The lost art of shukr: reviving true gratitude in our lives

By Yusuf Ali Bulafu
There are laws we formulate by observing what Allah has been doing throughout time. These laws are not a limitation on Allah Himself, for He is not literally bound by the natural laws of the universe such as the sun rising from the east, the laws of thermodynamics, or the principles of flotation. For example, He will cause the sun to rise from the west in the end of times, He suspended the laws of thermodynamics to save Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from the fire, and He enabled righteous slaves of His to walk on water without sinking.
Rather, Allah is bound by the rules and promises He sets for Himself. For instance, in a hadith Qudsi, Allah says that He has made oppression (dhulm) haram upon Himself, and that He does not oppress anyone. Another promise that binds Him is His declaration: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you” (Qur’an 14:7). However, when we look at our communities today, where people say “Alhamdulillah” over 100 times a day, we seem not to necessarily see the increase promised by Allah. Could this imply that Allah (God forbid) did not fulfill His promise? Certainly not. The fault, then, must lie in our understanding and practice of gratitude.
True gratitude in Islam goes far beyond verbal acknowledgment. Saying “Alhamdulillah” is essential, but it is only the starting point. Real gratitude (shukr) requires us to actively use the bounties that Allah has given us in ways that benefit others, ourselves and fulfill Allah’s divine purpose. There is a universal principle that applies in this line too: “Whatever you don’t use, you lose.” This rule applies to both the physical and spiritual blessings we receive from Allah.
One of the clearest and most relatable examples of gratitude is how we use our bodies. Just as a new car that has been assembled but left unused for months requires servicing before it can run smoothly again,
our bodies also need regular movement to remain healthy.
This is vividly demonstrated in the field of physiotherapy, where regular movement and exercise are crucial to maintaining strength and mobility. After a period of inactivity—whether due to illness, injury, or even just a sedentary lifestyle—the body requires deliberate rehabilitation to regain its functionality.
A striking example from the Qur’an also reinforces this principle. In the story of the People of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf), Allah preserved a group of young men who sought refuge in a cave, allowing them to sleep for 309 years. The Qur’an describes how Allah turned them from side to side, preventing their bodies from deteriorating during this long sleep: “And you would think them awake, while they were asleep. And We turned them to the right and to the left…” (Qur’an 18:18)

This verse illustrates that even while in a state of miraculous sleep, their bodies had to be moved to prevent the negative effects of long-term inactivity.
The blessing of time: a resource that must be used
Another profound example of Allah’s bounties is time. Time is one of the most valuable resources we possess, yet it is often wasted. Allah reminds us of the value of time in Surah Al-‘Asr: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Qur’an 103:1-3)
If time is not used wisely, it results in loss. Time, like muscles, must be used or it will be lost. Every moment that passes is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah through worship, learning, or good deeds. If we waste our time, we are not showing true gratitude for this incredible gift, and we will be held accountable
for it on the Day of Judgment.
Time, once lost, cannot be regained. Knowledge: a blessing to be acted upon
Knowledge is another precious gift from Allah, and true gratitude for knowledge means using it to benefit ourselves and others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best of you is the one who studies the Quran and teaches it” (Tirmidhi)
If we possess knowledge, be it of religion, science, or any other beneficial field, and we fail to use it, it becomes a burden rather than a blessing. The Qur’an compares those who possess knowledge without acting upon it to donkeys carrying heavy loads of books without understanding them: “The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books].” (Qur’an 62:5)
Wealth: spending in the path of Allah
Wealth is another form of bounty, and just like health and time, it must be used to show gratitude. Islam teaches that wealth is a trust from Allah, and we are accountable for how we earn, spend, and manage it. Spending wealth in charity and good causes is one of the greatest forms of gratitude. The Qur’an emphasizes this responsibility: “Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.” (Qur’an 57:7)
Gratitude for wealth does not mean hoarding or spending it frivolously. It means using it to help others, support one’s family, and contribute to the betterment of society.
To be continued …