This blog will be in two parts and will explore the virtue of gratitude. In part one we will examine the nature, characteristics and signs of a grateful mind. Remembering the gifts of God and how gratitude improves the quality of life physically and mentally. In part two we will look at methods of developing gratitude; congratulating and giving good news on special occasions; paying compliments; and the six exercises to becoming grateful. Be grateful!
What gifts are there to be grateful for?
Gratitude is acknowledging the good things that Allah has blessed you with, seeing simple pleasures, and counting everything you receive. It’s living an attentive and focused life, conscious of the environment, valuing everyone and everything around you, big and small. Dr Emmons (Professor of Psychology) says “Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. Psychological research has shown the surprising life improvements that come from the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks makes people happier and resilient, strengthens relationships, improves health, and reduces stress.”
The Majestic Quran teaches us “If you are grateful then I will give you more” (Ibrahim: 7). So, Allah promises to increase his blessings. Being grateful to Allah means obeying, and appreciating the gifts. In another verse Allah reminds us “On that day you will be asked about the gifts” (Al-Thukathur: 8). What are the gifts? Parents and children, relatives and friends, health, wealth, good character and the numerous pleasures of life from food to sleep.
In a captivating story shared by our teachers, a saint once came across a man who was crippled and unable to stand or walk. Amidst the whispers of the astonished crowd, someone asked the man what he was so grateful for. With a spark of hope shining in his eyes, he replied, “I am thankful that I can eat and drink, and my bodily functions are normal. That, in itself, is a profound blessing.” The crowd fell silent, deeply moved by the man’s unwavering gratitude in the face of such adversity.
There are countless small and large gifts
When Abdullah ibn Umar sat for his meal, he would profusely thank God, and say ‘he gave me hunger, thirst, and taste so I can enjoy my food. Look at those who lack this.’ Allah said, “he gave you gifts that are seen and unseen” (Luqman: 20). The seen gifts include, beautiful physical appearance, all your provisions and assets. The unseen gifts include misdemeanours and sins that Allah keeps secret from the preying public eye. Allah generously gave us all sorts of gifts but demanded little in return, “Humans are ungrateful to their Lord, and he knows it” (Al-Adiyat: 6-7).
People often complain about their misfortunes and hardships but forget the divine gifts and assistance He provides. We know that gifts are given by Allah but we fail to thank Him and we assign them to others. Here is how we can thank Him for our amazing senses: the eyes see the beauty and forget the evil; the ears appreciate melody and rhymes and ignore evil chatter; the hands, take and give what is rightfully earned; the stomach enjoys Halal food; the private parts are only for one’s spouse. Anyone who follows this is grateful.
“Dear friend, introspect yourself and see that you are among those who are grateful to the Lord. Constantly seek forgiveness. All praises are for Allah the Lord of the world” (Alerts for the Deceived by Imam Abdul-Wahab Al-Shahrani d.1590 CE).
Being grateful will improve your quality of life
Two psychologists, Michael McCollough of Southern Methodist University in Texas, and Robert Emmons of the University of California wrote an article about an experiment they conducted on gratitude and its impact on well-being. The study split several hundred people into three groups. The first group kept a diary of the events that occurred during the day without being told specifically to write about either good or bad things; the second group was told to record their unpleasant experiences; and the third group was instructed to make a daily list of things for which they were grateful.
The results of the study indicated that daily gratitude exercises resulted in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy. In addition, those in the gratitude group experienced less depression and stress and were more likely to help others, exercised more regularly, and made greater progress towards achieving personal goals.
In addition, Dr Emmons’ research shows that those who practice gratitude tend to be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, and have a stronger immune system. They also have stronger social relationships than those who don’t practice gratitude. He further points out that “To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings.”
Conclusion
We have shown that gratitude is a valuable mindset, it keeps us content, happy and positive. I showed that the Lord wants us to be grateful, even the scientists praise this virtue and the Sufi teachers extol its virtues. In part two I will explain the different ways of expressing gratitude including thankfulness, congratulating, and paying compliments. I will also share six effective exercises that will develop gratitude. Are you thankful for this?
