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The more humble a servant is before Allah, and the greater his need of Him and submission to Him, the closer he is to Him, the dearer he is to Him, and the higher his standing. Thus, the happiest of all creatures are those whose servitude to Allah is greatest.

As for created beings, it has been said:

“Depend on whomever you wish, and you become his captive; be independent of whomever you wish, and you become his equal; do good to whomever you wish, and you become his master.”

The poet indeed spoke truly:

“Between abasement and presumptuous familiarity lies a dot …
Its removal leaves minds bewildered.
Such abasement is associating partners with Allah …
So understand, young man, by contradiction.” (1)

A servant enjoys the greatest standing and respect among people when he has no need of them whatsoever. If you do good to them while remaining independent of them, they will hold you in the highest esteem. Whenever you need them—even for a drink of water—your standing in their eyes diminishes in proportion to your need of them. This is part of Allah’s wisdom and mercy, so that all worship may be devoted to Allah and nothing associated with Him.

Hence, when Hātim al-Asamm was asked, “How can one be safe from people?” he replied, “Make what you possess freely available to them, while expecting nothing of what they possess.”

But if you compensate them for what they provide, and they too are in need, then, if your respective needs are equal, you stand as equals, like two parties to a sale: neither has an advantage over the other. If their need of you is greater, they will submit to you.

As for the Lord, glorified be He, you are dearest to Him when you are most in need of Him. And when you are most in need