this man’s heart, his limbs would have been humble as well.”

The term “reverent humility” will, Allah willing, be discussed at greater length elsewhere. “Bodily humility” follows from the heart’s humility, provided that a person is not showing off by outwardly displaying what is absent from his heart. As has been reported: “Seek refuge in Allah from hypocritical humility.” This is when the body appears humble while the heart is empty and distracted.

He, glorified be He, reproached the believers for their delay when He said:

“Has the time not come for the hearts of those who believe to be humbled at the remembrance of Allah and the truth that has been revealed?”

He thus called them to humility of heart at His remembrance and what He had revealed of His Book, and forbade them to be like those whose hearts hardened as time passed. These believers are those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned and whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them.

Likewise, He said in another verse:

“Allah has sent down the best message—a Book consistent in its parts, reiterating its teachings. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver at it; then their skins and hearts soften at the remembrance of Allah.”

Those who fear their Lord are those whose hearts tremble when Allah Most High is mentioned.

If it is said, “Then humility of heart at the remembrance of Allah and the truth that has been revealed is obligatory,” the answer is: Yes, but people fall into two categories in this regard: “the moderate” and “the foremost.” The foremost distinguish themselves by performing recommended deeds, while the moderate—the righteous—are the general body of believers deserving of Paradise. Whoever belongs to neither category wrongs himself.

In an authentic hadith, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that brings no benefit, a heart that has no humility, a soul that is never satisfied, and a supplication that goes unanswered.”