Who should we be grateful to? The Means or to the One who creates the means

Today we dwell on a a very important and subtle question: Who should we be grateful to? - The Means or to the One who creates the means. Why we are asking this question to ourselves is that most of us are always grateful to the means (asbāb اسباب) whenever anything good happens to them instead of instantly bowing their heads to Allah, the true and the only source (Musabbib al-Asbāb مسبب الأسباب). Generally speaking, If we believe in Means for any outcome i.e., if we have put in our faith in the MEANS, we have said to have committed Shirk. If didn’t acquire or adopt the fair جائز MEANS, we violate the Sunnah ( Meaning you just thought the outcome will come automatically as a result of dua only).

So what should we do? Should we not thank a person (the means) who helped us or instead thank only Allah, the creator of  the means? Let us dwell on this important issue. However we may , caution here that this is only an education discussion and is not a fatwa or religious decree. Any inferences drawn after reading the post should be applied according to one's own understanding and perception.

The Discussion

The Qur’an and Sunnah don’t ask you to ignore the means (asbāb)—but they firmly teach you to see through them to the One who created them.

• The Qur’anic Foundation: Gratitude is Ultimately for Allah Let us understand this in the light of a Qur'anic verse:
• Surah An-Nahl (16:53): “Whatever blessing you have—it is from Allah.”
• The Source of Everything: Ultimately, gratitude is directed toward Allah (the creator/universe) as the source of all life, beauty, and provision.
• This verse establishes a principle: People, systems, money, opportunities  are all are means - The true source (Musabbib al-Asbāb) is Allah.
• So ultimate gratitude belongs to Allah alone
• But What About Thanking People?
• The Sunnah clarifies this beautifully. “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” Hadith (reported in Sunan Abu Dawud)
• That clearly means that We must thank people - But not as independent sources, rather as means through which Allah’s favor reached you
• That means thanking people is in fact of thanking Allah 
• But there is a caution: Worshipping or depending on them is wrong and considered as Shirk.
• The Balance: Means vs. Creator  The Qur’an teaches a middle path:
• Use the Means
• Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35): “Seek the means (wasīlah) to Him…”
• Work, effort, relationships are all necessary and are important means.
• But when something or the desired results are achieved, one should not boast these as personal glory or a soft corner by a superior. It is Allah alone who created means for you to be successful.
• For this reason Islam asks not to be passive or fatalistic
• Don’t Rely on the Means
• Surah At-Talaq (65:3): “Whoever relies upon Allah—He is sufficient for him.”
• This means Means are used… But trust (tawakkul) is placed in Allah
• A Powerful Prophetic Principle
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Tie your camel and then trust in Allah.” (Reported in Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
• This summarizes everything:
• Tie the camel - that is usage of means
• Trust Allah - that is despite tying the camel, don’t depend on means - for it is Allah who will protect not the mere rope.

Applying This to Modern Life

Let us correlate the difference between trust in means or trust in the One who created means for us.

• Today we live in a world of intense (1) Technology, (2) Advancement in Medicine and related fields, (3) AI, (4) Systems and institutions
• But in the presence of technical advancements, the mistake people make is begin to see
• Doctors as healers, Money  as provider, and Technology as power
• Qur’anic correction: In such environment, Qur'an emphasises and applies the correction:
• Doctor only treats - It is Allah alone who heals
• Job pays - but  Allah provides
• Technology functions - Allah enables

What Should True Believers Do Today?

• Use the World Fully—but Correctly That is one should make use of means to study, work, build, innovate
• But at the same time, one must engage with reality—not escape it
• Keep Your Heart Attached to Allah Even while using means, remind yourself: “This is only a means. The real source is Allah.”
• Practice Dual Gratitude
• Say “Alḥamdulillāh” (gratitude to Allah)
• Say “JazākAllāh khayr” / thank you to people
• Avoid Two Extremes
• Extreme 1: Ignoring Means “I’ll just rely on Allah” (without effort) - this not Islamic for Allah does not help those who do not make an endeavour first and then rely on Allah for the outcomes.
• Extreme 2: Worshipping Means “My success is because of me / others only” - such attitude is spiritually dangerous as it against the Islamic teachings. No success is possible unless Allah allows it. So, use means to the best of the ability and then pray to Allah for a favourable outcome.
• Live with Tawakkul and Effort 
• Plan like everything depends on effort - but Trust like everything depends on Allah
• This helps in Deepening Connection with Allah: Thanking the Creator helps cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and a "great-fullness" of life and a spiritual awareness of a deep connection with our creator.

