So today we continue taking a look at the many benefits of Gratitude.
Continuing with the “Mind” benefits, Gratitude:
4) Reduces Materialism and Boosts Empathy
Wanting material things in life is not a bad thing, nor does Islam look down upon it. However, we live in such an excessive society that often materialism takes over our true purpose in life.
Ultimate happiness does not rely upon worldly possessions. In fact, studies have shown that materialism is associated with diminished wellbeing, higher levels of envy, and increased rates of mental illness.
Gratitude has actually been shown to reduce feelings of materialism and its subsequent negative effects. Greater expressions of gratitude were associated with lower materialism and a higher life satisfaction.
The Soul
5) Better Relationship with Allah
Gratitude is one of the most beloved characteristics to Allah. How could we worship Him without being thankful? How could we know Allah without knowing His blessings?
Being thankful is one of the best ways to gain the nearness of Allah (SWT). It invokes His mercy and love upon us. A grateful attitude causes Allah (SWT) to increase our blessings. It is the key to Allah’s rewards and pleasure.
وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفْسٍ أَن تَمُوتَ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ كِتَـٰبًا مُّؤَجَّلًا ۗ وَمَن يُرِدْ ثَوَابَ ٱلدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِهِۦ مِنْهَا وَمَن يُرِدْ ثَوَابَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ نُؤْتِهِۦ مِنْهَا ۚ وَسَنَجْزِى ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ
“…And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof, and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And We will reward the grateful. [Quran, 3:145]
6) Better Relationship with Others
Positive reinforcement during good times reinforces your relationships with each other. Try this with your spouse, parents or your children today. When you get a little help from them, celebrate it. Show some genuine gratitude. You’ll bond better. You’ll grow happier with each other, and your family will thrive bi’ithnillah. It is an easy, but effective way of raising your positivity ratio.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ مَنْ لاَ يَشْكُرِ النَّاسَ لاَ يَشْكُرِ اللَّهَ ”
“Whoever is not grateful to the people, he is not grateful to Allah.” [Tirmidhi]
7) Abundance in Life
Shukr, or thankfulness, is a quality that will lead to success both in this life and in the next. Allah (SWT) promises us rahma (mercy) and an increase in His favours upon us if we are grateful.
And when your Lord proclaimed,
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ
Remember that your Rabb had forewarned: “If you are grateful, I will bestow abundance upon you, but if you are ungrateful (then you should know that) My punishment will be terrible indeed.” [Quran, 14:]
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