There are two forms of thankfulness:
1. By the tongue, which is praising the Bestower of favors.
2. By the body organs, which is using them in obeying Allah Almighty.
This is the attitude of all prophets and righteous people.
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to stand in prayer during the night for so long that his feet would get swelled. ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) once said to him:
“Why do you do this although Allah forgave your past and future sins?” Thereupon, he said:“Should I not be a thankful servant?!”
[Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]
Allah Almighty praised the family of Prophet Dāwūd (David) (peace be upon him) for their gratitude.
He says:
{...“Do [good deeds] in gratitude, O household of David!”...}
[Surat Saba’: 13]
As only few of Allah’s servants show proper gratitude to Him, which is an act of worship, He ordained upon us to ask Him to enable us to be thankful and to accept that from us.
The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) instructed Mu‘ādh to say this supplication after every prayer:
“Allāhumma a‘inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibādat ik (O A llah, help me remember You, give thanks to You, and worship You properly).
”[Narrated by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
In another Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Rabbi ij‘alny laka shakkāran laka dhakkāra n (My Lord, make me ever-grateful to You, ever-remembering of You).”
[Narrated by Abu Dāwūd; Sahīh (authentic)]
Then, consider this guarantee from the Lord of the worlds in case you are grateful to Him.
Allah Almighty says:
{Why would Allah punish you, if you are grateful and faithful? Allah is Appreciative, All-Knowing.}
[Surat an-Nisā’: 147]
Our gratitude is, in fact, for our own benefit.
Allah Almighty says:
{...Whoever is grateful, it is only for his own good; and whoever is ungrateful, then Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.}
[Surat Luqmān: 12]
Whoever wants increase from his Lord should show gratitude to Him:
{And [remember] when your Lord declared, “If you are grateful, I will surely give you more...}
[Surat Ibrāhim: 7]
How Merciful Allah is!Beware of comparing yourself to others in terms of fortunes and blessings. This would give you nothing but grief and distress.
You should rather act upon this verse:
{...So hold fast to what I have given you, and be of those who are grateful.}
[Surat al - A‘rāf: 144]
