Gratitude
How we thank Allah
This world is the place of trials and tribulations. And Allah tests His slaves with both poverty and means. But imagine you have 2 choices in this life. First, to be a rich and thankful person. Second, to be a poor yet patient person.
Rhetorically everyone would choose to be the first kind of person.
But the fact is there are more people who could pass the trial of poverty than people who could pass "the wealthy test". The proof is hadeeth below
“Shall I tell you the people of Paradise? They comprise every poor humble person, and if they swear by Allah to do something, Allah will fulfill it. Shall I tell you of the people of Hell; they comprise every violent, cruel arrogant person.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How could that be? What's the problem of being wealthy?
The hadeeth imply that poverty, in the most of situation, would make ones become humble and obedient to Allah, while wealth does the opposite. The problem with rich people is, many of them forget that Allah who gives them provision and they weren't thankful to Allah. And in many ways, the unthankfulness drives ones into pride and arrogance. Like the verse said about Qarun, the Rich among people of Moses/Musa 'alayhissalam, with interpretation of meaning
"He said: “This (wealth) has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess.”..." (Al Qasas : 78)
And Allah hates arrogance. Allah says in the Quran,
"Verily, Allah likes not those who exult" (Al Qasas : 76)
Mujahid said, “It means those who are insolent and reckless, and do not thank Allah for what He has given them.” (Tafseer Ibn Kathir)
So how do we thank Allah properly?
First, with our heart. We admit that Allah who provides us everything
"And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allah." (An Nahl : 53)
Second, with our tounge.
It was narrated that 'Aishah said: "When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw something he liked, he would say: 'Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi bi ni'matihi tatimmus-salihat (Praise is to Allah by Whose grace good deeds are completed).' And if he saw something that he disliked, he would say: 'Al-hamdu lillahi 'ala kulli hal (Praise is to Allah in all circumstances).'" (Ibn Majah)
Third, with our act. "[We said], "Work, O family of David, in gratitude"." (Saba : 13)
"So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve.."." (An Naml : 19)
But for the record, Allah doesn't need our gratitude. It is us who need His mercy and reward.
This world is the place of trials and tribulations. And Allah tests His slaves with both poverty and means. But imagine you have 2 choices in this life. First, to be a rich and thankful person. Second, to be a poor yet patient person.
Rhetorically everyone would choose to be the first kind of person.
But the fact is there are more people who could pass the trial of poverty than people who could pass "the wealthy test". The proof is hadeeth below
“Shall I tell you the people of Paradise? They comprise every poor humble person, and if they swear by Allah to do something, Allah will fulfill it. Shall I tell you of the people of Hell; they comprise every violent, cruel arrogant person.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How could that be? What's the problem of being wealthy?
The hadeeth imply that poverty, in the most of situation, would make ones become humble and obedient to Allah, while wealth does the opposite. The problem with rich people is, many of them forget that Allah who gives them provision and they weren't thankful to Allah. And in many ways, the unthankfulness drives ones into pride and arrogance. Like the verse said about Qarun, the Rich among people of Moses/Musa 'alayhissalam, with interpretation of meaning
"He said: “This (wealth) has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess.”..." (Al Qasas : 78)
And Allah hates arrogance. Allah says in the Quran,
"Verily, Allah likes not those who exult" (Al Qasas : 76)
Mujahid said, “It means those who are insolent and reckless, and do not thank Allah for what He has given them.” (Tafseer Ibn Kathir)
So how do we thank Allah properly?
First, with our heart. We admit that Allah who provides us everything
"And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allah." (An Nahl : 53)
Second, with our tounge.
It was narrated that 'Aishah said: "When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saw something he liked, he would say: 'Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi bi ni'matihi tatimmus-salihat (Praise is to Allah by Whose grace good deeds are completed).' And if he saw something that he disliked, he would say: 'Al-hamdu lillahi 'ala kulli hal (Praise is to Allah in all circumstances).'" (Ibn Majah)
Third, with our act. "[We said], "Work, O family of David, in gratitude"." (Saba : 13)
"So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve.."." (An Naml : 19)
But for the record, Allah doesn't need our gratitude. It is us who need His mercy and reward.
