Gratitude is an exceptionally important principle in Islam and is emphasised frequently in the Holy Qur'an and Ahadith. In fact, we as humans beings have two fundamental obligations to carry out - they are 'Haqooqullah' (rights of God) and 'Haqooqul Ebad' (rights of the creation). In other words we have to give Allah and His creation the rights that are due to them. Gratefulness is one of these rights. According to a saying of the Holy Prophet, a person who is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah and gratefulness is something mentioned frequently in the Qur'an: "Then We forgave you thereafter, that you might be grateful." Al-Baqarah Chapter 2 : Verse 53 "And when your Lord declared, ‘If you are grateful, I will, surely, bestow more favours on you; but if you are ungrateful, then know that My punishment is severe indeed." Ibrahim Chapter 14 : Verse 8 "And, truly, thy Lord is gracious to mankind, but most of them are not grateful." Al-Naml Chapter 27 : Verse 74 The Holy Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) advises on the way to develop gratefulness. He is reported to have said that a person should look at those below him or those less well-off, rather than looking at those who are more advantaged in terms of wealth, status etc. (Sahih Muslim : Book 42 "Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa'iq", Number 7068) This is a fine way of ensuring that jealously and ingratitude is successfully curbed. Indeed in my experience, instead of thinking about those who have more than me, I often remember that there are millions in the world who are without even the basic necessities and therefore I should be even more grateful for the smallest comforts in life. Furthermore, gratitude leads to a positive mindset and therefore happiness, contentment and peace of mind. As Allah says in the Quran: "And whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul — it is these who will be successful." This verse makes a very potent point, namely that those who rid themselves of envy and jealous thinking will be successful. It is human experience that those who are generally more positive lead more fulfilling and successful lives. So gratefulness is something which leads to positivity which in turn leads a person to all kinds of success. There are always at least two sides of any situation and those who look at the 'bright side' of things generally are more capable of overcoming difficult situations and making the most of positive situations. Therefore, gratefulness and positivity are win-win attitudes in any case. The Promised Messiah also expounded the issue by explaining that as (according to the Holy Prophet) one cannot be grateful to God, without being grateful to people, it is incumbent upon us to be grateful to the nation we live in. This is the reason why he frequently praised the British government who provided all the freedoms and protection to citizens so they may practice their faith freely, without any hindrance, whatever their faith may have been. Therefore, gratitude is such an important attribute which can even make a person a more law abiding citizen. A person who is grateful for the opportunities, freedoms and protection that the state affords, is far less likely to flout the rules and laws of the state. True gratitude though, is actually linked to actions. A person who is truly grateful is one who makes sure that no action of his goes against his benefactor. Therefore, true gratitude towards Allah is not merely doing lip service, rather, true gratitude is such that it completely transforms a person. Consequently, sincere gratitude towards God is in utilising all of His favours in the best possible manner and doing good with the gifts He has bestowed on us. The greatest gift being life and guidance which means it is incumbent upon us to live life purposefully and follow the guidance which has been sent down for our benefit.
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AuthorAtif Rashid writes about faith, extremism & mental health. Categories
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August 2021
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