_{^{Author: Shaikh Jawad Habib}}

“And be thankful to Me; and do not be ungrateful.” (Qur’an 2:152)

Thankfulness to God is one of the highest virtues a human can aspire to. This quality, however, is often misunderstood, as gratitude seems easy in times of ease and prosperity. When life flows smoothly, when one’s work is fulfilling, family is happy, and health is steady, being thankful comes naturally. But true thankfulness is not confined to good times. Rather, it is also a tool for navigating life’s inevitable challenges and trials.

In times of hardship, many of us dwell on our sorrows. We often become so consumed with the loss or pain that we overlook the countless blessings surrounding us, even in the midst of our trials. This is a common human tendency, one that the Qur’an highlights, saying, “And few among My servants are grateful.” Here, God points to a reality of human nature: it is only a rare few who can see beyond their immediate circumstances and remain thankful despite hardships. These few are the ones who maintain a close connection with God, recognizing that even challenges hold hidden wisdom and blessings.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and His Thankfulness

One of the most remarkable examples of gratitude in the face of hardship is found in the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Throughout his mission, he endured unthinkable trials. He faced hostility, public humiliation, and even threats to his life. The leaders of powerful tribes showed him fierce opposition, and he faced harassment from ordinary people who threw stones and placed thorny bushes in his path.

In the face of such adversity, the Prophet remained cheerful and unwavering in his thankfulness to God. He saw every challenge as part of a greater divine plan and used these difficulties to draw closer to his Creator. Once, a man asked him why he prayed so fervently at night and fasted frequently despite his numerous responsibilities during the day. The Prophet replied simply, “Should I not be a thankful servant of Allah?” This response reflects a profound truth: thankfulness is not just about acknowledging God’s blessings but also about recognizing and embracing His will, even in adversity.

The Thankfulness of Companions and Family of the Prophet

The closest followers of the Prophet, those who shared in his vision and mission, also saw trials as signs of God’s favour. They recognized that by enduring hardship for a higher cause, they were fulfilling God’s will. For them, these struggles were a mark of distinction, a confirmation of God’s favour upon them for bearing the weight of such a noble mission.

For example, Imam Ali (A.S.) exhibited extraordinary faith and thankfulness when he was asked by the Prophet to sleep in his bed on the night the Prophet was to leave Mecca. This was a risky situation, as the Prophet’s enemies had surrounded his house, intending to kill him. Ali’s only question was, “Will your life be saved if I sleep in this bed?” When assured that it was God’s promise, Ali (A.S.) prostrated in gratitude, thanking God for allowing him to serve as a shield for the Prophet. This response shows Ali’s unwavering belief that true thankfulness means accepting one’s role in fulfilling God’s purpose, even at great personal risk.

Thankfulness as a Guiding Principle in Islam

The examples of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and his companions illustrate the broader Islamic teaching that gratitude is a constant, encompassing all of life’s circumstances. True thankfulness is an orientation of the heart, a continuous acknowledgment of God’s wisdom and mercy. The Qur’an encourages believers to express gratitude not only for material blessings but also for opportunities to grow spiritually through challenges.

This view of gratitude transforms it from a mere feeling into a guiding principle for living. Gratitude helps one remain humble, fosters patience, and sustains a deep relationship with God. Through thankfulness, one learns to view life’s ups and downs with a sense of calmness, accepting both as part of God’s design.

Gratitude: A Lifelong Path of Spiritual Growth

Ultimately, thankfulness in Islam is not a temporary state of mind but a lifelong path of spiritual growth. It reminds us that every moment, whether of joy or hardship, carries a purpose. Just as the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) found joy in his devotion to God, those who seek closeness to God can find inner peace and satisfaction, knowing that every experience is an opportunity for connection, growth, and fulfilment.

Gratitude, when deeply felt and consistently practiced, reveals life’s true purpose. It reminds us that everything we experience is part of a journey toward God, and that every blessing, as well as every trial, is an invitation to draw nearer to Him.