Time of Gratitude

As the season of Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, people take a moment to give thanks for the blessings they received throughout the year. It is at this time that Americans and Canadians welcome their extended family and friends to celebrate their gratitude to God with feasts and prayers. This year, November 27th will mark an occasion for people to appreciate what they have and remember others and, on a larger scale, the Creator for guiding them to where they are today.

Although here in the United States Thanksgiving is an annual holiday, in the religion of Islam there isn’t a single day set aside for giving thanks to God. Muslims are taught to praise and thank God several times a day and to remember Him at all times in their lives – through their triumphs and troubles. The Holy Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, states that “God will certainly reward the grateful” (3:145). In this way, Muslims are instructed to show gratitude for everything they have been given.

There are three types of Shukr, or gratitude, in Islam. The first level is gratefulness in the heart. The second and third types of appreciation are verbal praise and gratitude shown by one’s actions. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has said, “One who is not grateful to others is not grateful to God.” Muslims have been instructed to follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by demonstrating sincere gratitude to people and to God for all their bounties and accomplishments. Islam teaches that the best way to render thanks to God is by giving to the needy. A spirit of giving is inculcated in Muslims who spend their wealth on those who are less fortunate than them, sacrificing for the sake of God and for the good of mankind.

Islam promotes heartfelt thankfulness to God for everything one has. The Holy Qur’an says, “And God brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and gave you ears and eyes and hearts, that you might be grateful” (16:79). When we think about everything we have, we realize that we have innumerable reasons to be indebted to God. It is a humbling thought to consider that we would have nothing without God’s favors. Whenever we feel jealous or insignificant in comparison to someone else, we should cast those insecurities aside and remember just how much we truly have to be thankful for. To repay our debt and help God’s creation, this holiday season we should try to give back to the community in a true spirit of gratefulness and unity.