The Blessings And Mercy Of Allah, and Showing Thanks and Gratitude to Him

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#16 [Permalink] Posted on 10th September 2012 11:28

In a good report, the following is stated:

'Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says, "Son of Adam, you have not been just towards me. My blessings are descending to you and your evil is being raised to me. How many blessings have I given you to make Me beloved to you and I am not in need of you. And how many times have you made Me angry with you by sins while you are in need of Me. The noble angels never stop coming to Me with your terrible deeds."'

[Shaykh 'Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar رحمه الله, The World of the Jinn and Devils]

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#17 [Permalink] Posted on 29th October 2012 22:09

According to Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله, the principles of thankfulness to Allah سبحانه و تعالى are five:

1) One humbles himself to the One who has bestowed the blessing.

2) One loves Allah سبحانه و تعالى for the blessing.

3) One admits that the blessing came from Allah سبحانه و تعالى and Allah سبحانه و تعالى alone.

4) One praises Allah سبحانه و تعالى for that blessing.

5) One uses that blessing in obedience to Allah سبحانه و تعالى and not disobedience.

[Madarij as-Salikeen]

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#18 [Permalink] Posted on 31st October 2012 10:46

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم stated,

"There are two blessings whose reward many people lose: good health and free time."

[al-Bukhari and Muslim]

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#19 [Permalink] Posted on 2nd November 2012 00:39

Allah's grace is clearly seen in the role Allah سبحانه و تعالى has assigned to man as His vicegerent, and the care He takes of him by sending messengers (peace be upon them) to him to give him guidance.

It is further reflected in the fact that Allah سبحانه و تعالى forgives man his sins every time he repents of them. In the same vein, we can mention the fact that when Allah سبحانه و تعالى punishes man, His punishment is administered on the basis of what is exactly equivalent to his bad deeds. On the other hand, Allah سبحانه و تعالى rewards man for his good deeds at least ten times their value and He may increase that manifold for whomever He wills. Furthermore, a good deed erases bad ones. All this is part of Allah's grace because no human being can earn admission into heaven on the basis of his or her actions alone, unless Allah bestows His mercy on them. Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم states that this also applies to him, thereby acknowledging man's shortcomings and Allah's grace.

It is only appropriate to acknowledge that it is impossible for us to attempt to make an exhaustive list of the aspects of Allah's mercy and grace. Suffice it to say that it is beyond human ability to fully reflect on and appreciate the full significance of one moment in which Allah سبحانه و تعالى opens the gates of His mercy to His servant so as to give him security and reassurance. To describe such a moment and the feelings it generates is a much harder task.

[In the shade of the Qur'an, volume 5]

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#20 [Permalink] Posted on 4th November 2012 15:40

The Bounty Of Thankfulness Is "Greater" Than The Wordly Bounty Itself

Many humans receive numerous bounties from Allah سبحانه و تعالى, yet they do not recognise that these bounties come from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. They, obviously, then do not give thanks and gratitude to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for these bounties. They receive their worldly bounties and blessings but they are missing an aspect that is much more important.

There are other individuals who have been further blessed and guided by Allah سبحانه و تعالى. These are the ones who recognise that these bounties have come from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. In return, they give thanks to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. These people also receive their portion of worldly blessings from Allah سبحانه و تعالى. However, in addition, they have recieved this religious blessing from Allah سبحانه و تعالى: being guided to giving thanks and having gratitude toward Allah سبحانه و تعالى. This religious blessing is much more important than any worldly blessing. This will last them beyond this life and into the Hereafter.

In fact, every worldly blessing that is not accompanied with thanks to Allah سبحانه و تعالى is a calamity. If Allah سبحانه و تعالى blesses a person and guided him to thanking Allah سبحانه و تعالى for a bounty that he has received, that act of thankfulness is better than that worldly bounty and more beloved to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. Allah سبحانه و تعالى is pleased with the attribute of thankfulness and gratitude. And He bestows it as a special grace from Himself to whomsoever He wills. [Ibn Rajab رحمه الله: Jaami' al-'Uloom wal Hikam]

The result is that the person will realise that his act of thankfulness to Allah سبحانه و تعالى is yet another bounty that Allah سبحانه و تعالى has bestowed upon him. He, therefore, should strive once again to thank Allah سبحانه و تعالى for that bounty also. This continual realisation will make Allah سبحانه و تعالى more beloved in the heart of the human and will make him try to please and be grateful to Allah سبحانه و تعالى to the best of his ability.

