The ruling on belittling oneself and what one should do when people praise him

Question:
Perhaps you praise a man, and he increases in his work when you praise him?

Answer:
A small amount that one does not fear harm from; there is nothing wrong with it, such as what occurred with the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Q: How should a man respond to people's praise when they praise him to his face?
The Shaykh: He says: May Allah forgive you and me, may Allah forgive you and me, may Allah pardon me and you, and the like of that.
Q: Does he belittle himself?
The Shaykh: He says: May Allah pardon me and you, may Allah forgive us, we ask Allah for forgiveness, we ask Allah for pardon, we ask Allah to make us and you better than what people think.
Q: He was on Mount 'Arafah, and he belittled himself, saying: If it were not for me, those on the mountain would have been forgiven?
The Shaykh: He does not become proud of himself.
Q: He was on Mount 'Arafah and he was saying: If it were not for me, those on Mount 'Arafah would have been forgiven?
The Shaykh: No, there is no basis for this, this is a lie, and how does he know? There is nothing wrong with saying: May Allah pardon us and you, my brother, do not praise me, and may Allah reward you with good, and the like of that.
Q: Praising him and encouraging him to work, and so on?
The Shaykh: If it is a small amount; there is nothing wrong with it for the sake of benefit, and no harm is feared from it; there is nothing wrong with it, if Allah wills. And what came from the Companions is to be understood in this light: a small amount that does not lead to evil; there is nothing wrong with it.