Ways to Show Gratitude to God
In his book “Madarij as-Salikin,” Ibn al-Qayyim – may Allah have mercy on him – elaborates on the various ways a servant can express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah, categorizing these expressions into three levels: gratitude of the heart, gratitude of the tongue, and gratitude of the limbs. Each of these forms of gratitude is executed in a specific manner. Below are detailed descriptions of how a servant can show gratitude to their Lord:
- Gratitude of the Heart: This form involves feeling the immense blessings that God bestows upon us out of His mercy. It requires recognizing that these gifts come solely from Allah, the One and Only. Ibn al-Qayyim emphasizes that this form of gratitude is not merely recommended but obligatory; it is essential for a servant to acknowledge that the blessings they receive are granted exclusively by Allah – the Most High.
- Gratitude of the Tongue: This entails verbally expressing appreciation for God’s favors, following the conviction held in the heart. It involves praising Allah abundantly and thanking Him for both the visible and hidden blessings.
- Gratitude of the Limbs: This refers to utilizing one’s faculties in the obedience of Allah, while being vigilant in avoiding sins and prohibitions.
Definition of Gratitude
Numerous Islamic scholars have described gratitude for blessings using various characteristics and definitions. Below are some descriptions and definitions of gratitude as mentioned by certain scholars and companions:
- A scholar remarked: “Gratitude for the blessing of sight involves acknowledging the best of what one sees and concealing the harm of what one sees. Thankfulness for the ears entails preserving the best of what is heard while refraining from what is harmful.”
- One of the early scholars stated: “True gratitude to Allah means refraining from disobedience,” while another mentioned: “A servant should not use the blessings to disobey the Benefactor.”
- Abu Hazim al-Zahid stated: “One who expresses gratitude only with their tongue is like someone who purchased a garment but never wore it; it provides no benefit from cold or heat, or otherwise.”
The Virtues of Gratitude
Maintaining gratitude towards Allah – the Exalted – for His blessings brings numerous virtues, including:
- Embodying the characteristics of the prophets (peace be upon them), as Allah emphasizes in His Book that they are among the grateful.
- Gaining the pleasure of Allah, along with protection from His punishment and wrath.
- Receiving increased blessings and abundance in provisions, as the permanence of blessings depends on gratitude.
- Attaining immense rewards in the Hereafter from Allah the Almighty.