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How to Display Thankfulness for Allāh’s Blessings

Al-ʿAllāmah Ṣāliḥ ibn al-Fawzān

The correct attitude the Muslim should hold concerning the blessings bestowed upon him by his Lord and how adopting this attitude ensures their continuity.

[Q]: How should one be thankful for blessings? And what are we — as Muslims — required to do with all these innumerous and incalculable blessings?

[A:] That which is required is to be thankful for the blessings, and showing gratitude for blessings guarantees the continuity [of blessings being bestowed upon you].

Allāh said:

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِنْ شَكَرْتُمْ لأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِنْ كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks, I will give you more, but if you are thankless, verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.”
[Sūrah Ibrāhīm, 14:7]

Gratitude has three pillars of which it cannot be called gratitude without:

Firstly: Acknowledging the blessings of Allāh inwardly, so that you know in yourself and in your heart that all these blessings come from Allāh, and that it is a favour from Him which he has bestowed upon you and the Muslims.

Secondly: Openly proclaim (the blessings of Allāh), Allāh mentions:

وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ

And proclaim the Grace of your Lord
[Surah al-Ḍuḥá, 93:11]

So proclaim the blessings of Allāh and thank Him for it. Remind your brothers of these blessings and incite them to show gratitude (to Allāh for these blessings).

Thirdly: Utilising (the blessings) accordingly in obedience to Allāh.

Source: الواجب إتجاه النعم
Translated by: Munīb al-Ṣumālī

Published: May 3, 2016
Edited: July 31, 2024