The Effects of Thankfulness to God
When an individual expresses gratitude towards God – Glory be to Him – for His gifts and blessings, they can experience numerous virtues that positively impact their life and afterlife. Some of the effects of gratitude to God Almighty include:
- Thankfulness is a trait of the Prophets, as mentioned by God – the Most High – in His sacred Book. By practicing gratitude, one follows in the footsteps of the Prophets and Messengers, starting with the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.
- Gratitude is a divine command found in God’s Book, and a grateful servant is one who obediently acknowledges God’s blessings.
- It is among the characteristics of true believers in God.
- Gratitude brings about God’s pleasure upon the servant – Glory be to Him.
- It serves as a safeguard against the punishment of God – the Most High.
- A grateful servant experiences an increase in provisions and blessings, as God has promised: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor upon you.’”
- Expressing gratitude leads to immense rewards in the Hereafter.
- A grateful servant may reach levels that few attain, as thanking God – Glory be to Him – for His blessings is uncommon among people.
Levels of Gratitude
Sheikh Ibn Juzayy – may God have mercy on him – identified three levels of thankfulness:
- The Gratitude of the Common People; this is the appreciation of a servant for God’s blessings such as sustenance, guidance, and other favors.
- The Gratitude of the Special; this refers to a servant’s acknowledgment of God’s blessings in times of both ease and hardship.
- The Gratitude of the Most Special; this is the highest form of thankfulness, where a servant forgets the bestowed gifts and focuses solely on the Giver of the gifts – Glory be to Him. This represents the pinnacle of servitude and devotion before the Lord.
Tools for Sustaining Gratitude
Several important factors can help an individual maintain their gratitude towards God, including:
- Dua (supplication); seeking help from God to aid in the practice of gratitude.
- Reflecting upon God’s blessings, greatness, power, and constant mercy and generosity, even in light of one’s shortcomings and sins.
- Contemplating the countless blessings surrounding them that are beyond enumeration.
- Recognizing one’s inability to fully fulfill the purpose of worship, and striving to enhance that through gratitude.
- Observing those who are less fortunate in terms of provisions, which heightens awareness of God’s favors upon them.