[Shaykh Jamaaluddeen Zarabozo: Commentary on the 40 Hadith of an-Nawawi رحمه الله]

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#21 [Permalink] Posted on 21st December 2012 09:33

Gratitude

Allah سبحانه و تعالى says,

"And be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you)." (2:152)

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said,

"If happiness reaches him [the believer], he is grateful." [Saheeh Muslim]

The Nature Of Gratitude

Accepting that all benefit is from the True Benefactor (al-Mun'im al-Haqiqi), the effect of which is to be happy with the Benefactor and be ever ready render obedience to Him, is the meaning of gratitude (shukr). This entails acceptance of the fact that all benefit is from Allah, the True Benefactor. This acceptance induces happiness with the Benefactor, and eagerness to carry out the commands of the Benefactor and to abstain from His prohibitions.

One should consider all benefit, goodness, and pleasant conditions as the bounties of Allah and regard these to be in greater measure than what one really deserves. Praise is to be offered to Allah and His bounties should not be employed in evil and sin. His favours should be used in obtaining His good pleasure. This is the true meaning of gratitude. This conception of gratitude will be understood only when one has realised the purpose underlying creation and the functions of the various aspects of creation.

For instance, the eye is a blessing from Allah Most High. Gratitude in relation to it is to emply it correctly - to employ it only in lawful ways, such as reading the Glorious Qur'an, acquiring knowledge, studying the wonderful creation of Allah so as to learn and realise the greatness and splendour of Allah Most High, and so forth. The gratitude of the eye further demands that it be restrained from glancing at and viewing objects that Allah Most High has prohibited.

Likewise, the ear is a blessing. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it correctly, such as listening to the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah, to such talks that remind one of the Hereafter, and to prevent it from listening to evil, nonsensical, and useless talk.

The tongue is a blessing. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it in remembrance, in expressing glorification, praise, and thanks to Allah, and to restrain it from complaining in adversity and from all evil in general. It is highly innappropriate and sinful for such a worthless slave as man to complain about any condition that Allah Most High, the True King, has imposed on him. A word of gratitude emanating from the tongue is recorded as an act of obedience.

Mere expression of gratitude with the tongue unaccompanied by the true state of gratitude of the heart is only lip service. It is essential that along with verbal expression of gratitude, the heart should value and honour the blessing of the Benefactor. Mere verbal gratitude will be as the outer casing, as the outer skin that is its external form. The essence of gratitude is that the honour and appreciation of the Benefactor and the blessing are ingrained in the heart.

The initial stage of gratitude is at the intellectual level. In other words, it is the correct understanding of the true meaning of gratitude and the realisation of the honour of the Benefactor. The final stage of gratitude is the manifestation of its effect on one's body, movements, and all states. In short, the beliefs, acts of worship, mundane acts, and moral and social life of the one who is truly grateful to Allah will be in conformity with the Shari'ah.

Acquiring Gratitude

Gratitude is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Most High. Every blessing is to be related to Him. By degrees such meditation will inspire love of Allah in the heart, the result of which will be the attainment of the perfect stage of gratitude.

[The Path To Perfection]

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#22 [Permalink] Posted on 1st January 2013 03:11

Mufti Taqi Usmani حفظه الله writes:

"Mawlana Doctor 'Abdul Hayy's رحمه الله maternal grandfather رحمه الله had a great share in training Doctor 'Abdul Hayy رحمه الله. He was highly learned and had the honour of companionship with great Shaykhs and mentors. Doctor 'Abdul Hayy رحمه الله has recalled that in his childhood he was amazed to observe his grandfather's nightly practise, 'Before sleeping, he would sit on his bed and recite in a very dedicated manner: "Allaahumma lakalhamdu wa lakash-shukr (O Allah, all praise is for You, and thanks is due to You)."

