Christianity Islam Judaism Hinduism Buddhism

Humility & Selflessness

Humility before God and others is extolled in every major religious tradition. Whether expressed as submission to Allah, kenosis in Christ, or the Buddhist dissolution of ego, the virtue of humility stands in opposition to pride and self-aggrandizement.

Across the World's Religions

Christianity
Practice
Kenosis — Christ's self-emptying as model of humility
Key Text
Philippians 2:3-8; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6
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Islam
Practice
Tawadu (humility) — submission to Allah's will
Key Text
Quran 25:63, 31:18-19
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Judaism
Practice
Anavah (humility) — Moses as exemplar
Key Text
Numbers 12:3; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 22:4
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Hinduism
Practice
Vinaya (humility) as divine quality
Key Text
Bhagavad Gita 13:7-8; 16:1-3
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Buddhism
Practice
Anatta (no-self) — dissolution of ego as spiritual goal
Key Text
SN 22.59; Dhammapada 6
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