In a world full of desires and distractions, many people focus on what they don’t have rather than appreciating what they do. As Muslims, we often focus on major acts of worship like prayer, fasting, and charity but we overlook one of the most powerful forms of worship: GRATITUDE (SHUKR). True gratitude is not just saying Alhamdulillah; it is a state of the heart, a way of thinking, and a lifestyle that draws a believer closer to Allah.
GRATITUDE IS A SIGN OF TRUE FAITH
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“IF YOU ARE GRATEFUL, I WILL SURELY INCREASE YOU.”
SURAH IBRAHIM (14:7)
Gratitude is not only something Allah loves, but it is also a cause for increase blessings increase, peace increases, barakah increases. A grateful believer is content, calm, and spiritually alive.
GRATITUDE HAS THREE LEVELS
True gratitude cannot be limited to the tongue. It is complete only when it exists in three forms:
GRATITUDE OF THE HEART
Recognizing Allah as the source of every blessing health, breath, family, guidance, and life itself.
GRATITUDE OF THE TONGUE
Praising Allah sincerely, saying Alhamdulillah with reflection, and acknowledging His favors publicly and privately.
GRATITUDE THROUGH ACTION
Using blessings in ways that please Allah:
If blessed with wealth give charity.
If blessed with knowledge teach others.
If blessed with time use it for worship and good deeds.
INGRATITUDE IS A DISEASE OF THE HEART
Forgetting blessings leads to arrogance and misery. Complaining often and comparing lives to others weakens faith. Shaytan said:
“YOU WILL NOT FIND MOST OF THEM GRATEFUL.”
SURAH AL-A‘RAF (7:17)
Shaytan knows the power of gratitude whoever is grateful becomes protected from him.
GRATITUDE DURING HARDSHIP IS TRUE FAITH
Anyone can say Alhamdulillah when life is easy. But a true believer is grateful even during difficulty. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“AMAZING IS THE AFFAIR OF THE BELIEVER… IF SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENS, HE IS GRATEFUL. IF SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS, HE IS PATIENTAND THAT IS GOOD FOR HIM.”
MUSLIM
Gratitude during pain brings reward. It strengthens tawakkul (trust in Allah) and purifies the heart.
REFLECT BEFORE SAYING ALHAMDULILLAH
WRITE DAILY BLESSINGS IN A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
THANK ALLAH BEFORE MAKING DU‘A
REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE LESS
HELP OTHERS USING YOUR BLESSINGS
STOP COMPLAINING AND START PRAISING ALLAH
CONCLUSION
Gratitude is the key to a peaceful heart, a purified soul, and a blessed life. When you appreciate what Allah has given you, He grants you more than you could ever imagine. Gratitude is not a reaction it is a way of living.
ALHAMDULILLAH IS NOT JUST A WORD. IT IS A WAY OF LIFE.
