In the journey of life, every individual experiences moments of joy, hardship, uncertainty, and triumph. No one is immune to the ups and downs that come with existence. However, what truly defines a person’s outlook on life is their ability to remain grateful in times of ease and submissive in times of difficulty. In Islam, these two qualities.Gratitude (shukr) and submission (tawakkul), serve as pillars of faith that transform a believer’s perspective, leading to contentment, resilience, and a deep connection with Allah.
Gratitude in Islam is not just about saying "Alhamdulillah" (All praise be to Allah) when things go well; it is a way of life. It is about recognizing that every blessing whether big or small is a gift from Allah and that acknowledging these blessings leads to even greater rewards. Allah beautifully emphasizes this in the Qur'an:
لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ
"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]. But if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe." (Qur'an 14:7)
This verse highlights a profound reality: gratitude invites more blessings, while ingratitude leads to loss. The simple act of appreciating what we have, our health, family, food, shelter, and even the ability to breathe creates a positive shift in our lives. It transforms our mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance, helping us to find joy even in the smallest things.
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are caught in the cycle of chasing more money, more success, more recognition often forgetting to appreciate what they already have. This constant pursuit of "more" can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety. However, when a person practices gratitude, they focus on the present moment, appreciating what they have instead of worrying about what they lack.
Imagine two people facing the same situation—both receive a salary increase. One person complains that it's not enough, while the other is grateful and sees it as a blessing, no matter how small. The grateful person enjoys peace of mind, while the ungrateful one continues to feel restless. This is the difference gratitude makes. It doesn’t change our circumstances, it changes how we perceive them.
Submission: Trusting Allah’s Plan
While gratitude helps us appreciate the good times, submission to Allah’s will (tawakkul) gives us strength during hardships. Life is unpredictable, and no one can escape its trials. However, Islam teaches that true peace comes when we fully trust in Allah’s wisdom and decree. Allah reminds us in the Qur'an:
وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلًا
"And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs." (Qur'an 33:3)
Submission does not mean passively waiting for things to happen. It means doing our best while trusting that Allah will take care of the rest. It is about understanding that not every closed door is a failure, and not every delay is a denial. Sometimes, what we see as a setback is actually a setup for something greater.
Consider the story of a person who loses a job. At first, they may feel devastated, questioning why Allah allowed this to happen. However, with time, they might find a better opportunity, one they would never have considered if they had stayed in their previous role. This is submission believing that Allah’s plan is always better than our own, even when we don’t understand it at the moment.
Many people today struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression due to uncertainty about the future. They constantly worry about their careers, relationships, finances, and health. However, when a person truly submits to Allah, they experience a sense of relief and freedom. They stop worrying excessively because they know that Allah is in control.
The Power of Gratitude and Submission Together
Gratitude and submission are not separate; they complement each other. When life is good, gratitude keeps us humble and mindful of Allah’s blessings. When life is tough, submission gives us the patience and faith to keep going.
A person who combines gratitude and submission finds peace in every situation:
If they receive a blessing, they say Alhamdulillah and enjoy it with gratitude.
If they face hardship, they say Alhamdulillah and trust that Allah has a reason for it.
This mindset is what makes believers strong. It allows them to face life with courage, knowing that everything good or bad is part of Allah’s divine plan.
How to Cultivate Gratitude and Submission in Daily Life
Daily Reflection: Take a few moments each day to reflect on your blessings. Even the ability to wake up healthy is a gift from Allah.
Consistent Prayer: Salah (prayer) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) strengthen our trust in Him and remind us to be thankful.
Supplication (Dua): Ask Allah to help you develop a grateful and submissive heart. Dua itself is an act of submission acknowledging that we need Allah in every aspect of life.
Charity and Helping Others: One of the best ways to show gratitude is by giving back. Helping others not only benefits them but also increases our own sense of fulfillment.
Patience in Hardships: When facing difficulties, remind yourself of Allah’s promise that after hardship comes ease (Qur'an 94:6). Trust that your struggle has a purpose.
In conclusion, gratitude and submission are more than just religious teachings; they are a mindset and a way of life. They help us navigate life’s uncertainties with peace and contentment, ensuring that no matter what happens, we remain connected to Allah.
By embracing gratitude, we focus on what we have instead of what we lack. By embracing submission, we let go of anxiety and trust that Allah’s plan is always better. Together, these two qualities lead to a life of happiness, resilience, and ultimate success in this world and the Hereafter.
May Allah make us among those who are always grateful and fully submissive to His will. Ameen.