Shaykh Shukri’s Humbleness & Modesty

An enormous gathering was organised in Damascus to gift awards to the scholars of Shaam. There was tremendous protocol planned. There was also amazing cars and chauffeurs booked out for the main scholars but Shaykh Shukri Rahmatullahi Alaihi refused to go in those cars. He said, ‘I will make my own way there.’ They pleaded with him but he would not accept. Eventually, they just requested him not to be late because a special greeting and entrance were planned for all the ‘ulema.

The Shaykh and his Khadim arrived 2 hours early in a normal car. He was dressed normally. No one was in the hall so the shaykh stood and he began to straighten chairs, made sure the floor was clean, and he stood for every guest to welcome them even if they were laymen. The organisers were shocked why such a great scholar was doing such a thing so they asked his Khadim the reason why they had come so early but he said that the Shaykh made him take an oath that he would not divulge the reason as long as the Shaykh was alive.

After the Shaykh passed away, his Khadim tearfully said, “Shaykh Shukri said, ‘I went early because I didn’t want my ego to think I was better than people or that I should be honoured or served. I didn’t want people to stand for me, rather I should serve them and stand up for them. They are people of La-ilaha-ila-Allāh. Who is Shukri to be honoured?’ This was the character and the level of our teachers. This is how students of knowledge and scholars should be with their communities and those around them. Nothing but service and humility. Allāh raises those who lower themselves for His sake.