Thankfulness (Shukr)

IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The Qur’an says: “Why should God punish you if you give thanks and are faithful? And God is Appreciative, All-knowing.” (Qur’an; 4:147)

“We saved them at dawn. A blessing from Us; it is thus that We reward those who give thanks.” (Qur’an; 54:34–35)

Thankfulness is a factor that can help humans practically on their journey to self-improvement. It is the core of faith. It may not be accidental that in Arabic, the terms used to signify ungratefulness and disbelief are identical, that is, kufr. Thankfulness is very much related to love for Allah SWT. If you are thankful, you will certainly love Allah SWT because of all His favours. And if you love Allah SWT, you will believe in Him and obey Him.

In the Qur’an, thankfulness (to God for His guidance) is considered identical with faith, and to be unthankful is the opposite.

“Indeed, We created man from a drop of mixed fluid so that We may test him. Therefore, We made him endowed with hearing and sight. Indeed, We have guided him to the way, whether he be grateful or ungrateful.” (Qur’an; 76:2–3)

As the Qur’an says, true believers are thankful to God: “O you who have faith! Eat of the good things We have provided for you, and thank God, if it is Him that you worship.” (Qur’an; 2:172)

However, most people are not: “Indeed, God is gracious to mankind, but most people do not give thanks.” (Qur’an; 2:243)

Therefore, thankfulness (shukr) is a very significant concept and a primary issue related to the core of belief—yet it is practical and uncomplicated. The one who is thankful can achieve many things, as Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:

“And when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely enhance you; but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is indeed severe.’” (Qur’an; 14:7)

So, one of the benefits of thankfulness is that Almighty Allah SWT will increase His blessings upon the grateful person. When Allah SWT gives you something and you are thankful—and can maintain that state—your capacity to receive increases. There is no limit to divine generosity except our limited capacity. The more Allah SWT gives, the more capacity we have to receive, and so His Generosity accelerates into this infinite Mercy.

It is clear that the benefit of being grateful is for the thankful person himself—not for Almighty Allah SWT:

“Whoever is thankful, he is thankful for himself; and whoever is ungrateful [should know that] my Lord is indeed all-sufficient, all-generous.” (Qur’an; 27:40)

Types of thankfulness

There are three main types of thankfulness:

• Thankfulness from the heart: To know that your assets are gifts from Allah SWT, to believe that all facilities belong to Him, and to recognize in your heart the favors of Almighty Allah SWT.

• Thankfulness with words: To declare your gratitude for the divine bounties and all favors of Almighty Allah SWT.

• Thankfulness in practice: To use your hands, feet, eyes, and other parts of your body, all of Allah’s SWT favours, according to His satisfaction and in the way of worshiping Him.

The way to be thankful to the Lord practically is through constant remembrance of Him. Remembrance leads to thankfulness: “Remember Me, and I will remember you, and thank Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.” (Qur’an; 2:152)

The Qur’an says that pious people—those who possess intellect—remember Allah SWT constantly. This means that every act in their daily lives is for the sake of Allah SWT:

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess intellects. Those who remember God standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth [and say], ‘Our Lord, You have not created this in vain! Immaculate are You! Save us from the punishment of the Fire.’” (Qur’an; 3:190–191)

Gratitude cultivates happiness and well-being. Some of the benefits of gratitude are listed below, so that anyone who is not thanking Allah may be inspired to start shukr.

Better relationship with Allah SWT: Gratitude is one of the most beloved characteristics to Allah Almighty. Being thankful is the best way to get closer to Allah (SWT). Through shukr, we invoke His mercy and love upon us. Gratitude is the key to Allah’s reward and pleasure. When we are thankful to Him, we seek to improve our relationship with Almighty Allah SWT.

Preventing punishment from Allah SWT: Allah SWT will grant us blessings when we show gratitude, and He is also justified in punishing us for negligence. So, by being grateful, we receive His blessings; and if we don’t, we risk His punishment. Gratitude prevents punishment from Almighty Allah SWT.

Seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT: We (Muslims) spend our lives trying to earn the pleasure of Allah SWT, and gratitude is one of the ways to do so—not only in this life, but also in the Hereafter, when we will express our gratitude to Him for His blessings. Shukr is the best means of attaining the pleasure of Allah SWT.

Reducing materialism and boosting sympathy: Ultimate happiness does not depend on worldly possessions. Gratitude has been shown to reduce feelings of materialism and its negative effects. Greater expressions of gratitude are associated with lower materialism and higher life satisfaction. If you want a satisfied life, always be thankful to Almighty Allah SWT.

Prosperity in life: Gratitude (shukr) is a quality that leads to success both in this life and in the Hereafter. Allah (SWT) promises us mercy and an increase in His favors if we are grateful.

In conclusion, we can say that being thankful means doing our duty in the best way and trying our best for the sake of Allah SWT. Of course, thankfulness by the heart and words is the introduction to practical thankfulness.