He said these words again and again, bouncing himself right and left. He was occupied thus for quite a long time. When I grew up a little and began to comprehend my surroundings, I asked him about this practise, and he said that the whole day was spent in negligence without expression of gratitude to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for His blessings. So, before he went to sleep, he would recall every one of Allah's blessings and then thanked Allah سبحانه و تعالى for them. "O Allah, you granted me this house, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr. You granted me health, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr. You blessed me with provision, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr. You provided me a comfortable bed, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr. You gave me security, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr. You have given me a wife, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr. You have given me offspring, Allaahumma lakal hamdu wa lakash-shukr."

He would recall each blessing, one by one, and then gave thanks to Allah سبحانه و تعالى. In spite of that, he regretted that he could ackowledge with his tongue only a thousandth or millionth part of the blessings.'"

[Spiritual Discourses, vol 1, pp 206-207]

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#23 [Permalink] Posted on 4th February 2013 23:24

Sayyiduna Zayd Ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

"If Allah سبحانه و تعالى were to punish the people of His heavens and earth, He would not then be unfair. And if He were to show mercy to them, His mercy would surely exceed their deeds."

[Ahmad; Abu Dawud; and others]

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#24 [Permalink] Posted on 21st March 2013 10:31

Unlimited reasons to Thank Allaah سبحانه و تعالى

http://tazkiyatips.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/unlimited-reasons-to-thank-allah.html

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep … you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace … you are the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness …, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation … you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can pray in mosque without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death … you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If your parents are still alive and still married … you are very rare. If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful … you are blessed because the majority can, most do not.

If you can read this message … you just receive a double blessing in that some one was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.“

"Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?” (Qur'an 55:13)

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#25 [Permalink] Posted on 5th April 2013 15:25

The Blessing of Islaam by Shaykh Riyadh Walls

Halalified YT Audio

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#26 [Permalink] Posted on 17th April 2013 10:19

Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says,

"Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)!" (Soorah at-Takaathur, 102:8)

al-Hafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali رحمه الله said,

"This verse shows that the servants will be asked about the pleasures they enjoyed in this world: did they show gratitude for them or not? Anyone who is required to display gratitude for every favour such as good health, sound senses, good livlihood, and, moreover, will be thoroughly examined, should know that all of his deeds taken together cannot repay even some of these favours. Hence that person would be deserving of punishment.

Tabarani رحمه الله records on the authority of Sayyiduna Ibn 'Umar رضي الله عنهما that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'A person will be brought on the Day of Judgement with such deeds hat would burden a mountain were they to be placed on it! Then just one favour from amongst the favours of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى would be displayed and would almost extinguish all those deeds were Allaah سبحانه و تعالى not to distend them through His mercy.'" [1]

If this is case of great and many deeds, what then would one think of the paltry deeds of the many? Such a person should ponder his defiency in worship and devote himself to penitence and repentance!" [2]

Mufti Muhammad Shafi رحمه الله said,

"Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)!" "This means that, on the Day of Judgment, all of you will be questioned whether you had shown gratitude towards Allah's favors, or did you misuse them and were ungrateful to Allah سبحانه و تعالى? Some of these favours and bounties are explicitly mentioned elsewhere in the Qur'an:

Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah)." (Soorah al-Israa', 17:36)

These organs and their faculties comprehend millions of blessings of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, and man will be questioned as to how he used them every moment of his life.

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم is reported to have said that the first question that will be put by Allah سبحانه و تعالى to every person is: "Did I not give you good health, and did I not give you cold water to quench your thirst?" (Tirmidhi, and Ibn Hibban, rated as saheeh, from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه, as quoted by Ibn Kathir رحمه الله)

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم is also reported to have said that no man will be able to move from his place unless he answers five questions: [1] How did he spend his life?; [2] In what pursuits did he expend his youthful energy?; [3] How did he earn his wealth - (by lawful means or unlawful means?); [4] Where did he spend his wealth - (in lawful ways or unlawful ways?;) and [5] Did he act upon the knowledge Allah سبحانه و تعالى gave him? (Bukhari).

