Shukur is an Arabic word which is used to express gratitude, glory, praise or gratitude towards Almighty Allah (the creator) or His creation either through words, actions or both. According to Islamic practices, Muslims are instructed to do two things which constitute a different concept of gratitude. These two things include Sabr (patience) and Shukur (gratitude or thankfulness) to be observed in all times. Muslims are instructed to observe patience (Sabr) in any situation with a trust upon Almighty Allah (Allah) that He never burdens His believers with something they cannot bear (Al-Baqarah). He also never puts the believers in a test or trial which one cannot undergo as Almighty Allah is never unjust in the least degree (Al-Nisaa). This is also among the core beliefs of Muslims that any test/trial diminishes or lessens the sins only if a believer shows patience (Sabr) and gratitude (Shukur) on such trials (Al-Imran). A question arises here that why Allah being so just and loving puts His beloveds in a test/trial? This is also addressed through Islamic teachings that the pain and sufferings of hereafter is manifold to an extent that a human cannot imagine (Al-Anfal). Therefore, a Muslims should always be thankful to Almighty Allah and should consider it as a blessing too that as a result of his patience (Sabr), his Lord has saved him from magnified punishment in life after death. The second important thing is to observe gratitude and thankfulness (Shukur) in every situation as the above point serves as a basic pillar to Shukur itself. These beliefs contribute in developing the traits of patience and thankfulness among Muslims as they have to follow all these commandments in each aspect of life including workplace.
“Humbleness (submissiveness) before Almighty Allah, Feel benevolence and love for Almighty Allah, To admit that all blessings and bounties are from Him, To praise, admire and acknowledge all blessings without complaining and to abstain oneself in using his blessings and bounties in a manner He dislikes are the features of Shukur. A Muslim abides by every commandment from Almighty Allah and achieves a total conformity with Shariah (jurisprudence) as an acknowledgement of Almighty Allah’s blessings”.
A Muslim understands and believes the true meaning of gratitude by recognizing the benefactor (the creator). He not only understands but compliments of his benefactor through his words and actions but as recompense to each blessing by Allah. Humbleness (submissiveness) before Almighty Allah, Feel benevolence and love for Almighty Allah, To admit that all blessings and bounties are from Him, To praise, admire and acknowledge all blessings without complaining and to abstain oneself in using his blessings and bounties in a manner He dislikes are the features of Shukur. A Muslim abides by every commandment from Almighty Allah and achieves a total conformity with Shariah (jurisprudence) as an acknowledgement of Almighty Allah’s blessings.
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