Assalamu-Alaikum,

“And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful.” – Surah Nahl, Ayat 78

Alhumdulilah, recently I hurt my foot and it made me realize how important each body part is. My initial reaction was anger but I soon after I remembered the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (S) when he said:

“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”

It’s true, you don’t truly appreciate what you have until you lose it and when life is going consistently well, we may become susceptible to take what we have for granted.

And from time to time, Allah (swt) will test us we can respond to these tribulations hopefully with deep reflection and positive change. In others words, it should bring us closer to him. More precisely, as believers we should have an Attitude for Gratitude.

What you don’t want to develop is a habit of turning to Allah (swt) only in difficult times. Allah (swt) is worthy of gratitude in every instance and breath of your life and it’s important to stay conscious of this. It’s easy to recognize what you don’t have in life, but when we all recognize what we have, it will allow us to stay content and appreciative.

The most important point to remember is that Allah (swt) dosen’t need us at all, we need him! Which is exactly why we should be thanking him for everything he as given us.

 

1. Pray Your Salat – This is the most important obligation as a Muslim. Allah (swt) has given us so much and in return he commands that we pray at least at the minimum of 5 times a day. If you happen to miss any salats, make sure you make them up.
2. Give Sadaqa – There are people in the world who have far less than they need. One of the ways to thank Allah (swt) is to share the blessings he’s given you with other people such as orphans, homeless, etc.
3. Du’a - There is a du’a for just about everything in life. Whether it’s putting on new clothes or waking up from sleep, the ability to remember Allah (swt) throughout the day shows that Allah (swt) is at the center of your life.
4. Thank others – No one is completely independent in life. We seek help from others and in return Allah (swt) enables them do so. It’s important you thank anyone that offers assistance and help because Prophet Muhammad (S) said: “He has not thanked Allah who has not thanked people.” (Sunan, Abu Dawud)
5. Live for Allah swt - It’s difficult in a world where there are constant tribulations and fitnah, but as long as you cling to the Deen, Qur’an and Sunnah you will always find your relationship with Allah (swt) constantly improving or renewed.

 

Allah (swt) makes it clear in the Qu’ran how important giving gratitude to him is when he says ”If you give thanks, I shall certainly increase you (in favor)” (Quran 14:7).

Often times we hear people say “I’m too blessed to be stressed”, this essentially captures the state of mind or attitude of how a slave of Allah swt should internalize and display in character.

Because in reality, we’re all too blessed to be stressed no matter how hard life gets for us on an individual level. “So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?” (Surah Rahman: Ayah 13)

May Allah swt give us the strength and guidance to be conscious believers who are grateful to him. If you have any more suggestions on gratitude, please share them below. Oh and keep me in your dua’s, Jazaka’Allah Khair =)