Gratitude: The Light of a Wonderful Heart

"He who is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah."

(Abu Dawud, Hadith: 4811)

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Gratitude: The Light of a Wonderful Heart

If the human heart is a garden, then gratitude is its most fragrant flower. The fragrance of this flower is not limited to itself—it also affects the people around it, awakening vitality in their hearts. And this gratitude is not only humane, but it is a religious and spiritual responsibility. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in very profound language—"He who is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah."

Although this hadith is easy to hear, its depth is infinite. Gratitude here is not just a behavioral beauty; rather, it is a key to the perfection of faith.

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The basis of human relationships: Gratitude

The relationships of a society are based on mutual respect, compassion, and gratitude. The people around us, whose contributions to our lives are obvious or silent—some of them are playing a role in our development, our peace, and even our existence.

When a mother spends her sleepless nights raising us, when a father works hard day after day in the sun and sweat to earn a living for us—how grateful are we? When a teacher explains something separately at the end of class, or when a friend shares our pain with a drop of tears—how much gratitude rises in our hearts?

These are the questions that reflect in the silent mirror of our lives. And if gratitude is not seen in that mirror, then we must understand—we are ignoring an important pillar of faith.

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God's gift and the hand of man

God Almighty has bestowed various blessings on us throughout our lives. Sometimes He has sent them through the hands of a mother, sometimes through the prayers of a stranger beggar, sometimes through the silent sympathy of a friend. So when we are grateful to people, we are essentially honoring the bearer of that gift—and that is an expression of gratitude to Allah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) knew that the human heart quickly becomes accustomed to receiving. That is why he taught his companions—“Acknowledge the blessings, and honor the bearer of the blessings.”

This honor is gratitude.

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Lack of Gratitude: A Social Disease

Lack of gratitude has become a silent yet serious disease in today’s society. We forget about the benefits we receive, despise the contributor, and only realize their absence when that absence becomes painful.

This ingratitude not only deteriorates relationships, but also destroys the purity of the heart. Without gratitude, people become arrogant, thinking—“I have achieved everything myself,” whereas behind every success lies the sacrifice, support, and love of countless people.

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The Heart of Worship: Gratitude

Allah Almighty says in the Quran in clear language:

"And if you try to count the blessings We have bestowed upon you, you will never be able to count them." (Surah Ibrahim: 34)

This verse teaches us that gratitude is not only for the great blessings bestowed upon you by Allah, but also for every breath, every blink of an eye, and every safe sleep.

But the first step in expressing this gratitude is gratitude to people. If we do not show respect for the benefits of our servants, how can we give space to the main source of that benefit in our hearts?

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Benefits of Gratitude

The soul is purified by gratitude. It removes pride, brings humility to the heart. It strengthens relationships, and increases tolerance for suffering. A grateful person finds joy in small things, because he knows that not many people get even this little.

Allah also says:

"If you are grateful, I will increase you. But if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe." (Surah Ibrahim: 7)

This is a complete promise—if you are grateful, you will get more, but if you are ungrateful, you will fear losing even that.

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Practice gratitude: How?

Every night before going to bed, take a moment to think about your life in silence—who has given me something, even a small one, in my life today? Who has given me a little time today, a little comfort, a little sympathy? And praying sincerely for those people, expressing love for them—these small practices are the birth of a truly grateful heart.

Sometimes even a letter, a phone call, or an invitation to a cup of tea can be a valuable way to express gratitude.

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Conclusion: The Perfection of Faith from Gratitude

This hadith reminds us—gratitude is not an external behavior, but a deep level of faith. It is a light that spreads from heart to heart, builds relationships, makes society peaceful, and above all, paves the way for Allah's pleasure.

Let us be grateful. For every small and big favor. Let us respect the people through whom Allah has brought light into our lives. Because Allah's pleasure comes only when we are sincere in fulfilling the rights of His servants.