowledge is often wielded as a weapon of arrogance, their example reminds us of the importance of knowing our intellectual strengths and weaknesses. Rather than succumbing to the pressure to compete or dominate intellectually, they chose to embrace their unique talents and make meaningful contributions in their way.
Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) is known for his profound wisdom, courage, and humility. Numerous anecdotes from his life illustrate his humility and devotion to serving others. One such anecdote is the famous story of his encounter with a beggar.
It is said that Imam Ali (AS) was walking through the streets of Kufa one night when he came across a beggar who was sleeping on the ground, hungry and cold. Instead of passing by, Imam Ali sat down beside the beggar and shared his cloak to keep him warm. When the beggar awoke and realized who had shown him kindness, he was astonished and asked Imam Ali (AS) why he, the leader of the Muslim community, was sitting with him, a lowly beggar. Imam Ali (AS) simply replied, “In the eyes of God, there is no distinction between a leader and a beggar. We are all His servants“
The issue has been made worse by the widespread use of social media, which gives people a forum to voice opinions outside of their areas of expertise. The delusions of knowledge and the need for approval make it easy to feel compelled to declare oneself an authority on any given subject. However, intellectual humility requires us to admit the limitations of our knowledge and to avoid such temptations.
Fundamentally, intellectual humility is about having an open mind and being eager to pick up new skills from others. It necessitates humility in the face of complexity, understanding that no one person has all the solutions. Rather than aiming to dazzle or rule, intellectually modest people want to have meaningful conversations, respecting others’ viewpoints and remaining receptive to fresh concepts.
But why is humility important in the first place? We often find how confidence and conviction are often prized above all else, humility may seem like a weakness. In reality, humility fosters intellectual growth and collaboration by creating an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and critiqued. It encourages a spirit of curiosity and openness, allowing us to explore new avenues of thought without fear of judgment or ridicule.
Moreover, humility cultivates empathy and understanding, allowing us to see beyond our perspective and appreciate the experiences of others. In an increasingly interconnected world, this ability to empathise and connect with others is essential for building bridges and fostering meaningful relationships.
So how can we cultivate intellectual humility when our environment often rewards arrogance and self-promotion? It starts with self-reflection and a willingness to acknowledge our limitations. Instead of seeking to impress others with our knowledge or expertise, we should strive to approach every conversation with an attitude of humility and openness.
We might also actively seek out and connect with ideas that contradict our preconceived notions. We may deepen our feelings of humility and empathy and extend our perspective of the world by exposing ourselves to a variety of experiences and points of view.
Intellectual humility is a virtue that the world desperately needs in the modern day. Amid the darkness of hubris and self-interest, humility becomes a beacon of light as our population grows and our interactions become more complex. In our intellectual endeavours, we can cultivate a culture of communication, cooperation, and comprehension that is mutually beneficial by adopting humility.
Let us remember that humility is a virtue cherished across cultures and religions, including Islam.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less
Clive Staples Lewis FBA was a British writer, literary scholar, and Anglican lay theologian.
And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster
The Holy Qurán 31:18
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