A Deep Reflection

• The Qur’an shapes our perception and educates us that we do not live in a world of independent causes… - rather we live in a world of means controlled by a single Will.
• This reflection clears our thought process which leads us to: 
• Be grateful to Allah as the ultimate source
• Be thankful to people as the means
• Use the means responsibly
• Depend only on Allah internally
• A powerful summary: Use your hands with the world… But keep your heart with Allah.

The Practical Life Response

Let’s take this out of theory and put it into real-life situations. The goal is to show how a believer lives with action in the world with reliance on Allah and gratitude in the right direction. Let us make it clear through some living scenarios:

• Scenario: Job / Career
• What most people do: “I got this job because of my skills / connections”
• A believer’s mindset:
• You prepare: study, apply, network
• You acknowledge means: recruiter, employer, mentors
• But you believe that the رزق (provision) came from Allah
• Qur’anic grounding: From Surah Hud (11:6) “There is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah.”
• Practical behavior: (1) Say: Alhamdulillah (to Allah), (2) Thank the people involved, (3) Don’t become arrogant or مستقِل (self-reliant in ego)
• Scenario: Illness and Treatment
• What most people do: “The doctor cured me”
• A believer’s mindset: Doctor is the means - and cure is from Allah
• Qur’anic grounding: Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (26:80) “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
• Practical behavior:
• Choose a good doctor and take medicine seriously
• But your heart says: “Shifā’ (healing) is from Allah”
• Scenario: Wealth and Success
• What most people do: “I earned this—I deserve it”
• Qur’anic warning: 
• Surah Al-Qasas (28:78) “I was given this because of my knowledge.”
• Note that Allah presents this as arrogance
• A believer’s mindset: Yes, you worked hard - but: (1) Who gave ability? (2) Who gave opportunity? (3) Who created circumstances? - Definitely Allah, who else?
• Practical behavior: Since it is Allah alone who rewards our efforts, we must give give charity in the name of Allah as our gratitude, remain humble rather than being arrogant of our success and never look down on others.
• Scenario: Help from People
• What most people do: They either Over-depend on people or Or ignore gratitude to them.
• Sunnah balance: “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
• A believer’s mindset: “Allah helped me through this person”
• Practical behavior:
• Say: “Thank you” sincerely
• Make duʿā for them
• But don’t attach your heart to them as ultimate providers
• Scenario: Failure and Loss
• What most people do: Blame people, system, and bad luck.
• A believer’s mindset:
• He reviews his mistakes (means matter)
• But he also accepts: Allah’s wisdom as a bigger plan, for Allah never make his true believers lose.
• Qur’anic grounding: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216) “Perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you…”
• Practical behavior: 
• Learn from mistakes and failures, improve upon one's shortcomings and try again, again and again - Never to give up.
• Stay emotionally anchored in Allah
• Avoid bitterness
• Scenario: Technology, AI, Modern Systems
• What most people do: 
• They trust systems blindly - and many a times feel controlled by them. 
• In fact this is something very worrisome. AI has taken over our thought process and we mostly rely on what AI tells us and with closed eyes, we implement the AI response.
• A believer’s mindset:
• These are tools created by human intellect
• But human intellect itself is a gift from Allah
• So even modern power structures are means, human intellect remains under Allah’s control.
• Practical behavior:
• Use technology and benefit from AI
• But Don’t let it define truth and Don’t let it replace moral judgment.
• Usage of AI without keep absence of knowledge of the subject may be many a times misleading and blind following may lead to incorrect and faulty judgement and thinking.

Synthesis: A Hierarchy of Gratitude

The above discussion leads us to refine our response to who should we be grateful to:

• Primary Focus: 
• The Creator is recognized as the ultimate source who provides the "means" to be blessed.
• All success, health, and help originate from the Creator. The Creator brings the means into existence and allows them to work. Thus, True gratitude belongs to the entity that controls the universe and your destiny.
• Secondary Focus: The "means" (people, tools, medicine, or efforts that bridge the gap between a need and a result) are the instruments through which that provision arrives and deserve acknowledgment.
• Living Gratefully: True gratitude is not just a feeling but a "way of being" that appreciates everything—the Giver and the gift—and compels us to act on behalf of what is good.

A Simple Mental Shift (Very Powerful)

We now arrive at a clear understanding which may affect a mental shift in our thinking. Instead of saying: “This person helped me” - Say internally: “Allah helped me through this person”

Final Reflection

A powerful closing line: Your hands deal with the means… But your heart never leaves the One who controls them.

True gratitude involves a dual focus: recognizing the immediate means (people, tools, circumstances) that provide direct benefit, while acknowledging the creator of those means as the ultimate source. While thankfulness is often directed at those who help us directly, profound gratitude traces all goodness back to the fundamental giver - Allah رب العزتalone.