Mujahid رحمه الله, the leading authority on Tafsir, says that this question on the Day of Judgement relates to every delight of the world that he enjoyed - whether it is in connection with food, clothes, house, wife, children, kingdom, government or honor. Qurtubi رحمه الله, having cited this, concludes that this is absolutely true, because the question does not specify any particular blessing. [3]

Notes:

[1] Tabarani, al-Awsat #1604, on the authority of Sayyiduna Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). The author, in al-Jaami', vol 2, p77, points out that the isnaad has weakness, as did Haythami, vol 10, p420

[2] The Journey to Allah

[3] Ma'ariful Qur'an

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#27 [Permalink] Posted on 19th April 2013 10:59

Shaykh 'Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar رحمه الله said,

"The Qur'an tells us that Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has created this universe and subjugated it for us. He has made it compatible with our nature, and ordered it in such a way that suits the life of man. The Qur'an uses this explanation as a means to make man give thanks to his Lord, for man is inclined by nature to love the one who is kind to him. Hence, the Qur'an speaks in detail about the blessings which Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has bestowed upon His slaves in themselves:

"Say it is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts. Little thanks you give." (Soorah al-Mulk, 67:23)

- and in the universe around them:

"Who has made for you the earth like a bed, and has made for you roads therein, in order that you may find your way, And Who sends down water (rain) from the sky in due measure. Then We revive a dead land therewith, and even so you will be brought forth (from the dead), And Who has created all the pairs and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride, In order that you may mount firmly on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, and say: 'Glory to Him who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts).'" (Soorah az-Zukhruf, 43:10-13)

Allaah سبحانه و تعالى has created the sun and the moon for us in a manner that serves our interests and benefits us:

"It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out its (their) stages, that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allah did not create this but in truth. He explains the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for people who have knowledge." (Soorah Yoonus, 10:5)

The an'aam - camels, cattle and sheep - and horses, mules and donkeys, have all been created for us to use, and they have all been created in a manner that suits our nature:

"And the cattle, He has created them for you; in them there is warmth (warm clothing), and numerous benefits, and of them you eat. And wherein is beauty for you, when you bring them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning. And they carry your loads to a land that you could not reach except with great trouble to yourselves. Truly, your Lord is full of Kindness, Most Merciful. And (He has created) horses, mules and donkeys, for you to ride and as an adornment. And He creates (other) things of which you have no knowledge." (Soorah an-Nahl, 16:5-8)

The sea has also been created for us; in its creation and in the ships that sail on it are many things that benefit us:

"And He it is Who has subjected the sea (to you), that you eat thereof fresh tender meat (i.e. fish), and that you bring forth out of it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships ploughing through it, that you may seek (thus) of His Bounty (by transporting the goods from place to place) and that you may be grateful." (Soorah an-Nahl, 16:14)

Allaah created the bees to do their wonderful work, to produce for us this drink of varying colours, to provide nourishment and a healing for man:

"And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think." (Soorah an-Nahl, 16:68-69)

[Belief In Allaah سبحانه و تعالى]

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#28 [Permalink] Posted on 22nd April 2013 10:26

One Of The Greatest Blessings Is Gratitude

al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali رحمه الله said,

"As regards one whose deeds are great and many, he must busy himself with showing gratitude for them, for the accord to show gratitude is one of the greatest blessings Allaah سبحانه و تعالى bestows upon His servant. It is obligatory upon him to meet these deeds with gratitude and realised his deficiency in displaying due gratitude.

Wahb Ibn al-Ward رحمه الله, when asked about the reward of a particular deed, said, 'Ask not about its reward, but ask about the gratitude due upon the one who was guided to it.' [1]

Abu Sulayman رحمه الله would say, 'How can an intelligent person be amazed with his deeds? Deeds are one of Allaah's blessings, as such it is upon him to sho gratitude and to show humility. It is only the Qadariyyah who are amazed at their deeds!' [2] i.e. those who do not believe that the actions of the servant are created by Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent.

