Artikel Pengajian Dec 06 (English)

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Artikel Pengajian Dec 06 (English)

The Importance of Gratitude

What Is The Main Goal of Satan?
In general, when we read about Prophet Adam, Eve and Iblees, we tend to forget to pay attention to what was said by Iblees before he left Paradise. “Iblees said: Because you have thrown me out of the Way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on Your Straight Way. Then I will assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left, nor will You find gratitude in most of them (for Your mercies).” 7: 16-17

Therefore according to the above ayats, the goal of Iblees is to make mankind infidels or ungrateful to Allah SWT. This enemy of Allah knows the basis of gratitude, so he will always work hard to turn as many human beings to be ingrates of the blessings of Allah SWT

Is the mission of Iblees successful? The answer is “Yes”, as we observe the ingratitude of the majority of mankind in this world on the blessings bestowed upon them, in fact they became rejecters of the blessings of Allah SWT.

What Are The Characteristics of Rejecting Blessings?
These characteristics come in many fashions, such as:
a. Ingratitude
b. Disparaging the Giver, by feeling that all blessings that one experiences is the result of one’s hard work and one’s superiority, as practiced by Qarun when ordered to be grateful for his wealth and all the blessings bestowed upon him:

“قَالَ إِنَّمَا أُوتِيتُهُ عَلَى عِلْمٍ عِندِي أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِن قَبْلِهِ مِنَ القُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا وَلَا يُسْأَلُ عَن ذُنُوبِهِمُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ

Qarun said: “This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge which I have.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, (whole) generations, - which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? But the wicked are not called (immediately) to account for their sins.” 28:78

c. using the blessings for immoral deeds or fulfilling sexual desires
d. feeling proud and arrogant

What Are The Remunerations On Those Who Reject Blessings?
Allah SWT had threatened the rejecters of blessings with harsh punishments. These harsh punishments come in several forms, such as:

a. the retractions of one’s blessings
b. the loss of feeling blessed. Many people own an abundance of wealth and high status, but are discontented
c. others are envious of him and make an effort to bring him down
d. his punishments will be delayed until a certain time. However, the punishment will surely take place. Allah SWT says:

وَضَرَبَ اللّهُ مَثَلاً قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَصْنَعُونَ

“Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: yet was it ungrateful for the favors of Allah: so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes) (closing in on it) like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought.”16:112

What is the meaning of Gratitude?
Shukur is derived from the term “shakara” among which meanings are “praises on goodness” as well as “fulfillment”. In the Al-Qur’an, “Shukur” is phrased alongside the term “kufur”, as decreed:

And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): “If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) to you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.” 14:7

This is due to the fact that “Shukur” is also used to show what is obvious, while “kufur” means to “cover it”. Showing blessings is evidenced by sharing a part of those blessings with others, whereas covering it is by being miserly.

The Mention of Shukur (Gratitude) In The Al-Qur’an
This word is mentioned ten times in the Al-Qur’an, three of which relate to the characteristics of Allah while the remainder relates to human characteristics. “Shukur” is a superlative of the term “Shakir”.

Allah says, “For He will pay them their wages, nay, He will give them (even) more out of His Bounty; for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service).” (35:30) “And they will say: Praise be to Allah, Who has removed from us (all) sorrow; for our Lord is indeed Oft-Forgiving ready to appreciate (service).” (35:34)

What Is Meant By Allah As-Shakur (The Most Grateful)?
Among the names of Allah (Asmaa-ul Husna) is Allah As-Shakur. Allah As-Shakur means: “He who proliferates however small the good deeds of His servant, and multiplies His rewards.”

“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn; it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases; and Allah cares for all and He knows all things. (2:261)

Therefore whoever responds in multifold to good deeds is deemed to be grateful of the good deeds and whoever praises those that do good deeds is also deemed as being grateful.

Imam Ghazali defined Allah Shakur as, “He who rewards in plenty a doer of a little goodness/obedience. He who bestows timeless infinite blessings for limited good deeds done on finite days.”

What Is The Importance Of Gratitude?

a. Gratitude Is A Characteristic Of Allah
As mentioned above, Gratitude is a characteristic of God. Allah says, “… For Allah is most ready to appreciate (service), Most Forbearing.” (64:17) Allah decrees to His servants to be grateful, and forbids us from covering the truth (being ungrateful). Besides, Allah praises those who rejoice in gratitude, and deems them as special human beings, as well as being a key phrase of the inhabitants of Paradise. “They will say: Praise be to Allah, Who has truly fulfilled His promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage; we can dwell in the Garden as we will; how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!” (39:74)

b. Gratitude Is The Position Of The Prophets
Allah says, “…You work, sons of David, with thanks! But few of My servants are grateful!” (34:13) All the Prophets (AS) were decreed to be grateful for the bountiful blessings bestowed upon them, especially the blessing of Guidance. Allah says:

كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولاً مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَ
A similar (favor you have already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, and instructing you in Scriptures and Wisdom, and in new Knowledge.” (2:151)

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ

“Then you remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject Faith.” (2:152)

c. Gratitude Indicates The Cleansing Of The Heart
A person with gratitude means his heart and being is still pure because a person with a clean heart rejoices in goodness, hence is grateful for it. Besides that, gratitude will also cleanse one’s heart and brings him closer to Allah As-Shakur, and will encourage him to do many good deeds. Therefore, the more the number of grateful human beings, the greater unity there is among the Muslims.

