What is gratitude – Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. Saying ‘thank you’ is also a good etiquette and mannerism where you show that you are thankful for the service of another. When someone shows even an ounce of kindness towards you or assists you in any way then you are not only grateful to them but also in return take all the means to serve them back whenever required.
Now let’s imagine all those people who have helped you or who have been a source of comfort in times of hardship; those whose words elevated you and brought ease to your heart & soul. Some must have passed away or others might be strangers in time. Sometimes we also don’t end up doing the same service to them but we take from their goodness/characteristics and pass on others.
I truly believe that there is One Entity whom we owe more than we can ever imagine. He bestows immense blessings upon us without even us asking about them. The blessings are good health, free time, wealth, family, and a roof over us. This is just what He provides to each one of us; there are so many blessings that he has provided to us all together – the sun that is a source of light helps us to see the world clearly in the morning, stars & moon help us to walk in darkness. Night – a source of peace and rest for all the people. He gives us endlessly without differentiating between rich/poor, black/white. The only goodness he sees is the goodness that is present in the heart. He is ALLAH – The Creator of the Heavens and the Earths and all the exists.
He gives us endlessly despite us being sinners. He opens our heart to His guidance, He grants us wisdom, and provides tranquillity in our lives! I could keep writing and fall short of the ink. The reality is no matter how much we thank ALLAH, we can never show true gratitude to Him and nothing can be compared to His Majestic greatness! My words of gratitude are like a drop compared to His Mercy and Affection towards me that is the ocean.
Two factors increase are Imaan at all times – Sabr & Shukr.
Someone beautifully said- “The relationship between Allah and His slave is not just of asking him when we are in need but it is of being grateful to him”. Showing gratitude to Allah increases ones Imaan as it shows full contentment with its Maker and being satisfied with the Qadr (Decree) of Allah.
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an – “If you are grateful, I will give you more” You are content with the decree of Allah.
Having an attitude of gratitude means making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, regularly, for both the big and small things alike. As Howes puts it, “If you concentrate on what you have, you’ll always have more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never have enough.” – HuffPost
“The Prophet (SAW) said:
Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self).” (Sahih Muslim)
Our life is so easy going as compare to those who live in the warzone areas and where there is a shortage of water and have absolutely nothing to eat. Being grateful for what you have and not comparing your life with others is the key to be content!
“The Prophet (SAW) said, “Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for this will keep you from belittling Allah’s favor to you.” (Sahih Muslim)
A quick tip – Reflect and ponder upon the daily blessings. Start a gratitude journal where you can record your daily reflections of the times when you were grateful. This will help you in being more grateful!!
The more grateful you are the more content you will be with Allah. And in reward of that, Allah will eventually give you more.
Let’s have a gratitude attitude!!!
Light of Islam 