AN ATTRIBUTE OF A PERSON OF FAITH

God-consciousness

The example of a believer is that of a fresh green plant, the leaves of which move in whichever direction the wind blows them, and when the wind becomes still, it stands upright. Such is the similitude of the believer: he constantly faces difficult and testing situations. While the example of one who does not believe is that of a pine tree, which remains unmoved and static until God cuts it down when He wills. – Prophet of Islam (Sahih Bukhari)

USING the simile of a plant, this Hadith talks about a particular characteristic of a person of faith—that of humility or modesty. A person with deep faith, would definitely also be a humble person. Faith and humility can never be separated from each other. A person of faith is not proud and arrogant like a dried-up stick. Rather, he is flexible, like a soft plant. If he does something wrong, he admits his mistake at once. In his dealings with others, he is always gentle. If he develops differences with someone, he is at once ready to reconcile on a unilateral basis. In the event of a dispute with another person, he willingly agrees to hand over his rights to the other in order that the issue does not escalate and go out of hand.


A person of faith is not proud and arrogant like a driedup stick. Rather, he is flexible, like a soft plant.

If a person behaves arrogantly with others, it is because he considers the issue as involving a person just like himself—a fellow human being. This is what makes him arrogant in his behaviour. But the matter is very different in the case of a person of faith, who sees every issue as involving God. This puts an end to any arrogance in him. You can think you are bigger than another human being, but the fact is that no human being is bigger or more powerful than God. On account of this difference, when it comes to two human beings, one of them might appear to be smaller and the other bigger. But when it comes to an issue about God and man, all human beings, without exception, have exactly the same status. In this case, God alone is greatest and all mankind being His creation has to be modest and humble before the Creator.