4. What Is The Result Or The Fruit Of Gratitude?
a. The Fruit Of Gratitude Will Be Enjoyed By The Grateful
Faidah or the fruit of gratitude will return to the grateful himself. The same is true with rejection/covering of truth, the loss with be experienced by the rejecter himself. Due to the fact that Allah has no need of anyone and one’s gratitude will not increase anything for Him, the same is true where one’s rejection will not reduce anything from Him. Allah says:

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا لُقْمَانَ الْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ

“We bestowed (in the past) wisdom on Luqman: Show (your) gratitude to Allah. And who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.” (31:12)

b. The Blessings Are Eternal
The Prophet (SAW) said, “And a blessing is intertwined with gratitude.”

c. The Blessings Will Increase
Allah says, “… If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) to you…” (14:7)

d. Humility
Gratitude will produce tawadu or humility, because being grateful means one acknowledges and ascertains that all of his blessings are from Allah SWT. That was why when the Prophet (SAW) received good tidings, he would prostrate in gratitude to Allah SWT.

e. Love Allah
With gratitude for Allah’s blessings, one will love the Giver of the blessings. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Love Allah, because He has blessed you.”

f. Prevention From Punishment
Allah SWT says:

“مَّا يَفْعَلُ اللّهُ بِعَذَابِكُمْ إِن شَكَرْتُمْ وَآمَنتُمْ وَكَانَ اللّهُ شَاكِرًا عَلِيمًا

“What can Allah gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and you believe? Nay, it is Allah that recognizes (all good), and knows all things.” (4:147)

g. Gaining Allah’s Acceptance
Allah says:
وَإِن تَشْكُرُوا يَرْضَهُ لَكُمْ

“… and if you are grateful, He is pleased with you…” (39:7)


A Variety Of Expressions Of Gratitude
Gratitude could be expressed i.e.:
a. By feeling conscious of the bounty of blessings from Allah SWT.
b. Feeling lacking of gratitude to Him.
c. Acknowledging the immensity of Allah’s patience.
d. Understanding that all blessings originate from Allah SWT, and by right he does not deserve to receive it.
e. Being grateful to a person who does good. “Whoever is not grateful to others is not grateful to Allah.” Hadeeth
f. Not refusing blessings although small and receiving it open heartedly.
g. By being grateful because one is able to feel gratitude for the blessings.

Three Types Of Gratitude

First: Gratitude Through Utterance
That is to praise Allah by saying: “Alhamdulillah” (Praise Be To Allah), and showing the blessing.

وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ
“Therefore the Bounty of your Lord – rehearse and proclaim!” (93:11)

Second: Gratitude Through The Heart
By acknowledging that a blessing comes from Allah SWT, and not attributing it to others, by accepting it in whatever form with high spirits, by considering how bountiful the blessing is no matter how little, and by acknowledging that the blessing is bestowed on him due to His benevolence and not because one deserves to receive it.

Third: Gratitude Through Action
To show gratitude through action is to experience the essence of shukur, or by appropriately utilizing God’s gift as intended by Him. This means that we should use all of Allah’s gifts in this world for the purpose intended by Him.

This also means that we should study why Allah created the sea, the wind, the earth, etc. What are His intentions? As caliphs, we should be able to move all creations towards the purpose set by the Creator.

Is it permitted to pick a flower before it is in full bloom? No! The reason being that it is not created for that purpose. Is it good to eat in bed? No, because a bed is not created as a place to eat, and so forth.

The closer our outlook and action are to those descriptions, the more grateful we are.

Two Levels of Gratitude
There are two levels of gratitude:

First: Gratitude for the blessings that are pleasing.

Second: Gratitude for the blessings that are pleasing and any unpleasant experience (being afflicted with disaster or calamity.)

A Muslim mystic asked someone, “How do you deem gratitude?” “When we receive a blessing that is pleasing, we praise God, and when not, we are patient,” answered the person. The Muslim mystic remarked, “It is not so for us; if we receive a blessing, we would let another experience it first before we do to the point that we would give it to him, and when we do not receive a blessing, we are still grateful, because we feel that even in disaster, we are not void of His blessings.”

رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَى وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

“… Oh my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as You may approve; and be gracious to me in respect of any offspring. Truly have I turned to You and truly I do bow (to You) in Islam. (46:15)