✍️ Written by: Sahibzada Shahid Siddiq
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Introduction
Gratitude (shukr) is the state of the heart in which a servant recognizes the blessings of his Creator, admits them, and then expresses praise of Allah through both words and actions. In the Qur’an and Hadith, gratitude is regarded as an essential part of faith. A thankful servant becomes worthy of even more Divine favors, whereas ingratitude invites the anger of Allah.
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The Importance of Gratitude in the Qur’an
1. Surah Ibrahim (14:7)
“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.”
2. Surah al-Baqarah (2:152)
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me, and do not deny Me.”
3. Surah al-Nahl (16:114)
“So eat of what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is Him you worship.”
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The Teachings of Hadith on Gratitude
1. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not thank people, does not thank Allah.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Abu Dawud)
2. In another Hadith:
“The affair of the believer is amazing, for every matter of his is good. If he receives a blessing, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and if he suffers harm, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
(Sahih Muslim)
3. The Prophet ﷺ himself was foremost in gratitude. Lady Aisha (RA) narrated:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to stand in prayer at night until his feet became swollen. I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Why do you do this while your past and future sins have been forgiven? He ﷺ replied: Should I not be a grateful servant?”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
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Ways of Expressing Gratitude
1. With the Heart – Recognizing every blessing as a gift from Allah.
2. With the Tongue – Saying Alhamdulillah and remembering Allah in dhikr and supplication.
3. Through Actions – Using Allah’s blessings in the right way, in obedience to Him.
4. By Sharing with Others – Extending kindness and distributing blessings among creation is also gratitude, as it earns the pleasure of Allah.
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The Condemnation of Ingratitude
In the Qur’an, ingratitude is described as a form of disbelief (kufr).
“Indeed, mankind is most unjust and ungrateful.”
(Surah Ibrahim: 34)
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Conclusion
Gratitude is not merely a word, but a complete way of life. It is the recognition of Allah’s blessings, acknowledging them with sincerity, and using them in obedience to Him. A grateful servant is always honored, peaceful, and blessed with even more favors, whereas ingratitude leads to the displeasure of Allah and the removal of blessings.
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Anjuman Ghulzar-e-Madina International