This post should let us live a life rationally rather than emotionally and help us define means clearly and the creator means definitely. If our line of thinking and approach is correct, we will never go astray as to to be grateful to, In sha Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Photo | Resource Sources: Personal understanding refined by ChatGPT and google

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Does comparison with others’ blessings lead to Thanklessness

There is a very common phrase: Others' lawn is always greener - that is one is always comparing the blessings of other with one's shortfalls, without giving due importance to own blessings which may be far superior than others.  In fact  constant comparison with the blessings of others leads to utter discontentment and envy. Such a state of mindset shifts focus away from one's own blessings, causing individuals to overlook their personal gifts and focus only on what they lack. 

In fact, comparing yourself to others’ blessings can become thanklessness (kufr al-ni‘mah) depending on what it does to your heart. Let us dwell more in this state of mind in light of Al Qur'an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - and see how can we build a positive frame of mind by being more grateful of our own blessings rather than having heartburns by envying what other have.

Generally speaking, thanklessness in the Qur’an and Sunnah, means: Failing to recognize, appreciate, or use Allah’s blessings properly—whether by denial, arrogance, complaint, or misuse. Though, it is not always outright disbelief; it can be a spiritual attitude toward نعمة (blessing).

When comparison becomes thanklessness

Let us reflect on some of the factors which turn gratitude into thanklessness:

• Discontent with what Allah gave you This is a common feeling that hits most of us in form or the other. Such discontentment arises when we start to feel “Why don’t I have this?” or “This isn’t enough.” This contradicts gratitude.
• Denying or ignoring blessings
• Surah An-Nahl (16:83): “They recognize the favor of Allah, then deny it; and most of them are ungrateful.”
• This means that they know blessings come from Allah - yet behave as if they don’t.
• Focusing on others instead of your blessings
• Allah says in Surah An-Nahl (16:18): “If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you could not…”
• That is comparison makes Ignore what you already have.
• Focusing only on what’s missing
• It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ warned about people who are ungrateful for kindness (especially in close relationships)
• That is Remembering negatives and Forgetting positives
• Complaining and ingratitude
• Surah Al-Adiyat (100:6): “Indeed, man is ungrateful to his Lord.”
• This leads to Constant dissatisfaction - and Forgetting blessings quickly
• Resentment toward Allah’s distribution
• It is said in Al Qur'an: “Do not wish for what Allah has given some over others…”  Surah An-Nisa (4:32)
• This shows that objecting internally to Allah’s wisdom which is a form of spiritual ingratitude
• Envy (Hasad) This state of mind gets activated when one is wanting the blessing removed from others - This is clearly a major spiritual disease.
• Love of wealth leading to ingratitude
• It is mentioned in Sahih Muslim that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cautioned that “If the son of Adam had a valley of gold, he would want another…”
• That is man has endless desires which cannot be fulfilled and instead of being thankful for what one has, one is always vying for more.
• This means that Endless desires kill gratitude

Deeper Insight

Let us see how scholars explain this diseased state of mind that usually creeps into many of us and makes our lives miserable. The crux of the problem or discontentment and thanklessness is not comparison itself—  It is Attachment to dunya which give rise to such discontented feelings and let us envy others. That is when the heart is attached to Wealth and Status.

This unreal comparison thus give rise to unnecessary heartburns, pains and endless agony

What does thanklessness lead to?

• Shifts Focus to Lack: Comparison traps you into focusing only on what someone else has that you do not.
• Stirs Dissatisfaction: Rather than bringing appreciation, looking at others' lives stirs up envy, entitlement, and dissatisfaction.
• Creates a "False" Reality: People often compare their behind-the-scenes life with someone else's highlight reel, forgetting that every person has unique challenges.
• Blinds to Personal Blessings: It makes people take their own blessings for granted—things like health, family, or safety, which others may be praying for. 

The Consequences of being Thanklessness

• Discontentment: Comparison fuels the "grass is greener" mentality, leading to a failure to appreciate one's current circumstances.
• Spiritual/Emotional Debt: Thanklessness is often seen as a symptom of self-centeredness or pride, where a person fails to recognize that what they have is a gift.
• Reduced Joy: It actively steals joy and fosters a bitter, complaining spirit.

Modern Reality

Although thanklessness has been embodied in man since ages, the environment around us has multiplied this menace because of easy access to social media, career competition and lifestyle exposure. Resultantly, people feel poor, even though they are not. This is exactly Practical thanklessness.

We must learn how to be grateful, rather than thankless. Sometimes we fail to count our blessings being overshadowed by success and blessings of others. A man looking hale and hearty, wealthy and successful outwardly may have health and family problems which we may not be having. Wealth is only wordily - but true gratitude comes when one lives for a life in the hereafter.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q & A for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

| Photo | Resource reference: A Personal reflection

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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How does Al-Qurʾān guide us to build a strong character framework

Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. It refers to the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing. Character generally defines the moral or ethical qualities of a man, thus make him to be called as a man of honorable character.

