In Islam, expressing shukr towards Allah SWT is a fundamental aspect of faith and worship. Shukr not only deepens our connection with our Creator but also brings peace and contentment into our lives. Allah mentioned in Surah Ibrahim, verse 7:
Which means: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe'”
This verse highlights the importance and benefits of being grateful. In this article, we will explore practical ways to show shukr towards Allah, inspired by the teachings of the Quran, Hadith, and insights from Islamic scholars.
The first step in showing gratitude towards Allah SWT is to acknowledge that everything we have and everything we need comes from Him. Our skills, hard work, and efforts are not the primary source of our blessings. Recognizing this leads to a profound sense of humility and appreciation in our hearts. By understanding that our achievements and possessions are gifts from Allah, we foster a deeper connection and reliance on Him.
When we acknowledge Allah’s role in our lives, it naturally leads to humility. This humility is a key component of gratitude, as it prevents arrogance and self-sufficiency. A grateful heart is one that appreciates the blessings it has received, constantly reflecting on the generosity and mercy of Allah. This internal state of gratitude is fundamental to nurturing a sincere relationship with our Creator.
Gratitude should be expressed not only in the heart but also through the tongue. Constantly praising Allah for His blessings is a powerful form of dhikr (remembrance). Regularly engaging in dhikr helps us keep our minds and hearts focused on Allah’s favors, reinforcing our sense of gratitude. Simple phrases like “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah) can be repeated throughout the day to remind us of His bounties.
Another important way to express gratitude is through our rituals and ibadah (acts of worship). Performing our prayers with sincerity, fasting during Ramadan, giving zakat (charity), and making du’a (supplication) are all ways to show our appreciation for Allah’s blessings. Our ibadah should reflect our gratitude, demonstrating our commitment to serving and obeying Allah.
True gratitude is shown through our actions, not just words or feelings. One of the highest forms of gratitude is using the blessings Allah has given us to serve Him and help others. This can be done by donating to charity, assisting the less fortunate, and using our time, skills, and resources for the benefit of the community. By doing so, we fulfill our role as stewards of Allah’s blessings.
The ultimate sign of gratitude is to use the blessings we have to worship Allah and avoid actions that only benefit us in this dunya (worldly life). By aligning our actions with His guidance, we demonstrate our gratitude in a meaningful and impactful way.
This verse from the Quran illustrates how Allah instructs Prophet Dawood (AS) and Prophet Sulaiman (AS) to work with gratitude for the blessings they have received. Surah Saba, Verse 13, serves as a reminder of the significance of showing gratitude to Allah for the gifts and abilities He bestows upon us.
Which means: “They made for him what he willed of elevated chambers, statues, basins as large as reservoirs, and stationary kettles. [We said], ‘Work, O family of David, in gratitude.’ And few of My servants are grateful.”
Both prophets were blessed with prophethood and kingship, and they used these blessings to do good and serve Allah. Their lives exemplify how the prophets show gratitude through both acknowledgment and action. This serves as a reminder that all talents and resources are gifts from Allah and should be used in a manner that expresses thankfulness.
Renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Qayyim emphasizes the importance of gratitude through action. He teaches that true gratitude is not just a verbal acknowledgment or a feeling in the heart but is demonstrated through our deeds. Using our blessings to worship Allah and assist others is the most profound expression of gratitude.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah” (Sunan Abi Dawood). This Hadith underscores the importance of expressing gratitude not just to Allah but also to those around us, as part of our overall practice of gratitude.
By molding these practices into our daily lives, we can truly embody gratitude towards Allah SWT, appreciate His endless blessings and use them to fulfill our duties as His servants.
