Gratitude is one of the most important characteristics we can develop to lead a more positive and happier life. It brings immense benefits to us, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The first word we read when we open the Quran is ‘Alhamdulillah’. Although Alhamdulillah is translated as “all praise to Allah,” it is actually an expression of gratitude. It is a way of both praising and thanking Allah for all of our blessings.

Gratitude is a crucial and significant aspect of the Islamic faith. But, it doesn’t stop there. Thankfulness is becoming an increasingly popular topic in modern psychology. Research is beginning to show that an attitude of gratitude cultivates happiness and wellbeing. After learning about these amazing benefits, you are certainly going to want to put in the effort to be more thankful on a daily basis.

The Body
1) Better Physical Health
Gratitude literally promotes better physical health. According to a study published in “Personality and Individual Differences,” people who are grateful report being happier and experiencing fewer aches and pains. Grateful people are also more likely to exercise, look after their health, and attend regular check-ups at the doctors.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ إِنَّهُ لاَ بَأْسَ بِالْغِنَى لِمَنِ اتَّقَى، وَالصِّحَّةُ لِمَنِ اتَّقَى خَيْرٌ مِنَ الْغِنَى، وَطِيبُ النَّفْسِ مِنَ النِّعَمِ‏.‏
‘There is no harm in wealth for someone who has taqwa, but health for the person who has taqwa is even better than wealth. Cheerfulness is a blessing.’ [Adab Al-Mufrad]

2) Stress Reduction
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes excessive it can have detrimental effects on our health and wellbeing. In fact, stress is linked to many serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
A grateful attitude can help us to manage and tame stress levels. When we are thankful to Allah, we are never disappointed, nor do we need to feel anxiety or stress. (Although sometimes, depression may need medical assistance).

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ عَجَبًا لأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لأَحَدٍ إِلاَّ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ ‏”
“Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Mind
3) Less Negative Emotions
As humans, we have a number of evil emotions that we need to constantly battle with and keep in check. We experience feelings like anger, envy, arrogance, and resentment. Gratitude helps us to release these toxic feelings, as we are more focused on what we already have, than what we want or what we see others having.
Gratitude also has a number of other mental health benefits including:
Makes us happier
Helps us relax
Promotes hopefulness
Increases self-esteem
Increases mental strength

There are much more benefits which our colleague Ml. Junaid Kharsany will continue with later his morning and we will take it further tomorrow as well, iA.