While Al-Qurʾān lays down a broader framework of humanity, it addresses all matters that improve the quality of man by defining his character, making him a useful entity of the community and make him stand out from other who prefer building up a reputation by any means to look noble and respectful, no matter what he hides behind his masquerade.

With this premise in view, we share ayat / verses from Surah Al Qalam (The Pen) which form the basis of a framework for the true character of a believer.

The Character Framework from Surah Al-Qalam

We can derive 5 core traits to build a strong character. In one of our next posts we would mention 5 traits that eliminate or tarnish the image of a man and ultimately his character.

• Build: Strong Inner Identity (Not Dependent on People)
• When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was mocked and attempts were made by them for his character assassination, Allah reassures Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that “You are not mad… you are upon great character.” (68:2–4)
• That is the  Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reassured that his identity comes from Allah’s معيار (standard) - and not from Public opinion, Criticism and Lay by validation., not simple labels.
• Therefore one must define oneself by Values and Principles.
• In order to be man of true and honest character, one should let social media, workplace, or society define your worth.
• Build: Exceptional Character (Akhlaqt)
• (68:4) "and you are certainly on the most exalted standard of moral excellence."
• Why it is being said is that Character is the highest form of Da'wah (inviting others to one's faith)
• Thus a strong and good character is reflected in consistency, Integrity, and اخلاق under pressure.
• Practically speaking, controlling one's anger under odds (as did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when being rebuked and restrained his anger not to further intimidate his opponents) and still holding on to his honesty and treating even his staunch.
• One must always be honest to himself and others, specially in difficult times because in such times men try to indulge into conduct unbecoming.
• Treating people well is one of the best character trait of a believer. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never treated people harshly and was always a helping hand, even to his enemies. This helped The Prophet ﷺ won hearts before arguments.
• Build: Independence from Corrupt Influence
• In verses 8-13 of the surah, the theme is Not to obey the deniers.
• People who are Slanderer, Backbiter, Preventer of good and Aggressive sinner should always be avoided for while being in company of such people, one tends to adopt their bad habits which tarnish his good character. 
• Remember: Your environment shapes your character
• So what to do? Don’t follow: Toxic leaders, Corrupt systems, and Peer pressure
• Learn to say “no” with conviction
• Build: Gratitude and Awareness in Blessings
• The Story of أصحاب الجنة (68:17–33) tells us a great lesson. 
• Remember: Wealth is a test of gratitude - while Ingratitude leads to loss
• Therefore always say: “In shā’ Allah” (recognize Allah’s will)
• Give charity regularly which is a means of acknowledging blessings.
• Never ever assume that success is self-made - it is a blessing from Allah. So do not be arrogant of your success, rather inculcate humility and gratitude for success, for it could be taken away if one is not grateful.
• Build: Accountability Mindset
• It said (68:35–36) → “Will We treat Muslims like criminals?”
• This means that Life is not random and Justice will happen.
• Therefore, think long-term and prefer آخِرَة (Hereafter) over dunya (wordily life)
• Before doing anything, ask: “How will this look before Allah?”

When one incorporates these traits in himself, he is sure to reform himself and would always prefer his character over his reputation, for a strong character is more enduring as it comes from within than the reputation which is always short lived and is always dependent on external factors which are borrowed to please others, and not oneself - what to talk of our Creator. 

Core Takeaway

Remember, True success is not: Wealth, Status, or Approval by others, Rather it is the Strong character rooted in awareness of Allah.

In time we will add more selected ayat / verses from this surah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Surah 68 Al Qalam (The Pen)  already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For verses on Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Believers! Do not let love for people override obedience to Allah

Nature has provided man immense means of sustenance. These fulfill our daily needs and even taste and there are substitutes available in abundance in case one doesn't suit our taste. Yet despite the abundant availability, there are few eatables that are forbidden by Allah for He alone knows what wisdom lies behind such restrictions and prohibitions. 

For example, pork is not only made unlawful in other Divine religions, but in Islam too. We share herein under quote a verse from Al-Qurʾān Sürah al-Naḥl (The Honey Bee) verse 115:

اِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيۡكُمُ الۡمَيۡتَةَ وَ الدَّمَ وَلَحۡمَ الۡخِنۡزِيۡرِ وَمَاۤ اُهِلَّ لِغَيۡرِ اللّٰهِ بِهٖ​ۚ فَمَنِ اضۡطُرَّ غَيۡرَ بَاغٍ وَّلَا عَادٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِيۡمٌ‏ 

(16:115) Allah has forbidden you only carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine; also any animal over which the name of any other than Allah has been pronounced. But whoever eats of them under compelling necessity - neither desiring it nor exceeding the limit of absolute necessity - surely for such action Allah is Much Forgiving, Most Merciful.

