Gratitude

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. -- Albert Schweitzer --

Gratitude is the simplest yet most neglected expression in our lives today. We bury ourselves in situations that go against our will and desires to the extent that we forget about the blessings we have at hand. We have all repeatedly heard the saying, "Be grateful for what you have." But are we truly grateful for what we have? What is our instant reaction when we are struck by a calamity? Do we portray our happiness towards the decree of Allah by saying, "Alhumdulillah 'ala kulli haal" (Praise be to Allah in all situations) or do we despair, "Why me?" When we lose something dear to us do we think maybe there was benefit in it for me? "It may well be that you hate a thing while it is good for you, and it may well be that you love a thing while it is bad for you: and Allah knows, whereas you do not know." [2:216]. So we must show gratitude to Allah by being content with His decisions.

Likewise what is our reaction when we attain something we desire? Do we rejoice and praise ourselves? Or do we sincerely say "Alhumdulillah," for He is the One, the All Mighty, who granted us this opportunity? How many times a day do we think, 'I have accomplished such and such due to the bounty of Allah' or how many times do we think, 'I have accomplished this because of my own efforts and doings'? If we remember that all that we do is nothing but tawfeeq from Allah then our attitudes towards our lives will be much different. We will find ourselves humble, content and not complaining -- maybe even smiling.

Allah has given us so much to be grateful for, yet we have said "thank you" to our friends more than we have to Allah. How grateful are we to Allah for the eyes that we have been blessed with so we can see all that we see? What about the ears that we hear with? "It is He Who has created you (and made you grow), and made for you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is you give."[67:23] What about the knowledge that we are attaining by using the three senses mentioned in the verse? Are we showing gratitude by putting it into action and teaching it to others? In Surah Nahl, Allah speaks about Ibrahim ('alayhis salaam) being guided to the right path due to his gratitude. "Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah. He showed his gratitude for the favors of Allah, who chose him, and guided him to a Straight Way. And We gave him Good in this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous." [16:120-122]. There is nothing but goodness in being grateful and the least we get out of praising Allah is the calmness of our own hearts.

So how many days have passed by since you have sincerely thanked Allah for your health, your home, for a good night's sleep, for the provision that He has given you? Be grateful for all that you have good or bad. Be grateful for the lack of excessive luxury because if you had it you may not be as close to Allah the way you are now. We enjoy more bounties in this part of the world then people anywhere else. The Prophet (salAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) advised us to look at those who are less fortunate than us concerning the provision of the Dunya. Also show the utmost gratitude that Allah has guided you. "And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared: If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed."[14:7]

How can we be consistent in showing gratitude?

To start, have a gratitude journal. Every night write five things you are grateful for and do not repeat the same ones for the next three days. And truly say 'Alhamdulillah' from your heart for each and every blessing you write. "If you would count up the favors of Allah, never would you be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."[16:18]

May Allah make us among the grateful and the rightly guided ones. Ameen

Narrated AbuBakrah:

When anything came to the Prophet (salAllahu 'alayhi wasallam) which caused pleasure (or by which he was made glad), he prostrated himself in gratitude to Allah. [Saheeh Muslim]

--Sada--