How to Show Gratitude
Like the Prophet ﷺ
In Islām, gratitude (shukr) is more than a fleeting emotion or a polite courtesy; it is a profound act of worship and a cornerstone of a believer’s faith. It is the conscious recognition of Allāh’s infinite blessings and the heartfelt desire to respond with devotion and obedience. The life of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ serves as the most perfect embodiment of this principle, teaching us that true thankfulness is a continuous state of being, deeply embedded in one’s actions, worship (ʿibādah), and relationship with the Creator. His example transforms our understanding of gratitude from a mere reaction to a proactive expression of love.
A powerful illustration of prophetic gratitude is found in the narrations of his night prayers. The Mother of the Believers, ʿĀʾishah (raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhā), observed him standing in prayer for such long portions of the night that his blessed feet would swell. Deeply moved by his devotion, she asked, “O Messenger of Allāh, why do you exert yourself so much when Allāh has forgiven your past and future sins?” His reply encapsulates the essence of the highest form of shukr. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Afalā akūnu ʿabdan shakūrā?” — “Should I not be a grateful servant?” This profound statement reveals that his worship was not motivated by fear or a need to earn forgiveness, but by an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude for the forgiveness he had already been granted. His long nights of prayer were his way of saying “thank you” to his Lord, translating his thankfulness into physical devotion.
This prophetic model teaches us that the most sincere form of gratitude is to use the blessings Allāh has given us—our health, time, and abilities—in His service. We can strive to emulate this beautiful example through several practical applications in our daily lives.
First, we can express gratitude through dedicated acts of worship. When Allāh blesses you, consider offering extra nafl (voluntary) prayers or fasting a day solely to thank Him. Second, make it a habit to verbalize your thanks by frequently saying Alḥamdulillāh (all praise is for Allāh), reflecting on both the major and minor blessings in your life. Third, revive the sunnah of Sajdat al-Shukr (the prostration of thankfulness) upon receiving good news or a specific blessing. Finally, show gratitude for your blessings by sharing them. Use your wealth for ṣadaqah (charity), your knowledge to benefit others, and your health to assist those in need.
May Allāh al-Shakūr (The Most Appreciative) grant us the tawfīq to understand and practice gratitude as His beloved Messenger ﷺ did. May He make our hearts ever-mindful of His favours and our limbs active in His obedience, and may He count us among His truly grateful servants. Āmīn.