* Read details in our earlier post: Why eyebrows are raised when Muslims label some food as Halāl (Lawful) and Harām (Unlawful) 

Other than these eatables mentioned above, rest all crops, fruits and their derivatives like honey and oil are made Halal (permissible) for Muslims. Yet some believers make certain Halal things Haram over them in order to appease someone, even one's family. We share herein under the very first verse from Surah At-Taḥrīm التحريم (The Prohibition) in which even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ under a peculiar situation vowed not to take honey to appease his wives and was instantly admonished by Allah for never making a Halal thing Haram, thus overrising obedience of Allah over love of people.

Let us read the verse below and then its explanation with reference to context and its implications for us today.

The Verse:

يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّبِىُّ لِمَ تُحَرِّمُ مَاۤ اَحَلَّ اللّٰهُ لَـكَ​ۚ تَبۡتَغِىۡ مَرۡضَاتَ اَزۡوَاجِكَ​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِيۡمٌ‏ 

(66:1) O Prophet, why do you forbid what Allah has made lawful for you? Is it to please your wives? Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Compassionate.

Sürah At-Tahrīm (66:1) is a powerful and deeply personal verse addressed to the Prophet ﷺ, yet it carries universal guidance.

Context of Revelation (Asbāb al-Nuzūl)

Classical scholars (like Ibn Kathīr and others) mention two closely related reports explaining this verse:

• The Honey Incident
• The Prophet ﷺ used to visit his wife Zaynab bint Jahsh, where he would drink honey. Some of his other wives (notably Aisha bint Abi Bakr and Hafsa bint Umar) felt a bit of natural jealousy and agreed to say that his breath had an unpleasant smell (maghāfīr).
• Out of consideration, the Prophet ﷺ said he would stop drinking honey—making something lawful effectively “forbidden” upon himself.
• The Incident of Māriyah Another narration relates to Māriyah al-Qibtiyya, where the Prophet ﷺ, to please one of his wives, vowed to abstain from her.

The detail of these incidents have been highlighted in detail which can be read from our earlier post on the Exegesis / Tafsir of Sürah At-Tahrīm. Herein under we only explain the Divine commandment of admonishment for making Halal things Haram.

Key Insight on Context

Regardless of which specific incident is preferred, the core issue is the same: The Prophet ﷺ restricted something Allah made lawful, out of a noble intention—to please his family, thus overriding obedience to Allah.

Core Message of the Verse

• Even Good Intentions Have Limits
• The Prophet ﷺ acted out of kindness and sensitivity. But Allah corrected him: "You cannot declare something unlawful, even for emotional or relational reasons, that Allah has made lawful.
• This shows: Divine law is above personal compromise.
• Balance Between Relationships and Principles Although Islam acknowledges Love, Emotional sensitivity, and Family harmony, yet it sets a boundary: Do not compromise what Allah has permitted or commanded to please people
• Allah’s Gentle Correction 
• Notice the tone for it does not harshly condemn the act for it ends with “Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” That is the act is disliked, yet Allah is forgiving and merciful.
• This teaches: Even the best of people can make small judgment errors—and Allah corrects with mercy.
• That is, although the act of making a lawful thing unlawful only in order to please your wives was an act unbecoming of your high and responsible office, yet it was no sin, which might have entailed a punishment. Therefore, Allah has only pointed it out to you and corrected it, and has forgiven you for this error.

Implications for Us Today

• Don’t Make Halal into Haram
• A very common mistake most of us still make by declaring permissible things as “bad” or “sinful” without evidence - that is cultural or emotional biases overriding Sharīʿah.
• Example: Forbidding yourself (or others) from lawful things out of guilt, pressure, or image
• Avoid People-Pleasing at the Cost of Truth
• This verse directly addresses a subtle weakness: Living to please people instead of pleasing Allah
• Today this appears as: (1) Compromising religious values for social acceptance, (2) Altering truth to avoid conflict, and (3) Suppressing what is right to maintain relationships.
• This is specially true for Muslims living in non Muslim countries who make many a compromises so as not to look "fundamentalist" to the non Muslim community. for example not observing Hijab in order to be singled out or observing religious matters openly.
• Emotional Intelligence with Boundaries Islam does not reject sensitivity like The Prophet ﷺ caring deeply about his wives’ feelings. But kindness must not override divine guidance
• Self-Imposed Restrictions in Religion 
• This verse warns against unnecessary strictness like Inventing personal rules and treating them like religion, making life harder than Allah intended.
• This connects with a broader principle: Islam is a religion of balance—not self-imposed hardship.

