Is Thanking for Blessings Recommended in the Quran?

Yes, absolutely! In the Holy Quran, the act of expressing gratitude for divine blessings is not only recommended but repeatedly emphasized as a crucial duty and a fundamental pillar of faith. Thanking for blessings is one of the most essential Quranic teachings and forms the cornerstone of a righteous relationship between a servant and their Lord. The Almighty Allah, in numerous verses, explicitly and with a friendly, instructive tone, invites His servants to express gratitude for His countless blessings and outlines the benefits and rewards of this act. Gratitude in the Quran is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond merely uttering "Alhamdulillah" (Praise be to Allah). It encompasses three main dimensions: gratitude of the heart, gratitude of the tongue, and gratitude of action. Gratitude of the heart means that one, with their entire being and complete understanding, recognizes the true Creator and Giver of all blessings, knowing that every blessing received originates from Him, and no power other than Him is involved in bestowing provision. This type of gratitude forms the foundation for the other two. When the heart is filled with this realization, the tongue naturally opens up in praise and thanksgiving. Gratitude of the tongue refers to saying "Alhamdulillah," "Subhanallah" (Glory be to Allah), and other expressions and phrases that declare praise and acknowledgment of divine blessings. However, most importantly, there is the gratitude of action, which means using blessings correctly and appropriately in the way Allah Almighty intended. This implies employing health, knowledge, wealth, power, family, and everything Allah has bestowed upon us in His service, for the benefit of humanity, and for the advancement of divine values. For instance, if we possess wealth, we should spend a portion of it in Allah's cause; if we have knowledge, we should use it for guidance and solving people's problems; and if we have health, we should utilize it for good deeds and worship. Neglecting to use these blessings properly is considered a form of ingratitude. The Quran clearly states that gratitude leads to an increase in divine blessings and bounties. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah promises: "Lain shakartum la'azidannakum, wa la'in kafartum inna 'azabi lashadid." This translates to: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe." This verse is a clear divine promise and a stern warning. The increase in blessings is not limited to material gains; it also encompasses spiritual tranquility, blessings in life, ease in affairs, and divine success. Conversely, ingratitude not only leads to the loss of existing blessings but also brings about hardship and punishment. This punishment can manifest both in this world and in the Hereafter. One of the most significant reasons for the Quran's emphasis on gratitude is to remind humans of their position before the Creator. Humans are often forgetful, and sometimes, due to being engrossed in daily life, they take the blessings around them for granted. The Quran, by inviting gratitude, removes this forgetfulness and draws human attention to their compassionate Creator. This causes humans to feel a greater need for Allah and to always consider themselves His servants and dependent on Him. This sense of servitude distances arrogance and pride from humans and guides them towards humility. Furthermore, gratitude for blessings helps individuals appreciate the efforts of others, and this sense of appreciation improves social relationships, building a healthier and kinder society. The Quran repeatedly invites humans to ponder upon their own creation and the blessings Allah has bestowed upon them, thereby strengthening their sense of gratitude. For example, in Surah An-Nahl (verse 78), it states: "And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing, and He made for you hearing and vision and hearts that perhaps you would be grateful." This verse clearly states that the purpose of creating senses and cognitive faculties is for gratitude. The very existence of human beings, the five senses, physical and mental abilities, all are blessings worthy of gratitude. In summary, gratitude in the Quran is not merely a recommendation but a command and a principle of life. It can be seen as a sign of true faith, a path to increasing blessings, and a means of drawing closer to Allah. A grateful person always experiences inner peace and divine contentment, and their life will be filled with blessings and comfort. Therefore, striving for gratitude from the depths of the heart, with the tongue, and through actions, should be among the priorities of every Muslim to achieve salvation in both this world and the Hereafter.