Whoever Does Not Thank People Has Not Thanked Allah

Gratitude is a universal human expression. Across cultures, religions, and civilizations, people have long recognized the importance of acknowledging kindness and expressing appreciation. Yet, in Islam, gratitude is not merely a polite gesture or social courtesy, it is a profound act of worship, a reflection of faith, and a continuous spiritual discipline that shapes the life of a believer.

In the Islamic tradition, gratitude (shukr) begins in the heart, moves to the tongue, and finally manifests in actions. This complete form of gratitude involves internal acknowledgment, verbal appreciation, and the proper use of blessings in ways that please Allah.

The Qur’an frequently encourages believers to reflect on the countless favors they receive. Although Allah does not need human gratitude, it is the believer who benefits spiritually from being thankful. Allah promises, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you” (Qur’an 14:7), reminding us that gratitude is a path to more blessings.

All blessings begin with Allah, the creator and sustainer of life. A believer expresses gratitude by recognizing Allah’s favors inwardly, praising Him verbally through phrases like Alhamdulillah (all praise is for Allah), and living in a way that reflects obedience and appreciation. Every breath, opportunity, and moment of ease is a gift from Him. Showing gratitude strengthens faith, elevates the soul, and deepens one’s relationship with the Creator.

Islam places immense emphasis on expressing gratitude to one’s parents. The Qur’an often pairs the command to worship Allah with the instruction to honor and thank parents. Their sacrifices, especially a mother’s pain during pregnancy, birth, and nurturing, are beyond measure. Appreciating parents, serving them, and speaking to them with kindness are forms of worship that bring a believer closer to Allah.

Islam teaches that gratitude must also extend to all people, family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers. Showing appreciation is part of good character and a sign of true faith. This is where the prophetic saying becomes deeply meaningful:

“Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.”

This prophetic saying teaches that thanking others is directly connected to thanking Allah, because people are often the means through which Allah delivers help, comfort, and kindness.

In daily interactions, simple expressions of gratitude carry great weight. Across the world, saying “thank you” is common courtesy. Among Muslims, the phrase “Jazak Allahu Khayran”, meaning “May Allah reward you with goodness”, adds a spiritual dimension, turning an expression of thanks into a heartfelt prayer.

True gratitude shines brightest during hardships. While it is easy to be thankful in moments of comfort, remaining grateful in challenging times is a mark of deep faith. Trials often contain hidden wisdom, growth, and blessings. By staying patient and grateful, a believer strengthens their trust in Allah and opens themselves to divine guidance.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) beautifully demonstrated this balance. In moments of joy, he would say, “All praise is for Allah by whose favor good deeds are completed”. And in moments of sadness, difficulty, or distress, he would say, “All praise is for Allah in every circumstance”.

His example teaches believers that gratitude is not conditional, it is a constant state of the heart, whether in ease or adversity.

As a closing remark, a powerful example of sincere gratitude is found in the prayer of Prophet Solomon (Sulayman), recorded in the Qur’an. Recognizing the immense blessings he was given, he humbly supplicated:

“O my Lord, inspire me to be grateful for Your favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and to do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me, by Your mercy, among Your righteous servants.”

(Qur’an 27:19)

Gratitude in Islam is far more than a polite gesture, it is a daily practice, a spiritual discipline, and a pathway to divine closeness. By thanking Allah, honoring our parents, and appreciating the people around us, we bring to life the prophetic wisdom, “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.”

Abu Abdul Mannaan