Gratitude (shukr) is one of the most beautiful forms of worship in Islam. It involves recognizing the countless blessings of Allah with the heart, expressing thanks with the tongue, and showing appreciation through righteous deeds.
Allah says:
فَٱذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ
"So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me."
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152)
And He promises:
لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ
"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]..."
— Surah Ibrahim (14:7)
The Prophet ﷺ was the most grateful of servants. Though his sins were forgiven, he would pray long into the night. When asked why, he replied:
"أَفَلَا أَكُونُ عَبْدًا شَكُورًا؟"
"Should I not be a grateful servant?"
— Sahih al-Bukhari (1130)
Abu Bakr (RA) used to cry out of gratitude during prayers. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) would say, "If all of creation were grateful except me, I would still fear being ungrateful."
True gratitude uplifts the soul, draws blessings, and strengthens one's relationship with Allah.