12 Nov Giving Thanks: The Gift of Gratitude
Assalamu alaykum
A major contributing factor to the success and enjoyment of memorizing The Qur’an, is in constantly expressing gratitude for this incredible gift.
Let’s review, with the intention to revive this noble act of worship in our lives: and then see how your Hifdhul Quran journey is transformed!
MOTIVATION
*The Benefits of making Shukr (being grateful to Allah)
One can never express sufficient gratitude to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for all the bounties that He has bestowed upon us.
When a person makes Shukr, then another two Shukrs become necessary. The first Shukr is required for the great bounty that Allah Ta’ala granted him the *ability* of making Shukr – How many people are there who receive Allah’s daily blessings yet remain ungrateful and heedless. ..
The second Shukr is for this bounty, that the tongue was able to utter the word ‘Alhamdulillah’.”
The bounties which Allah has showered upon us should not be used in His disobedience.
For example, one should not use his/her tongue for swearing, backbiting, insulting and offending others,
nor should one use his/her eyes to gaze at Haraam,
nor should one use his/her ears to listen to Haraam.
One should express Shukr to Allah on celebrating a happy occasion, on eating food, on seeing one’s children and family members pleased, on drinking water, on reaching one’s destination safely, etc. by saying *“Alhumdulillah – all praise & thanks are for Allah.”
On forming such a habit, one will gradually discard the habit of disobeying Allah Ta’ala.
This action doesn’t require any effort, time, or money to be spent.
By engaging in such an Ibaadat (of thanking Allah for His bounties) more paths of Shukr will be opened up before a person.
Jannat is free from all forms of Ibaadat (worship) such as Salaah, fasting, Zakaat, Haj, Jihaad, etc. but a particular form of Ibaadat will continue in Jannat as well:
The inhabitants of Jannah will be saying ‘Alhamdulillah’.
Also, in every Rakaat of Salaah, we recite Surah Fateha which begins with “Alhumdulillah.”
Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif,
ما يفعل الله بعذابكم ان شكرتم واٰمنتم
“What will Allah gain by punishing you, if you will keep thanking Him and believe in Him?”
This shows that Allah Ta’ala will not punish a thankful servant; rather Allah Ta’ala will protect him from punishments.
A person blessed with bounties such as good health, wealth, etc. always fears that these bounties should not be snatched away.
Also, by expressing our gratitude before Allah Ta’ala His bounties increase, as the Quraan Sharif states,
لئن شكرتم لازيدنكم
*“If you are thankful then I will increase you (in My bounties.)”
In essence, by expressing gratitude for the bounties of Allah Ta’ala, one will not fear decrease, nor will one fear bounties being snatched away.
“Alhumdulillah” is such an Ibaadat that is pure and free of showing off.
Reciting “Alhumdulillah” on experiencing a good condition is generally void of show, and such actions are generally accepted by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif,
فاذكروني اذكركم
“Remember Me, I (Allah) will remember you.”
On reciting “Alhumdulillah” one’s connection with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala increases,
one enjoys even more bounties from Allah Ta’ala, and when a person is tempted to sin, he will think, “These were the very bounties for which you were thanking Allah, so how can you now disobey Him whilst enjoying the very same bounties.”
Another benefit of making Shukr, when things are not according to one’s temperament, a person will have the courage to endure it, as he will bear in mind that he had enjoyed so many bounties of Allah Ta’ala, so what is there if he tolerates a single difficulty that has come his way?
This will further protect him from becoming depressed. If one is hurt by others he will not retaliate, with the result being that a person’s inner and outer self will become purified daily, and he will not use the bounties of Allah in His disobedience.
Our Allah make us from those who are grateful to You, who use your bounties in Your obedience. Make us from amongst the inhabitants of Jannah. Aameen.
View the main website here: The Art of Resonance
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