Gratitude is the completion of the gentle, warm, and endearing human form for those who serve people selflessly. It is a training and cultivation to beautify a Muslim's character, firstly with Allah, and secondly with creation, following the example of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) and the Quran and Sunnah.

Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “While a person was going along the path he found a thorny branch upon it. He pushed it to a side and Allah approved (this action) of his and (as a mark of appreciation) granted him pardon.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba said: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, “Should I not be a thankful slave.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Gratitude is one of the most effective means of refining people's manners. Allah says, “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Luqman: 14) Al-Qurtubi said: “Gratitude to Allah for the blessing of faith, and to the parents for the blessing of upbringing.” Sufyan bin Uyaynah said: “Whoever prays the five daily prayers has thanked Allah, and whoever prays for his parents at the end of the prayers has thanked them. Being kind to parents means treating them well, humbling oneself to them, obeying their commands, praying for their forgiveness after their death, and maintaining ties with those they loved.” ⁽¹⁾

Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever is not grateful to the people, he is not grateful to Allah.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood) Abdullah bin Abi Rabi'ah Al-Makhzumi reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) borrowed thirty or forty thousand from him, when he fought at Hunain. When he came back he paid the loan, then the Prophet (ﷺ) said to him: “May Allah (SWT) bless your family and your wealth for you. The reward for lending is repayment and words of praise.” (Narrated by An-Nasa'i)

Abdullah bin Umar reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If anyone seeks protection in Allah's name, grant him protection; if anyone begs in Allah's name, give him something; if anyone gives you an invitation, accept it; and if anyone does you a kindness, recompense him; but if you have not the means to do so, pray for him until you feel that you have compensated him.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and An-Nasa'i) Jabir bin Abdullah reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If someone is given something, he should give a return for it provided he can afford; if he cannot afford, he should praise him. He who praises him for it, thanks him, and he who conceals it is ungrateful to him.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood)

Anas reported: When the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) arrived in Al-Madinah the Muhajirun came to him and said: “O Messenger of Allah! We have not seen a people more willing to sacrifice when having a lot, nor more patient when having a little than the people whom we are staying among. Our provisions are so sufficient, and we share with them in their produce such that we fear that all our reward is gone.” So the Prophet (s.a.w) said: “No. As long as you supplicate to Allah for them and praise (show gratitude to) them (for it).” (Narrated by Abu Dawood)

Benefits of Gratitude

1. One of the main reasons for attaining Allah’s pleasure. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah will be pleased with His slave who praises Him (i.e., says Al-hamdu lillah) when he eats and praises Him when he drinks.” (Narrated by Muslim)
2. A reason for the sustaining and increasing of blessings. Allah says, “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].'” (Ibrahim: 7) Ali bin Abi Talib said: “Blessing is linked to gratitude, and gratitude is linked to increase. They are connected, and increase from Allah will not cease until gratitude from the servant ceases.”
3. Gratitude to People is Gratitude to Allah.
4. Successfully passing tests, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” (Narrated by Muslim)
5. Receiving the reward of the grateful. Allah says, “And We will reward the grateful.” (Aal-Imran: 145)

Forms and Manifestations of Gratitude

1. Constantly Thanking Parents: By being kind to them, treating them well, spending on them, and seeking their comfort.
2. Thanking Teachers With Words and Actions: Both those who teach religious and general knowledge. Teachers are among those most deserving of gratitude after parents.
3. Thanking Service Providers: Even if the service is paid, such as thanking workers and technicians who solve problems in your home and praying for them.
4. Thanking for Any Kindness: No matter how small.
5. Alternating Rewards to Others: No matter the value of the kindness.

Means to Foster Gratitude

1. Supplication, whatever a person cannot achieve, he should seek it through supplication and reliance on Allah. A Muslim may not be accustomed to thanking others in his behavior, thinking it conflicts with his dignity or may be a form of arrogance or greed for something greater. Sincere supplication can correct all these negative feelings, making gratitude a regular habit.
2. A Muslim should feel that by embodying gratitude, he is emulating Allah's name “Ash-Shakoor” (The Most Grateful).
3. Believing that since gratitude is a quality loved by Allah, the grateful person is also loved by Him. Thus, one should express gratitude as much as possible to draw closer to Allah.
4. Understanding that no matter how much one thanks Allah, it will not be complete until one thanks those whom Allah has used to fulfill his needs.

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1. Tafsir al-Qurtubi (2/ 13), (14/ 65).

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