Description
An-Nawawi (May Allah have mercy upon him) said in his book Riyadh As-Saliheen, in the chapter "Humility and Lowering One's Wing to the Believers":
"Humility is the opposite of self-exaltation. It means that one does not elevate or exalt oneself above others due to knowledge, lineage, wealth, status, leadership, governorship, or other such factors. Instead, it is obligatory to lower one's wing to the believers. A person should show kindness to them, just as the most honourable and exalted of creation before Allah, the Messenger of Allah (May Allah elevate his rank and grant him peace), used to show kindness to the believers.
He was so humble that a young girl could take him by the hand and lead him wherever she wanted, and he would fulfil her needs for her. Allah the Exalted says:
"And be kind and humble to the believers." (Surah Al-Hijr: 15:88)
In another verse, He says:
"And lower your wing to the believers who follow you." (Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 26:215)
The meaning of lowering one’s wing is to be humble. An arrogant and haughty person thinks of himself as a bird soaring high in the air, so he is commanded to lower his wing and descend to the believers who follow the Prophet (May Allah elevate his rank and grant him peace).
It is well known, however, that one is not to lower one’s wing to disbelievers. Instead, one must be elevated and exalted above them, placing oneself in a position above them. Allah the Exalted says in Surah At-Tawbah:
"And the statement of Allah is superior."
Allah also described the Prophet (May Allah elevate his rank and grant him peace) and his companions as:
"They are severe against disbelievers and merciful among themselves."
This underscores the balance between humility towards believers and firmness against disbelievers."
