Contemplate and Be Thankful

Remember the favours of Allah upon you and how they surround you from above and below - indeed, from every direction.

"And if you would count the graces of Allah, never could you be able to count them." [Al-Qur'an 14:34]

Health, safety, nourishment, clothing, air, and water - these all point to the world being yours, yet you do not realize it. You possess all that life has to offer, yet remain ignorant.

"He has completed and perfected His Graces upon you, [both] apparent [i.e. Islamic Monotheism, and the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks, etc.] and hidden [i.e. one's faith in Allah, guidance for doing righteous deeds and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc.]." [Al-Qur'an 31:20]

You have at your disposal two eyes, a tongue, lips, two hands, and two legs.

"Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both [Jinn and men] deny?" [Al-Qur'an 55:13]

Can you picture yourself walking without feet? Should you take it lightly that you slumber soundly while misery hinders the sleep of many? Should you forget that you fill yourself with both delicious dishes and cool water while the pleasure of good food and drink is impossible for some, due to sickness and disease? Consider those faculties of hearing and seeing with which you have been endowed. Look at your healthy skin and be grateful that you have been saved from diseases that attack it. Reflect on your powers of reasoning and remember those that suffer from mental ailments.

Would you sell your ability to hear and see for the weight of Mount Uhud in gold, or your ability to speak for huge castles? You have been given abundant favours, yet you feign ignorance. Notwithstanding warm bread, cool water, easy sleep, and good health, you remain despondent and depressed. You think about what you do not have and are ungrateful for what you have been given. You are troubled by a loss in wealth, yet you have the key to happiness and many blessings. Contemplate and be thankful.

"And also in your ownselves [are signs], will you not then see?" [Al-Qur'an 51:21]

Reflect upon yourself, your family, your friends, and the entire world that is around you.

"They recognize the grace of Allah, yet they deny it." [Al-Qur'an 16:83]

Don't Be Sad, translated by Faisal ibn Muhammad, © 2002 IIPH