Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah - Naib Amir USA & Chairman Markazi Al Islam Team
October 2, 2025
The life of a servant of Allah is a constant fluctuation between afflictions that he bears with patience (ṣabr) and blessings for which he expresses gratitude (shukr). This delicate balance forms the essence of faith. It is said that: "Faith is divided into two—gratitude and patience."
The Prophet Muhammad (sa) beautifully summed it up: "How amazing is the condition of the believer! Indeed, all of his affairs are good, and that is for no one except the believer. If he is granted ease, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If he is struck by affliction, he is patient, and that is also good for him." Thus, the believer's life is never wasted: whether in moments of ease or in times of trial, he remains upon a path of profit with his Lord.
Indeed, the Qur'an divides people into two categories: those who deny Allah's blessings, and those who recognize and show gratitude. Allah says: "We created man from a sperm drop comprising many qualities, that We might try him; so We made him hearing and seeing; We have shown him the Way, (inna hadayna) whether he be grateful or ungrateful." Ad Dahr 76:3-4
To be among the grateful is not merely recommended—it is the very purpose of our creation. Allah declares: "It is Allah Who brought you out of the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts so that you may give thanks." (Al Nahl 16:79)
Gratitude, then, is the ultimate expression of worship. It sustains blessings and invites more of them, while ingratitude removes blessings and attracts divine wrath. As Allah warns: "If you will use My bounties beneficently, I will surely multiply them unto you, but if you misuse them, My punishment is severe indeed." 14:8
It is said that gratitude al-ḥāfeeẓ (the preserver of blessings or safeguards blessings) and al-jālib (the bringer or attracts new blessings).
What then is true gratitude? Is it merely lip service—phrases uttered at moments of joy? Or is it something broader and deeper? Gratitude involves the whole being—heart, tongue, and limbs. It has three dimensions. Of the Tongue – Praising Allah, recounting His blessings, and confessing human shortcomings. Of the Heart – Inner recognition that all good flows from Allah's grace. Of Actions – Using one's blessings in ways that please Allah.
This is expressed through constant praise and remembrance of Allah, acknowledging His blessings, and confessing human shortcomings in repaying His favors. Prophet Sulaymān (as) declared that remembering Allah's blessings increases one's love and attachment to Him.
This signifies inner recognition of Allah's benevolence, humility before His generosity, and acknowledgment that one's ability to thank Him is itself a blessing that deserves further thanks.
True gratitude means making use of every blessing in a manner pleasing to Allah alone, "Act gratefully, O House of David,' but few of My servants are grateful." Saba (34:14). Abu Haazim said, "Every blessing that does not bring a servant closer to his Lord is in fact an affliction."
The true life of a believer is thus a continual oscillation between two stations of worship: patience (ṣabr) in trials and gratitude (shukr) in blessings. Both are essential; both are forms of conveying servitude. When the believer is tested, he endures, and this purifies him. When favoured, he gives thanks, and this elevates him. Thus, whether in hardship or in ease, he remains under Allah's mercy, safe from despair in trials and arrogance in prosperity.
The servant's success, therefore, lies not in the absence of trials nor in the abundance of blessings, but in his Istiqamat steadfastness to the Lord of trials and blessings alike. This is the secret of the believer's peace—that he lives between the two wings of patience and gratitude, moving steadily towards the pleasure of Allah.
Saying "Alhamdulillah 'alaa kulli haal" (All praise is due to Allah in every condition). This is explained as:
"If I am afflicted with a calamity, then I praise Allah for four reasons: 1) I praise Him that it was not worse than it was. 2) I praise Him for providing me patience to bear it. 3) I praise Him for guiding me to supplicate appropriately and hope for reward. 4) I praise Him for not making it a calamity in my religion. 5) I praise Him and pray these trials serve as kafara for punishment that would be incurred in afterlife. 6) Pain and suffering makes one grow and one learns not to make same mistakes again."
The Promised Messiah (as) says in a poem: "The root of patience is gratitude, and the fruit of gratitude is patience. These two alone make the believer a true victor."
Sabr ki jaar hay shukr aur shukr ka phal hay sabr;
ye doy chizain hain jo momin ko banati hain sahibe zafar
"Grieve not when affliction comes, it too is a mercy of God. And in joy, be grateful, for that too is a bounty of God."
Ghunna kah agar duk aya; ye bhi Rahmat hay khuda ki;
shukr kar too Khushi per; ye bhi nemat hay khuda ki