A Deeper Spiritual Reflection

This verse exposes a hidden spiritual test and asks: Whose approval matters most in your life?  The People?, Family?, Society?, or Allah?

Even the Prophet ﷺ was gently reminded: Do not let love for people subtly override obedience to Allah.

That is not eating pork or drinking is not something that one should be ashamed of in societies where these are allowed and eaten and drink openly. These can be avoided by polite rejection with no discussions or arguments.

One-Line Takeaway: “Never compromise what Allah has made lawful or true in order to please others—even with the best intentions.”

The reproach in the verse above is mild but effective. It is not proper for a believer to prohibit himself something that God has made lawful. The Prophet had not imposed a legal prohibition on himself - he only decided to refrain. This gentle reproach makes it clear that it is not right to deliberately deprive oneself of what God has made lawful in order to appease someone else. The comment at the end of the verse is: 'God is much-forgiving, ever merciful,' suggests that such deliberate action would require questioning unless it was overlooked by an act of God's forgiveness and grace.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Islam - frequently asked Q & A for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān. 

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Why man has been made responsible to save his family from chastisement of Hell Fire

In Islam, family is the most sacred relationship between man and woman and in this a man’s role in the family is not about authority for its own sake, rather it is a trust (amānah) given to him to take care his family while responsibility of every facet of family life with justice and compassion. That is why the man will be asked on the day of Judgement if he had failed to prepare his family for their final abode.

With this premise in view, let us share the 6th verse of Surah 66 At-Tahrīm (The Prohibition) of Al Qur'an which makes man responsible  to save his family from the chastisement of Hell fire. 

The Verse

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا قُوۡۤا اَنۡفُسَكُمۡ وَاَهۡلِيۡكُمۡ نَارًا وَّقُوۡدُهَا النَّاسُ وَالۡحِجَارَةُ عَلَيۡهَا مَلٰٓـئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعۡصُوۡنَ اللّٰهَ مَاۤ اَمَرَهُمۡ وَيَفۡعَلُوۡنَ مَا يُؤۡمَرُوۡنَ‏ 

“O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over it are angels, harsh and severe, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.”

Let us unpack this verse and see why and how a man can protect his family from the fire of hell

What Is This Verse About?

This verse from Surah At-Tahrīm is a direct command to believers to take responsibility for saving ownself and their families from Hellfire. It is not just about personal faith—it expands responsibility to family, upbringing, and moral guidance. Which means that a man is not only responsible to provide means of sustenance, shelter and other daily needs of his family, but also to ensure his family remains on a path as described in Al Qur'an so that they do not transgress the limits and fall into the trap of the Satan and actin ways that may prepare them for Divine wrath in the life of the hereafter.

Core Message in One Line

Faith is not only personal—it is a responsibility to guide and protect your family spiritually.

Key Themes of the Verse

• Personal Responsibility Comes First
• The verse begins with: “Protect yourselves…” That means before guiding others, a person must correct his own actions and strengthen his own faith.
• You cannot guide others if you are neglecting yourself.
• Responsibility Toward Family
• Then it says: “…and your families…”
• This includes: (1) Teaching them right and wrong, (2) Nurturing faith, and (3) Protecting them from harmful influences
• Classical scholars explain: “Teach them and discipline them.”
• Ibn Kathir highlights that a Muslim must not only avoid sin themselves but also ensure their wives and children are educated in matters of faith and righteousness to save them from Hell.
• The Seriousness of the Hereafter The verse describes Hell as: “a Fire whose fuel is people and stones” This powerful imagery shows: Hell is real and severe and that consequences are not symbolic—they are serious and ultimate

Angels of Discipline 

• “over it are angels, harsh and severe…” That is these angels do not show disobedience and carry out Allah’s commands perfectly
• This shows that the system of justice in the Hereafter is absolute and uncompromising.

Why man has been made responsible 

In Islam, a man has been made responsible for his family. Once a man is married, he is not to have children born to him, rather the entire responsibility of their rearing, grooming and sustenance falls on him alone. While he endeavours to provide them every essential needs of daily lives, he is also responsible for their spiritual grooming. Any weakness or slackness on the part of the spiritual grooming can lead his children fall into the fold of the evil and their return to true faith may become difficult for them. And the fathomless life in sins can mean inviting the Divine annoyance and ending up in the chastisement of Hell Fire. That is why man as the head of the family is given this responsibility and train them on true faith so that their destiny is heavens - not hell.

What Does “Protect Your Family” Practically Mean?

