There are a number of key synonyms for gratitude. For example, thankfulness, acknowledgment, appreciation, recognition, and indebtedness are all close in meaning.
What exactly does gratitude mean?
Gratitude simply means demonstrating thankfulness towards anyone who has done you a good turn. It is a powerful attitude that renders life a positive and productive existence.
Gratitude helps people rid themselves of negative habits such as envy, jealousy, and hatred towards others. It also imbues them with a range of positive qualities like love, co-operation, and unity.
Gratitude is especially powerful as it instils humbleness and helps to eliminate pride and arrogance, which are among the most disliked and destructive qualities for those aspiring to achieve success.
Benefits of gratitude
Gratitude has a positive impact on our psychological, social, health, and financial lives, but it also has wider societal implications, too.
To better understand the enormous beneficial impact, consider gratitude within the context of a company.
A leader’s gratitude towards employees will foster a more positive and productive work environment, and vice versa. And this positivity can be applied in different settings — even at the level of governmental or international relations.
Whatever the case, gratitude plays a pivotal role in creating harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships at all levels of personal and public life.
Five main areas of positive impact
There have been numerous studies, carried out in both individual and group contexts, that have considered the effects of gratitude on those who actively express it in their lives and on those around them.
The Happier Human Report, by Amit Amin, explored the benefits of gratitude in detail. [1]
They categorised these benefits into five main areas:
- social;
- health;
- career;
- emotional;
- and personality.
The study revealed that being grateful led to long-term happiness, as well as increased psychological wellbeing and self-esteem.
Additionally, it was determined that a person who focused on positive emotions was less likely to develop depression or have suicidal thoughts.
As Amin states,
“A grateful attitude creates the belief that one is surrounded by people who are kind and caring. That belief, in turn, creates feelings of security, hope, and optimism.” [1]
In light of the divine wisdom of the Prophet ﷺ
Consider the above findings in light of the divine wisdom of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
“Look at those who are lower than you [financially], but do not look at those who are higher than you, lest you belittle the favours Allah conferred upon you.” [2]
This Prophetic tradition teaches us not only to be thankful in the state we are in, but also serves as a reminder that Islamic teachings aim to protect people against negative qualities such as constantly wishing for more, looking at others enviously, or destructively comparing ourselves to others.
Islam constantly reminds people how to formulate positive thoughts to ward off the consequences of negativity which may translate adversely through our words or actions.
In social contexts, there are many positive attributes found in those who are grateful. Such people often have better friendships and are generally more liked by those around them. When in romantic relationships, they tend to be happier and share a deeper bond and connection. Amin’s study also found that these individuals received wider social support. [1]
And it was discovered that children who are brought up to be grateful fare better at handling difficult and challenging circumstances, as their overall attitude is significantly more positive. [1]
To be grateful in all situations
In Islam, Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) teaches us to be grateful to Him in all circumstances, whether we are at ease or afflicted with difficulties.
“Allah does not intend to make difficulties for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favour upon you, so that you may be grateful.” [3]
Everything we have considered in this chapter so far leads us to the conclusion that the benefits of being grateful extend to every facet of a person’s attitude and personality.
For example, when someone repeatedly expresses gratitude for what they have and for that which they don’t, they become accustomed to challenging negative thoughts and turning them into positives, leading to greater overall optimism.
Such people often value people and emotions over materialistic things and are generally happier.
Physical benefits
Physically, many benefits are evident among those who are more grateful, too.
Those with the most gratitude experience reduced rates of depressive symptoms, lower blood pressure, and find it easier to fall asleep.
The study also found that feeling gratitude aided in recovery from substance abuse and enhanced recovery for those with coronary diseases.
Clearly, the benefits of gratitude are manifold. When a person possesses an attitude where they are grateful for everything around them, they not only exude more confidence and a relaxed nature, but the benefits also extend to create better physical and mental health, too.
All this equates to more meaningful relationships between families, spouses, or even work colleagues.
Spiritual improvements
Beyond the physical benefits, gratitude also elevates people spiritually.
Possessors of gratitude manifest this quality in their mannerisms and outlook towards everything in life. It is a tremendously positive and beneficial trait to possess, one that not only generates blessings for the grateful individual but also for everyone around them.
Islam and gratitude
Such an important trait is definitely a central focus of Islam.
In fact, Islam is unique in that it considers being grateful an attitude that is manifested in every aspect of life.
A grateful person is thankful to anyone who renders them a favour. Thus, the most deserving of thanks and gratitude is Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla).
He is the Creator; He is the Sustainer; He is the Protector; He is the Most Merciful; and He is the source of every goodness in this life and the next.
In the Qur’ān, we read:
“And whatever you have of favour — it is from Allah.” [4]
Gratitude is so important in Islam, Allah equates ingratitude towards Him with disbelief.
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe’.” [5]
The above verse makes it clear that He bestowed countless favours upon the creation, so we could worship Him through our gratitude.
As Allah (‘azza wa jal) reminds us in another verse,
“And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from its tender meat and to extract from its ornaments which you wear.
“And you see the ships ploughing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.” [6]
Give thanks to your Lord for your blessings
Accepting that each person is only independent to a certain degree is a humbling factor that increases awareness of the blessings that Allah has given us.
This increased awareness leads to greater thankfulness. Reflect on all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you. Most of these blessings, you haven’t even asked for and perhaps just take for granted, as a given.
For example, on an average day a person wakes up healthy without once considering the innumerable roles played by the body for health to be maintained.
We may have a roof over our heads and food on our plates whilst countless others go without food or even face homelessness, but we may not give all of these blessings a second thought.
“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” [7]
When discussing the quality of gratitude, one ought to immediately focus on the mercy of Allah and the continuous blessings that warrant constant shukr.
“And Allah brought you out of the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and gave you hearing, sight, and intellect so perhaps you would be thankful.” [8]
Allah has promised that the thankful will have blessings increased
This belief is echoed by many motivational speakers around the world who argue that being grateful manifests into more blessings and opportunities.
Regardless of religion or faith, it is a common belief that the more thankful a person is, the better their chances of remaining happy, prosperous, and productive.
Many hold the view that the “universe” attracts bounty to the person who shows gratitude for what they have. You may have come across such ideas from those who profess belief in the “law of attraction”.
Yet, for Muslims this only confirms what Allah has already promised in the Qur’ān:
“If you give thanks, I will give you more.” [9]
In fact, Muslim scholars said that a person should acknowledge that thanking your Lord is a tremendous blessing, in and of itself.
It is like al-Sarri (may Allah have mercy upon him) said,
“Gratitude for a blessing is itself a blessing.” [10]
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[2] Sahīh Muslim, 2,963c; https://sunnah.com/muslim:2963c
[3] al-Qur’ān, 5:6
[4] al-Qur’ān, 16:53
[5] al-Qur’ān, 14:7
[6] al-Qur’ān, 16:14
[7] https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8460506-it-s-a-funny-thing-about-life-once-you-begin-to
[8] al-Qur’ān, 16:78
[9] al-Qur’ān, 14:7
[10] Shu’ab al-Īmān, 4,096; https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2019/06/08/sarri-gratitude-nimah/
Maa’sha’Allah very beneficial naseeha