Nowadays, many believe their worship, knowledge, or deeds are sufficient to guarantee their place in paradise. Some even confidently declare, "God willing, I am safe." Yet, the Prophet’s companions, assured of paradise, still wept, felt fear, and believed themselves unworthy.
What made them so humble? Why is feeling unworthy considered a noble virtue?
Humility (Tawadhu7) Is Not Weakness but a Sign of Love and Fear of Allah
Humility, or tawadhu7, means being modest and lowly in spirit. In Islam, it goes beyond mere politeness; it reflects the awareness that all good deeds mean nothing without Allah’s mercy. No matter how great the deeds or abundant the acts of worship, no one can enter paradise by effort alone.
The Prophet Muhammad 0 said:
"None of you will enter Paradise by his deeds alone."
The companions asked, "Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?"
He replied, "Not even me, unless Allah bestows His mercy upon me."
(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
If even the Prophet 0 needed Allah’s mercy to enter paradise, how much more so do we?
The Companions Guaranteed Paradise Yet Still Wept
Many of the Prophet’s companions are assured of paradise, yet none felt certain or complacent.
1. 9Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him)
Although guaranteed paradise, 9Umar said, "If I were somewhere between Paradise and Hellfire and didn6#39;t know where I would enter, I would choose to be turned to dust rather than answer before Allah."
This is not pessimism but a reflection of his deep fear of accountability.
2. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him)
The most honored man after the prophets, he prayed, "O Allah, make me like a tree that is cut down and never held accountable."
He wept easily out of fear that some deeds might not be accepted.
3. Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him)
When standing by a grave, he wept until his beard was wet, saying, "The grave is the first stop of the Hereafter. If one is safe there, the rest is easy; if one fails, what follows is harder."
Why Is Feeling Unworthy Important?
1. Guards Against Pride (Ujub)
Ujub is a disease of the heart causing self-admiration for one’s deeds. It leads one to feel superior and worthy of paradise, which is dangerous and can cause spiritual downfall.
The Prophet 0 said:
"Three destroy: submissive stinginess, following desires, and self-admiration."
(Narrated by At-Thabrani)
2. Preserves the Reward of Deeds
Allah accepts deeds only from those who are sincere and humble. Feeling unworthy keeps one vigilant over their deeds with a balance of fear (khauf) and hope (raja7). These feelings harmonize the spiritual journey of a servant.
3. Brings One Closer to Allah’s Mercy
Those who feel unworthy do not rely solely on deeds but earnestly seek Allah’s mercy, which is the true ticket to paradise.
A Gentle Critique of Our Praise-Filled Era
Today we live in the age of social media – a time when worship can be showcased, charity is public, and a pious image can be crafted. Many eagerly exhibit their deeds, often with sincere intentions, but pride can quietly take root.
Feeling holier than others risks istidraj—when Allah lets a person continue good deeds but their heart rots with arrogance. They claim ownership of paradise and hastily judge those on different paths.
However, paradise is not for the self-righteous, but for those who most fear their unworthiness.
Conclusion
Feeling Unworthy Is a Blessing of Faith
Feeling unworthy of entering paradise is not a sign of weak faith; rather, it is a hallmark of sincere belief. Those who truly know Allah recognize that His mercy surpasses their deeds and His punishment outweighs their sins.
If today you weep fearing your deeds are insufficient, this is not weakness but a sign your heart is alive. Perhaps through these tears, Allah will open the gates of paradise for you.
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