How excellent is the saying of Abu Bakr an-Nahshali رحمه الله on the day that Da'ood at-Ta'i رحمه الله died. After his buriel, Ibn as-Sammak رحمه الله stood and praised him for his good deeds and wept, causing all present to weep as well and testify to the truth of what he said... Abu Bakr an-Nahshali رحمه الله stood and said, 'O Allaah, forgive him and show mercy to him and leave him not to his deeds.' [3]

Abu Da'ood رحمه الله records on the authority of Sayyiduna Zayd Ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'Were Allaah to punish the inhabitants of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth, He could do so without having oppressed them in any way. Were He to show them mercy, His mercy would be better for them than their deeds.' [4]

al-Hakim رحمه الله records on the authority of Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنه that a man came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, 'Sins, sins!' repeating this two or three times. The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'Say: O Allaah, Your forgiveness is vaster than my sins and I have more hope in it than I do my deeds.' He said this and the Messenger of Allaah said, 'Repeat it.' He did so and he was ordered to repeat it again which he did. Then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'Stand for you have been forgiven.' [5]

'My sins, were I to ponder them, are copious. But greater is my Lord's forgiveness. In my righteous deeds lies not my expectation, but in the mercy of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى have I anticipation.'"

Notes:

[1] Abu Nu'aym vol 8, p155

[2] Ibid., vol 9, p276, #13896

[3] Ibid., vol 7, p396, #10977

[4] Abu Da'ood #4699 and Ibn Majah #77, it was declared saheeh by Ibn Hibban [#727] and Shaykh al-Albani رحمه الله, Saheeh al-Jaami' #5244

Allaah, Exalted is He says, "If Allaah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth; but He grants them reprieve unto an appointed term, and when their term comes - then verily Allaah is ever Seer of His bondsmen." (Soorah Faatir, 35:45)

[5] Hakim #1994, it was declared da'eef by Shaykh al-Albani رحمه الله, Da'eef al-Jaami' #4101

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#29 [Permalink] Posted on 3rd May 2013 12:48

Awn Ibn 'Abdillaah [1], رحمه الله said:

"The greatest blessing is that - when this world is straightened for you - you appreciate what you have been given of the blessings of Islaam." [2]

Notes:

[1] The grand-nephew of Sayyiduna 'Abdullaah Ibn Mas'ood رضي الله عنه. When he used to narrate ahaadeeth, his beard would become wet with tears. He died around 115 A.H. (see Tahdheeb at-Tahdheeb, 3/338)

[2] Ibn Abid-Dunya, al-Qanaa' wat-Ta'afuf, #151

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#30 [Permalink] Posted on 27th August 2013 09:56

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said,

"From among the implications of being a true 'abd to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى is to realise that the act of praising Him for a bounty that He bestowed upon you is itself worthy of praising Him again for it (i.e. praising Him) necessitates praising Him (again) for facilitating His praise on the tongue of His 'abd perpetually.

In reality, if a person were to devote every single one of his breaths towards praising his Lord for even a single bounty of His numerous blessings that He bestowed upon him, it would not be enough - this is because no one is capable of praising Him enough. Even if he does not praise Him for any of His graces upon him, he should praise Him for preventing harm from him (at least). Furthermore, he should praise Him for guiding him to praise Him.

Al-Awzaa'ee رحمه الله said: 'I heard someone say: "All praise is due to Allaah; if not for a grace He bestowed, it is for harm He prevented."'

Another aspect of servitude to Allaah سبحانه و تعالى in "al-hamd" is that it connotes an acknowledgement that were it not for Allaah's guidance that inspired and enabled the 'abd of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى to praise Him, he would be incapable of praising Him. He is therefore praised for it because He inspired his tongue and heart to praise Him; indeed no one would be guided if Allaah سبحانه و تعالى did not permit it."

[The Inner Dimensions of the Prayer, pp. 36-37]

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The Blessings And Mercy Of Allah, and Showing Thanks and Gratitude to Him

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