It does not mean forcing or controlling harshly. Rather, it includes:

• Teaching: 
• Teaching Qur’an and basic beliefs like explaining halal and haram
• This verse emphasizes educating family members in Islamic etiquette, encouraging obedience, and forbidding evil as a method of saving them from the afterlife punishment, ensuring they are not among those who fuel the fire.
• Role Modeling: Mere teaching is not enough for children learn more from actions than words. This means not mere lecturing and advising. Rather this means that a man himself should be a role model for his family. He doesn't have to tell them anything - they should learn from his character and his deeds.
• Creating a Faith Environment: 
• Actions speak louder than words. For example one doesn't have to tell children to offer prayers. By offering prayer in the home, children also learn to follow the suit and start offering prayers. I for myself never asked my children to pray - they saw me doing it regularly so they started offering prayers on their own.
• Also remembrance of Allah often and initiating moral discussions can involve the entire family in learning more about Allah and the faith. The moral discussions are source of inspiration and education for the children,
• Gentle Guidance: Teaching should never be based on fear or reprimands. The guidance be taught with gentleness and every harsh means be avoided as fear of punishment makes learning difficult and does not permeate teaching into hearts. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used wisdom, patience, and compassion in guiding his family.

Deep Psychological Insight of the verse

This verse recognizes something profound:

• People are shaped most by their closest environment (family): Nurturing faith leads to spiritual growth of individuals - while neglecting faith makes individuals drift away from the righteous path.
• Connection with Other Qur’anic Teachings: This verse aligns with broader Qur’anic principles:
• Every soul is responsible (no blind following)
• But leaders/parents have greater accountability
• Balance to Understand Correctly: 
• This verse should NOT be misunderstood as harsh control or coercion,
• Instead, it is about: Care, responsibility, and guidance with wisdom
• A Powerful Reflection: On the Day of Judgment, one of the hardest questions could be: “Did you try to guide those under your care?” 

In essence: This verse tells that a person’s responsibility is not confined to making effort to save himself from the punishment of God but it is also his responsibility that he should so educate and also train to the best of his ability members of his family to become Allah’s favorite servants, who have been entrusted to his care in the natural process of life; and if they might be following a path to Hell, he should try, as much as he can, to correct them. His concern should not only be that his children should lead a happy and prosperous life in the world but, more than that, he should be anxious to see that they do not become fuel of Hell in the Hereafter. According to a tradition reported in Bukhari by Abdullah bin Umar, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Each one of you is a herdsman and is accountable with regard to his herd. The ruler is a herdsman and is accountable with regard to his subjects. The man is a herdsman of his family and is accountable with regard to them. And the woman is a herdsman of her husband’s house and his children and is accountable with regard to them.

This verse thus reminds us that success is not just personal salvation, but also caring for the spiritual well-being of those we love. It teaches that true faith means taking responsibility—not only for yourself, but for guiding and protecting your family from spiritual harm, with wisdom, sincerity, and care.

So let us groom our family in a gentle and caring atmosphere so that the entire family is attracted towards our faith intrinsically and spiritually, rather than resorting to means that make others apparently learn under fear which seldom leaves permanent imprints on ones heart.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 66. At-Taḥrīm (The Prohibition)  already published. You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For verses on Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

The Great Connection between Patience (ṣabr) and Gratitude (shukr) in Islam

If someone asks me what are the two qualities of a true believer, I would not hesitate to say: Patience and Gratitude. It is these two virtues of the character of the believer which refines his faith and trust in the Creator of the universe. In fact the the entire life of a believer revolves around these two qualities: patience (ṣabr صبر) and gratitude (shukr شكر). If we look back these two were the very qualities of every prophet and messenger of Allah. In Islam, Sabr (patience) and Shukr (gratitude) are deeply interconnected, foundational pillars of faith, often described as the "two wings" of a believer or two sides of the same coin. They represent a comprehensive framework for navigating all of life's circumstances—hardship and ease—with faith and spiritual balance. 

This means every situation in life becomes spiritually beneficial for a believer. So let us try to establish a correlation between these two wings of a believer and find a deeper meaning and connection between Patience and Gratitude.

Before we try to establish a correlation between Sabr and Shukr, let us in simple words define both these terminotics:

Ṣabr (patience) is an active state of steadfastness, self-restraint, and reliance on God rather than passive resignation. It involves controlling one's soul, tongue, and actions during trials, avoiding complaints, and maintaining consistency in doing good. Far from being a sign of weakness, it is considered a powerful spiritual virtue that enables a person to endure hardship while remaining faithful to divine commands, ultimately leading to immense reward.

Gratitude (Shukr شكر) denotes thankfulness, gratitude or acknowledgment by humans, being a highly esteemed virtue in Islam. The term may also be used if the subject is God, in which case it takes the meaning of "divine responsiveness".

