Importance of Practicing Gratitude

Whenever we receive even small things or small gifts from anyone, we usually thank that person. Then isn’t it unfair to thank “Allah” who is giving us loads of blessings and who is responsible for everything we have. Practicing gratitude towards the Creator of this universe is the most important and peaceful thing one could experience. It is important because when we thank our Creator then we start building stronger connection with Allah and when we have strong connection with the Creator then we do not get upset on any thing in life; because ultimately, we have this in mind that there is someone who will take me out of all the complications of life.

How to practice gratitude and how to make it a habit?

Practicing gratitude and make it a habit is the personal choice and a person could adopt this practice very much conscious mind.

When it comes to the conscious mindset then this means to be observant, think deeply and critically, and to make own self knowledgeable. Therefore, a person could start observing everything around then he/she could ultimately start thinking deeply about whatsoever is happening around, and then person could be curious enough to learn and study everything. For example, if a person is observant and he would be observing the rain, then the person would start thinking that what if rain could never happen and what if the earth would remain unfertile? These questions would make that person curious and he would start studying that what is the importance of rain and what if rain could never happen? After study, when the person is aware of how important the rain is and how it becomes difficult for every creature to survive on earth without rain; he/she starts thanking the Creator of the Universe who has blessed us with rain.

This is why conscious efforts are very important for practicing gratitude towards Creator. Allah does not need our gratitude because is already “The Greatest”. We are those who benefit us by thanking Allah and this is how we make our connections with Allah and this is how we strengthen our believes and knowledge.

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has beautifully shown the gratitude towards Allah:

“˹He is˺ the One Who created me, and He ˹alone˺ guides me.

˹He is˺ the One Who provides me with food and drink.

And He ˹alone˺ heals me when I am sick.

And He ˹is the One Who˺ will cause me to die, and then bring me back to life.

And He is ˹the One˺ Who, I hope, will forgive my flaws on Judgment Day.”

“My Lord! Grant me wisdom, and join me with the righteous.

Bless me with honourable mention among later generations.

Make me one of those awarded the Garden of Bliss” [26: 78-85]

What are the ways of Gratitude?

One way of gratitude is simple which most of people are aware of which is thanking Allah through the words and saying “Allahmdullilah”.

Another way of thanking Allah is to pray regularly on time and talking Allah in prayers that how much blessed we are and how much thankful we are for those blessings.

All of the above ways are best but there is another way of thanking Allah which is highly encouraged by both Allah and Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). This way of gratitude is to help and love the servants of Allah.

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said in this regard:

“The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever is not grateful to the people, he is not grateful to Allah.” [Tirmidhi]

Gratitude to Allah (SWT) includes recognising and thanking those in our immediate surroundings. This could become challenging when we are angry or upset with other persons or when we do not personally like someone. However, true gratitude and intention of thanking Allah by helping and talking with Allah’s people cannot interrupt by any personal grudges with the other people.

Giving a few hours of our time to serve others allows us feel connected to people who are less fortunate and it serves as a reminder that we are a part of something greater. Volunteering typically helps us see things from a different perspective, provides us with a sense of purpose, and shows us of the numerous benefits in our life and the plethora of things for which we should be grateful.

If someone wants to create a positive impact in their own and others’ lives and if someone wants to practice gratitude then he/she should start empathizing towards other people around. This is the most likeable act towards Allah that when His people/servants take care of other people in the world.

Allah says in Quran in Surah Ibrahim, verse 7:

“And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe. [14: 7] ”

What should be our thoughts regarding Allah’s blessings?

We should always think that whatsoever we are and whatsoever we have is all because of Allah. When we think this way, we could never feel proud on ourselves and so we could never feel someone else inferior to us. Hence, thinking ourselves equal to everyone and thinking that on the basis of materialistic things no one is superior or inferior to the other person, we could stay unbiased. This is how we start emphasizing and we start loving people for the sake of Allah.

Allah has spoken up beautifully in the verse of Surah Az-Zumr and this verse could be conclusion of all the information above.

“If you disbelieve, then ˹know that˺ Allah is truly not in need of you, nor does He approve of disbelief from His servants. But if you become grateful ˹through faith˺, He will appreciate that from you. No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you of what you used to do. He certainly knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart” [39: 7]”.