Explanation of Riyadh as-Saliheen Chapter on Humility & Lowering One's Wing To The Believers By Shaykh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Uthaymeen

Humility is not weakness — it is one of the most difficult qualities a believer can cultivate, and one of the most beloved to Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was the most humble of people despite being the greatest of creation. He would walk with the poor, sit with the lowly, and refuse the elevated treatment others sought to give him. His humility was not performed — it was a genuine expression of his recognition of Allah's greatness and his own servitude.

Explanation of Riyadh as-Saliheen: Chapter on Humility and Lowering One's Wing to the Believers by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin presents a detailed commentary on Imam al-Nawawi's chapter on humility — unpacking the hadiths in this chapter with the depth and clarity that characterises his commentary throughout.

What This Book Covers

The Meaning of Humility in Islam

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin opens by establishing what humility actually is — not low self-esteem or weakness, but the deliberate lowering of oneself in relation to others without losing one's dignity. It is the opposite of arrogance and self-exaltation, and it applies in every dimension of a Muslim's life: how they walk, how they speak, how they deal with those of lesser status, and how they relate to their fellow believers.

Lowering One's Wing to the Believers

The Quranic command to lower one's wing to the believers (Surah al-Hijr 15:88, Surah ash-Shu'ara 26:215) is explained in detail — what it means practically, who it applies to, and the important distinction the Shaykh draws regarding the disbelievers. Being merciful and humble toward fellow Muslims does not require the same posture toward those who oppose the religion.

The Prophetic Model of Humility

The hadiths in this chapter show the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) own humility in practice: a young girl could take him by the hand and lead him, he would sit with the poor and fulfill their needs, he warned against people standing for him. Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin draws out the practical lessons from each narration.

About the Authors

The original collection, Riyad as-Saliheen, was compiled by Imam an-Nawawi (631–676 AH). This commentary is by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (1347–1421 AH / 1929–2001 CE), who studied under Shaykh Abdur-Rahman as-Sa'di, taught for decades in the Grand Mosque of Unayzah and at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, and served on the Senior Scholars Council of Saudi Arabia. His explanations of Riyad as-Saliheen are widely used by English-speaking students. Translated by Abu Sulayman Muhammad Abdul-Azim. Published by Maktabatul-Irshad Publications.

Who This Book Is For

Every Muslim who struggles with arrogance or self-consciousness in their dealings with others, and anyone who wants to understand this beloved quality from the Sunnah with scholarly depth. Also excellent as a chapter-by-chapter study of Riyad-us-Saliheen.

Continue Reading

This volume explains a single chapter; the complete collection is Riyad-us-Saliheen with Commentary by Imam an-Nawawi. Its companions in this series cover moderation in acts of obedience and truthfulness. On humility specifically, see also Ibn Abi Dunya's Allah Loves the Humble. Browse more works by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin.