By Arty
As Allah subhaana wa ta’aala clearly tells us in the above ayah, we will never be able to count His blessings and list all the reasons for which we ought to be grateful. We are not even aware of all the favors bestowed on us, how then, can we even count them? Thus, this is a disclaimer. It is impossible for us to limit the reasons we have to be grateful to Allah. Yet, to acknowledge the blessings of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala upon us is a must if we want to live the life of grateful servants.
One way to show our gratitude is by making a list of all the things we are grateful for. To start off the list, here are thirty reasons for which we must be grateful to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala:
1. Islam
If we have Islam, we have everything. Without Islam in our lives, we have nothing. The blessing of having been guided to Islam is definitely one of the top reasons for being grateful to Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. When we recognize that Islam is the reason why we are created, that it’s our submission to the Almighty, our way of life, then we can live a life of submission to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and pray to die upon Islam and be granted Heaven as a result, inshaAllah.
2. The gift of life As long as we are alive, we have a chance to make amends, we can seek forgiveness and change our ways in order to be saved from the hellfire. Once we die, the door of repentance closes for good. Life is a gift in a sense that it allows us to erase our evil deeds through repentance and changes. Life is a gift from the Almighty to us, it’s a glimpse of what hellfire could be like and what heaven could be like. We, therefore, need to cherish every moment of it and make sure that it’s a life that will count for us and not against us in the hereafter, inshaAllah.
3. Health When we get sick, everything ceases to matter, and all we want at that moment is to feel better. Without good health everything else becomes secondary.
4. Family (blood ties)
Allah subhaana wa ta’aala chose our families for us, we had no say in it. Allah subhaana wa ta’aala has also put mercy between people sharing blood ties. The comfort and love a family gives you is priceless, and whoever grows up without a family feels a void that is very difficult to fill. Thus, we thank Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and are grateful for blessing us with blood ties.
5. Family (deen ties) This family, we chose by embracing Islam and sharing the statement ‘Lailahailallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.’
6. The guidance of Qur’an Qur’an is the criterion. It helps us decide between right and wrong, it guides us through life, like a compass directing us to the only path leading to salvation in this life and the hereafter.
7. The healing and protection of Qur’an Qur’an is healing, Allah (subhaana wa ta’aala) tells us so in the following passage.
8. The Sunna of prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam is the perfect example of the implementation of the Qur’an in this world. Through his traditions and examples, we are able to implement the commands of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and stay away from His prohibitions. Without the Sunna, we would have been lost and unable to determine if what we’re doing is pleasing to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, or not. The sunna saves us from this predicament.
9. The love of prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam for his Ummah
“For every prophet there is one (special invocation (that will not be rejected) with which he appeals to Allah, and I want to keep such an invocation for interceding for my followers in the Hereafter.” (1)
We are grateful that Allah subhaana wa ta’aala chose such a compassionate man as our last messenger, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
10. Having shelter Having a roof over our head, a home to go to in order to unwind, rest, and maintain our privacy is a tremendous blessing. Whenever I see a homeless person sleeping under a bridge, on a bench, or under a tree, I realize even more the fact that I am really blessed to have a place to call a home.
11. Living in a war free zone
We are grateful for not living in constant fear that the next minute, we might die under bullets, bombs, and other weapons.
12. Having sustenance
Last year one of the worst droughts hit Somalia. I saw footage of mothers walking miles and miles to get water and food for their children. Many ended up dying on the way. Families were wiped away by terrible hunger and thirst. May Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala preserve us and our families from such difficult trials. We are grateful for our daily sustenance.
13. Allah’s Mercy exceeding His Wrath “When Allah decreed the creation He pledged Himself by writing in His book which is laid down with Him: ‘My mercy prevails over my wrath’” (2)
14. The gift of repentance Allah Subhannah wa ta’aala has left the door of repentance open for us for as long as we are alive. When we sincerely repent, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala promises us in the Qur’an that all our previous sins are changed into good deeds. SubhannAllah! What a gift repentance is. We are grateful.
15. Witnessing answered supplications A child made dua all her life for her parents to remarry each other. She was five when they divorced. She recently witnessed the niqah of her parents thirty years later. When we see our duas answered, when we feel that our prayers are being heard, we feel even more grateful towards the Almighty.