Why Life Requires Both Patience and Gratitude

Human life constantly moves between two conditions:

• Times of Ease and Gratitude: Good health, success, family and means of sustenance/provision. In these moments the believer shows shukr (gratitude).
• Times of Difficulty: In times of difficulty we need to exhibit extreme sense of patience. When one is faces with setbacks, illness, deprivation of health and wealth, injustice and failures, the believer practices ṣabr (patience).

Since life always alternates between these two states, the believer is always spiritually growing.

The Qur’anic Connection Between Patience and Gratitude

The Qur'an repeatedly pairs these two qualities. For example the 5th verse of Surah Ibrahim, it is said: “Indeed in that are signs for every patient and grateful person.” This verse teaches that people truly understand Allah’s signs when they possess both patience and gratitude.

Patience Protects Faith During Hardship

There are two ways to confront hardships - being impatient and take erratic decisions for which one is always regretful Hardships can easily lead to: rise in anger, despair and loss of faith But if one exhibits extreme level of patience, this keeps the believer connected to Allah and is always blessed Divinely to ease one's sufferings.

Here we can quote the powerful example is the life of Prophet Ayyub. He endured severe illness, loss of wealth, loss of family. He fell ill to an extent that his entire body was blistered and incurable. Yet he remained patient and continued worshipping Allah. Eventually Allah restored his health and blessings.

His story teaches that patience during suffering leads to divine mercy.

Gratitude Protects the Heart During Blessings

For believers with strong faith, blessings bring good tidings, humility and perseverance. But for other with weak faith, blessings can also be dangerous because they can lead to arrogance, pride, forgetting Allah. This failure in test of being blessed often leads to failures and deprivations for Allah does not like the ungrateful and the arrogant.

Mostly people forget that gratitude protects a person from these spiritual diseases. For example, when Prophet Sulaiman received immense power and wealth, he said: “This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful.” (27:40). Instead of being boastful of his strength and dominance over both humans/jinns and animals, for he understood that blessings are also a test.

There are three conditions to a proper and complete praise of God: 1) To know God as the Giver of bounties, 2) To be pleased and satisfied with what He has given you, and 3) Not to use His bounty in the way of His disobedience.

It is quoted in Sahi Bukhari that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "should I not be a thankful slave."

The Perfect Example of Prophet Yusuf for displaying both Patience and Gratitude

The life of Prophet Yusuf perfectly combines patience and gratitude.

• During hardship he showed patience when right from his early life when he was abandoned by his brothers and thrown into a well, recovered by a passing caravan but sold into slavery. For a sin he never committed he was imprisoned unjustly where he endured hardship along with hardened criminals. Yet instead of repenting, he reflected on his life and connected to Allah trying to understand the meaning of test he was put in and improved his wisdom.
• During success when he became a powerful leader in Egypt, he remained grateful and humble. He later said: “Indeed whoever fears Allah and is patient, Allah does not waste the reward of those who do good.” (12:90) His life proves that patience leads to honor and gratitude preserves it.

A Deep Spiritual Insight from Scholars

Muslim scholars often deduce form their research of Qur'an, Sunnah and anecdotes of previous prophets and ungrateful people that Faith is built on two halves: Half patience and Half gratitude. Do you wonder Why?

Because patience helps you endure what you dislike, and gratitude helps you properly use what you love. Together they keep a believer balanced in every situation.

Practical Ways to Practice Both Daily

When something good happens, that is after success, after receiving good news, and after completing a task, always remember to immediately say Alhamdulillah and remember Allah. 

But when something difficult happens, always say: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un” (Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him we return)

Then remind yourself that hardship may contain hidden wisdom. The life of Prophet Yusuf is an example who struggled through hardships and extraordinary circumstances. Yet he remained patient and grateful for whatever he was going through taking as a test, not as punishment.

The Result of exercising Patience and Gratitude

A person who practices patience and gratitude develops inner peace, emotional stability, resilience in hardship, humility in success and deep trust in Allah. Such a person becomes spiritually unshakable, because every situation brings them closer to Allah.

Remember, a true believer lives between two states (1) Patience in difficulty (2) Gratitude in blessings throughout his life. This transforms the entire journey of life into a path toward closeness with Allah. Let us try to exercise patience in hardship and gratitude in good times. Patience if hardship is more rewarding than being grateful in good times because the test of believer comes when despite difficulties, rejection, dejection, and injustice, takes the bad and hard times as a test and not as a burden and he never lets go of his patient self. Likewise in good times, he is more humble and thankful for he knows arrogance and ungratefulness can rob his good time, for it is also a test.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | Resource References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | Sahi Bukhari |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More