Humility That Is Taught

In a beautiful educational gesture, a teacher at my daughters' school suggested an exceptional activity: that the students stay late one day to carry out a cleaning campaign on behalf of the working sister who performs this task daily. This actually happened, and my daughters returned satisfied and proud that they had given the "Auntie" a day of well-deserved rest. Such activities are not just "cleaning," but rather eloquent fraternal messages that should be encouraged and spread, to confirm to our brothers and sisters who hold "simple" professions in the eyes of society that we do not consider ourselves above practicing them, nor do we despise those who perform them. Rather, we appreciate their effort that provides us with comfort. In this behavior, there is a great mending of their hearts and a noble preservation of their dignity. This value needs to extend into our families. It is a sign of refinement for family members, including the father and sons, to take the initiative to perform tasks that their souls might find distasteful or that they are accustomed to leaving to women or daughters, even if only once in a while, to send a sophisticated silent message: "We share the burdens in integration, not in superiority." Our role model in this is the teacher of goodness to mankind, the most honorable of God's creation, Muhammad, peace be upon him, of whom our mother Aisha said: (He used to be in the service of his family), meaning that he used to help them in the work they performed. Among that, as mentioned in Musnad Ahmad, he, peace be upon him, used to serve himself, milk his sheep, patch his garment, and mend his shoes. Although he, peace be upon him, had those who served him to gain the honor of companionship, such as Anas, may God be pleased with him, the noble prophetic hand did not hold itself above these simple tasks, teaching humanity that helping others is an elevation. This is also a reminder for households that employ domestic workers. When family members perform some simple tasks from time to time, it breaks the barriers of pride and instills the meanings of humility in the children. And remember: (The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those on earth, and the One in heaven will have mercy on you).