The Power of Gratitude: How Islam can help you cultivate positive mindset?
When we grow up, we learn many new words, new things, new ethics and etiquettes during this period which are mainly inherited through our surroundings by our parents and our family. To say Salam/ greetings when we meet each other, To welcome people once they visit your home, etc. Similarly, we also learned to say Thank you or show the expression of thankfulness when someone does something good for us or they say something thoughtful, helpful. During this period a child develops a very good understanding of when to be thankful and when to show the expression of thankfulness.
Further in life when we become an adult, we truly start understanding the meaning of what that feeling of thankfulness meant. All the time it was gratitude. What is gratitude? It is the expression, the quality of being thankful.
Along the way, the simple”thankyou” of our childhood matures into something greater: gratitude. In Islam, it’s more than just being polite; it becomes a foundation of faith and a key to inner peace. Gratitude, or Shukr, is not merely acknowledging favors from others; it’s about identifying and valuing the boundless blessings Allah (SWT) bestows upon us.
Quran and the revelations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are full of lessons on the necessity of shukr. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, my punishment is severe.” (Quran 14:7). 1 This is a verse emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship between thankfulness and blessings from above. It’s a vow that if we realize and thank for what we have, Allah (SWT) will bestow more upon us.
Important Principles of Islam for the practice of gratitude:
Practicing a thankful attitude in Islam entails a few important principles:
Noticing Allah’s Blessings:
Islam teaches us to look back at the many blessings we unknowingly take for granted – our health, relatives, food, and even the air we inhale. They are all from Allah (SWT). By acknowledging these blessings consciously, we divert our attention from what we do not have to what we do have.
Remembrance:
A means of expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) is through the five daily prayers (Salah). Every prayer is a chance to thank Him for His mercy and guidance. Furthermore, practicing dhikr (remembrance of Allah) during the day, e.g., saying Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), strengthens a feeling of gratitude.
Expressing Gratitude to Other People:
Islam stresses expressing gratitude to individuals who have benefited us. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated, “Whoever does not thank people, does not thank Allah.” (Abu Dawud). This reminds us that showing appreciation to others is a manifestation of our gratitude towards Allah (SWT).
Contentment Practice (Qana’ah):
Contentment is also associated with gratitude. When we appreciate what we possess, we will not desire what we lack. Islam teaches us to be satisfied with Allah’s will and shun material excess.
Looking Back at Trials as Blessings:
Despite difficulties, Islam encourages us to seek reasons for gratitude. Trials may be chances for spiritual development, tests of faith, and Allah’s mercy. Gratitude in trials helps us develop a stronger relationship with Allah (SWT) and makes us resilient.
Benefits of cultivating gratitude:
More Happiness and Well-being:
Gratitude directs our attention from the negative to the positive, resulting in increased happiness and satisfaction.
Enhanced Faith:
Awareness of Allah’s blessings enhances our faith and enhances our relationship with Him
Better Relationships:
Gratitude towards others strengthens and improves relationships
Less Stress and Anxiety:
Gratitude allows us to stay present and notice the good things in our lives, thus decreasing stress and anxiety.
Increased Spiritual Development:
Gratitude makes our hearts receptive to accept Allah’s mercy and guidance, resulting in spiritual development.
By applying these Islamic beliefs to our everyday lives, we can develop a strong sense of gratitude
that changes our perspective and helps us approach Allah (SWT).
Ashajar’s mission:
Ash ajar is a platform committed to the development of a culture of thankfulness among students by virtue of the rich teachings of the Quran and the motivating stories of Islam. Our aim is to:
Enable students to gain a profound appreciation for Allah’s bounty through the study of corresponding Quranic surahs that place focus on gratitude.
Encourage students by way of the Prophets and other good people’s stories, illustrating how they practiced gratitude in their lives.
Offer educational materials and interactive programs that enable the practical implementation of gratitude in one’s life.
To establish a positive and conducive learning environment that inspires students to acknowledge their blessings and thank Allah (SWT) for them
To align the youth with the Quran and Sunnah, thereby enabling them to enjoy a peaceful life filled with gratitude.