Al-Ḥamd (Praise) is one of the noble acts of worship that expresses a servant’s acknowledgment of the blessings of Allah the Almighty upon them. It is the supplication of the people of Paradise, as Allah says, “And the last of their call will be, ‘Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!’” (Yunus: 10) And with it, Allah began His Noble Book: “[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds” (Al-Fatiha: 2) And the Prophet ﷺ said: “The most excellent way to make mention of God is to say, ‘There is no god but God’ and that the most excellent supplication is ‘Praise be to God.’”

The word Al-Hamd appears in many places throughout the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. This indicates the great status of praise in Islam, and the tremendous worldly and eternal rewards connected to it. It is not merely words said in times of joy, but a profound act of worship of the heart that brings astonishing fruits, many of which people cannot even imagine or anticipate.

How many hearts have been uplifted by praise! How many worries have been relieved through praise! How many doors of goodness have been opened with praise! How many broken hearts have been mended with praise! How many prayers have been answered through praise!

It is from the kindness of Allah to His servants that He made praise among the easiest acts of worship and the lightest upon the tongue, yet among the greatest in reward and impact.

1. Al-Hamd increases blessings

Among the first fruits of praise is that it increases blessings. Allah says, “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]’” (Ibrahim: 7) This is an absolute increase: in wealth, children, health, happiness, tranquility, serenity, and contentment—a multiplication and blessing in all things brought about by praise.

A person may perceive a blessing to be small, or provision to be limited, yet still praises Allah for it, and through that sincere praise, Allah grants them what they never even imagined. This is because praise is an acknowledgment of Allah’s bounty, and when a poor servant recognizes the bounty of his All-Rich Lord, it becomes a sincere invitation for even greater generosity and nobler favor.

2. Al-Hamd is the shortest path to the pleasure of Allah

Allah says, “And if you are grateful, He approves it for you.” (Az-Zumar: 7) Allah is pleased with the gratitude and praise of those who offer it. If Allah is pleased with a servant’s gratitude and praise, this is a sign of the servant’s acceptance by their Lord, their elevated rank, and Allah’s love for them.

And if Allah loves a servant, He becomes their hearing with which they hear, their sight with which they see, their hand with which they strike, and their leg with which they walk. If the servant asks, Allah grants; if they seek help, He aids them.

One of the signs of Allah’s pleasure is that He inspires His servant to be grateful. Whoever is grateful has thus attracted Allah’s pleasure. And whoever earns Allah’s pleasure, there is no fear upon them, nor shall they grieve.

3. Al-Hamd saves from Allah’s punishment

A believing servant enjoys life without forgetting their ultimate purpose. They know they will surely stand before Allah, so they are always concerned with pleasing Him and fearful of His punishment. Allah reassures such people, saying: “What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe?” (An-Nisa: 147) It is as if Allah is commanding His servants to be consistent in praise and gratitude. Whoever continues in it, Allah will grant them safety from punishment and whoever is granted safety from Allah’s punishment is admitted into Paradise.

4. Al-Hamd fills the scale

Praise not only protects from punishment, but it also fills the scale on the Day of Judgment. Abu Malik Al-Harith ibn Asim Al-Ash‘ari narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Al-hamdu lillah (all praise and gratitude belong to Allah)’ fills the scales.” Despite being a short and simple phrase, its reward is unimaginably great. It fills the scale of good deeds for its speaker on the Day of Judgment. This shows the immense weight of this phrase with Allah. And if praise had no other virtue but this, it would be enough honor.

So whoever wishes to weigh down their scale without effort or wealth, let them increase in praise. Let them say, with a present heart and a thankful tongue: “Al-ḥamdu li-llah (Praise be to Allah).”

Let us hold fast to this phrase and repeat it sincerely and with certainty. It is a salvation in this world, a heavy weight in the Hereafter, and a sign of Allah’s love and pleasure for His servant.

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