16. The Night of Decree
17. The month of Ramadan In this month, Muslims get a chance to renew their faith, increase their good deeds, fast, and seek forgiveness for all of their previous sins. Every time Muslims make it to another Ramadan, their heart is filled with gratitude. Ramadan is such a special month in the life of a Muslim. Alhamdulillah!
18. Hajj and Umrah Yet another opportunity for a Muslim to see his or her past sins forgiven.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Umrah is an expiation for the time between it and the previous Umrah, and an accepted Hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.” (7)
19. The blessings and rewards behind a calamity No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but Allah expiates some of his sins for that. (3)
20. The Salah Salah (prayer) is our direct connection to Allah Subhannahu wa ta’aala. When we prostrate to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and put our forehead at the lowest level possible (i.e. the ground), we find comfort, healing, and peace. This is the position in which we are closest to our Creator.
21. Being a Muslim woman and its rewards Be it as a mother or as a daughter, a Muslim woman can be a key to Jannah. (4)
The best of men are only the best if they are able to treat a Muslim woman the best. (5) Alhamdulillah!
22. Scholars and righteous people People of knowledge are similar to guiding lights; they show us the path in the darkness of ignorance and help us stay on the right path. Alhamdulillah.
23. The descent of Allah to the lowest heaven every night Abu Hurairah radiAllahu ahnu narrated that Allah’s Messenger, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: 'In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah Subhannahu wa ta’aala) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; "Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?'” (6)
24. The covering of faults One of the attributes of Allah Subhannahu wa ta’aala is Al Ghafur, the Forgiver and Hider of Faults. To have your faults and shame hidden, covered up, is indeed one of the greatest blessing one can be grateful for.
25. Inner Peace found in faith Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Surah Ar-rad 13:28)
26. Nature Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and [some] extremely black. (Surah Fatir, 35:27)
Without rain, there will be no life on this earth. Our very existence depends on Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala sending down rain to us. When the rain stops, plants, animals, and humans just perish as we witnessed last year in Somalia.
27. The pleasures of this life Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.
(Surah Ali Imran, 3:14)
28. The reward for being grateful And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.' "
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
29. The fact that intentions outweigh actions The Prophet Muhamamad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “The reward of deeds depend upon the intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” (8)
The beauty of Islam is the fact that we will be judged upon our intentions. As long as we intend good, we will be rewarded for good.
30. Heaven We [angels] were your allies in worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish] (Surah Fussilat (41:31)
SubhannAllah! Which of the favours of your Lord will you deny? What else could be better than Jannah as a reward for which we are eternally grateful? May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala grant us Jannah. Ameen.
We will never be able to count His blessings upon us. Thus, all we can do is praise Him and thank Him for all blessings, those we are aware of and those we are not aware of.
Having said that, what are some of your top reasons for which you are grateful to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala)? Please do share with us, insha’Allah.
(1) Sahih Bukhari,
(2) Sahih Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi#1
(3) Sahih Bukhari,
(4) Ahmad, Nasai/Bukhari 4:78
(5) Muslim #3466
(6) Sahih Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi
(7) Bukhari #1683, Muslim 1349
(8) Bukhari'Umar bin Al-Khattab, Vol. 8, Book 78, Number 680
I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post in the comments section below! :)
Bismillah
“And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah , you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:34)
As Allah subhaana wa ta’aala clearly tells us in the above ayah, we will never be able to count His blessings and list all the reasons for which we ought to be grateful. We are not even aware of all the favors bestowed on us, how then, can we even count them? Thus, this is a disclaimer. It is impossible for us to limit the reasons we have to be grateful to Allah. Yet, to acknowledge the blessings of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala upon us is a must if we want to live the life of grateful servants.
One way to show our gratitude is by making a list of all the things we are grateful for. To start off the list, here are thirty reasons for which we must be grateful to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala:
1. Islam
If we have Islam, we have everything. Without Islam in our lives, we have nothing. The blessing of having been guided to Islam is definitely one of the top reasons for being grateful to Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. When we recognize that Islam is the reason why we are created, that it’s our submission to the Almighty, our way of life, then we can live a life of submission to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and pray to die upon Islam and be granted Heaven as a result, inshaAllah.
2. The gift of life As long as we are alive, we have a chance to make amends, we can seek forgiveness and change our ways in order to be saved from the hellfire. Once we die, the door of repentance closes for good. Life is a gift in a sense that it allows us to erase our evil deeds through repentance and changes. Life is a gift from the Almighty to us, it’s a glimpse of what hellfire could be like and what heaven could be like. We, therefore, need to cherish every moment of it and make sure that it’s a life that will count for us and not against us in the hereafter, inshaAllah.
3. Health When we get sick, everything ceases to matter, and all we want at that moment is to feel better. Without good health everything else becomes secondary.
4. Family (blood ties)
Allah subhaana wa ta’aala chose our families for us, we had no say in it. Allah subhaana wa ta’aala has also put mercy between people sharing blood ties. The comfort and love a family gives you is priceless, and whoever grows up without a family feels a void that is very difficult to fill. Thus, we thank Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and are grateful for blessing us with blood ties.
5. Family (deen ties) This family, we chose by embracing Islam and sharing the statement ‘Lailahailallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.’
6. The guidance of Qur’an Qur’an is the criterion. It helps us decide between right and wrong, it guides us through life, like a compass directing us to the only path leading to salvation in this life and the hereafter.
7. The healing and protection of Qur’an Qur’an is healing, Allah (subhaana wa ta’aala) tells us so in the following passage.
And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss. (Surah Al Isra, 17:82)
8. The Sunna of prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam is the perfect example of the implementation of the Qur’an in this world. Through his traditions and examples, we are able to implement the commands of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and stay away from His prohibitions. Without the Sunna, we would have been lost and unable to determine if what we’re doing is pleasing to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, or not. The sunna saves us from this predicament.
9. The love of prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam for his Ummah
“For every prophet there is one (special invocation (that will not be rejected) with which he appeals to Allah, and I want to keep such an invocation for interceding for my followers in the Hereafter.” (1)
We are grateful that Allah subhaana wa ta’aala chose such a compassionate man as our last messenger, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
10. Having shelter Having a roof over our head, a home to go to in order to unwind, rest, and maintain our privacy is a tremendous blessing. Whenever I see a homeless person sleeping under a bridge, on a bench, or under a tree, I realize even more the fact that I am really blessed to have a place to call a home.
11. Living in a war free zone
We are grateful for not living in constant fear that the next minute, we might die under bullets, bombs, and other weapons.
12. Having sustenance
Last year one of the worst droughts hit Somalia. I saw footage of mothers walking miles and miles to get water and food for their children. Many ended up dying on the way. Families were wiped away by terrible hunger and thirst. May Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala preserve us and our families from such difficult trials. We are grateful for our daily sustenance.
13. Allah’s Mercy exceeding His Wrath “When Allah decreed the creation He pledged Himself by writing in His book which is laid down with Him: ‘My mercy prevails over my wrath’” (2)
14. The gift of repentance Allah Subhannah wa ta’aala has left the door of repentance open for us for as long as we are alive. When we sincerely repent, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala promises us in the Qur’an that all our previous sins are changed into good deeds. SubhannAllah! What a gift repentance is. We are grateful.
15. Witnessing answered supplications A child made dua all her life for her parents to remarry each other. She was five when they divorced. She recently witnessed the niqah of her parents thirty years later. When we see our duas answered, when we feel that our prayers are being heard, we feel even more grateful towards the Almighty.
16. The Night of Decree
“And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?”
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Qadr 97:2-3)
Allah subhaana wa ta’aala blesses us with one night every year that is worth more than 83 years. Thus, if we worship that night, it will be as if we worshipped for more than 83 years. SubhannAllah! How can we not be grateful when every year we get to witness such a night? A night in which we have the possibility to have all our sins forgiven. May Allah subhaana wa ta’aala let us witness yet another night of decree. Ameen. 17. The month of Ramadan In this month, Muslims get a chance to renew their faith, increase their good deeds, fast, and seek forgiveness for all of their previous sins. Every time Muslims make it to another Ramadan, their heart is filled with gratitude. Ramadan is such a special month in the life of a Muslim. Alhamdulillah!
18. Hajj and Umrah Yet another opportunity for a Muslim to see his or her past sins forgiven.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Umrah is an expiation for the time between it and the previous Umrah, and an accepted Hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.” (7)
19. The blessings and rewards behind a calamity No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but Allah expiates some of his sins for that. (3)
20. The Salah Salah (prayer) is our direct connection to Allah Subhannahu wa ta’aala. When we prostrate to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and put our forehead at the lowest level possible (i.e. the ground), we find comfort, healing, and peace. This is the position in which we are closest to our Creator.
21. Being a Muslim woman and its rewards Be it as a mother or as a daughter, a Muslim woman can be a key to Jannah. (4)
The best of men are only the best if they are able to treat a Muslim woman the best. (5) Alhamdulillah!
22. Scholars and righteous people People of knowledge are similar to guiding lights; they show us the path in the darkness of ignorance and help us stay on the right path. Alhamdulillah.
23. The descent of Allah to the lowest heaven every night Abu Hurairah radiAllahu ahnu narrated that Allah’s Messenger, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: 'In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah Subhannahu wa ta’aala) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; "Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?'” (6)
24. The covering of faults One of the attributes of Allah Subhannahu wa ta’aala is Al Ghafur, the Forgiver and Hider of Faults. To have your faults and shame hidden, covered up, is indeed one of the greatest blessing one can be grateful for.
25. Inner Peace found in faith Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Surah Ar-rad 13:28)
26. Nature Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and [some] extremely black. (Surah Fatir, 35:27)
Without rain, there will be no life on this earth. Our very existence depends on Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala sending down rain to us. When the rain stops, plants, animals, and humans just perish as we witnessed last year in Somalia.
27. The pleasures of this life Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.
(Surah Ali Imran, 3:14)
28. The reward for being grateful And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.' "
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
29. The fact that intentions outweigh actions The Prophet Muhamamad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “The reward of deeds depend upon the intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” (8)
The beauty of Islam is the fact that we will be judged upon our intentions. As long as we intend good, we will be rewarded for good.
30. Heaven We [angels] were your allies in worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish] (Surah Fussilat (41:31)
SubhannAllah! Which of the favours of your Lord will you deny? What else could be better than Jannah as a reward for which we are eternally grateful? May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala grant us Jannah. Ameen.
We will never be able to count His blessings upon us. Thus, all we can do is praise Him and thank Him for all blessings, those we are aware of and those we are not aware of.
Having said that, what are some of your top reasons for which you are grateful to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala)? Please do share with us, insha’Allah.
(1) Sahih Bukhari,
(2) Sahih Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi#1
(3) Sahih Bukhari,
(4) Ahmad, Nasai/Bukhari 4:78
(5) Muslim #3466
(6) Sahih Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi
(7) Bukhari #1683, Muslim 1349
(8) Bukhari'Umar bin Al-Khattab, Vol. 8, Book 78, Number 680
I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post in the comments section below! :)
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10 comments:
SubhanAllah by far one of the most amazing and detailed article.
Indeed we are ungrateful!
An eyeopener and a beautiful reminder!
Jazak Allah khair
May Allah bless you immensely for your efforts and may this deed weigh heavy for you on the day of judgement ameen ya rabbi!!
:)
SubhanAllah, ALHAMDULILLAH! Loved this! JazakAllah khair for this much needed reminder :) May Allah Taa'la reward you beyond measure..Aameen!
i want to send you my article titled "you are a machine" how to send it can you tell me?
BarakAllahu feek!! May Allah reward you in abundance. Your article has touched my heart and I ask Allah to make us all grateful. Allahumma Ameen.
Jazaki ALLAHu Khairan Kaseeran. Indeed V humans r ungrateful and in haste to complain. Masha ALLAH ,its a very good reminder. May ALLAH make HIS favorites. May V do deeds just to please HIM.
Ameeen! Alhamdulillah.
Alhamdulillah. May Allah reward us all. Ameeen. Jazzaki Allahu Khayran for your comments.
Alhamdulillah sister Sana. Ameeen wa iyyakum :)
Alhamdulillah sister Shamsiya. Ameeen to all your wonderful duas, wa iyaakum. :)
Assalamu Aleikum, please click on the contact link at the top of this page insha'Allah.
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