Juz 21 of the Qur’an specifically Surah Ar-Rum [30] and Luqman [31] left me in a state of gratitude today. In verse 17 and 18 of Ar-Rum, we are advised to glorify Allah in the evening, morning, afternoon and noon alluding to the times for our 5 daily salah.

So glorify Allah in the evening and in the morning [30:17]

all praise is for Him in the heavens and the earth—as well as in the afternoon, and at noon. [30:18]

Then I came across verses 20-27 where Allah speaks of all of His signs for us to contemplate and reflect on. These verses had such an impact on me in a way that I didn’t expect. Allah mentions that among His signs is the fact that He created us from dust, but then He didn’t just stop there He created us with diversity in our languages and colors, then blessed us with night and day, rain from the sky and so many others.

One of His signs is that He created you from dust, then—behold!—you are human beings spreading over ˹the earth˺. [30:20]

And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect. [30:21]

And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours. Surely in this are signs for those of ˹sound˺ knowledge [30:22]

And one of His signs is your sleep by night and by day ˹for rest˺ as well as your seeking His bounty ˹in both˺. Surely in this are signs for people who listen. [30:23]

And one of His signs is that He shows you lightning, inspiring ˹you with˺ hope and fear. And He sends down rain from the sky, reviving the earth after its death. Surely in this are signs for people who understand. [30:24]

And one of His signs is that the heavens and the earth persist by His command. Then when He calls you out of the earth just once, you will instantly come forth. [30:25]

And to Him belong all those in the heavens and the earth—all are subject to His Will. [30:26]

And He is the One Who originates the creation then will resurrect it—which is even easier for Him. To Him belong the finest attributes in the heavens and the earth. And He is the Almighty, All-Wise. [30:27]

All I kept thinking were SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) look at all of these blessings that I’ve been enjoying since my conception and little do I take a moment to notice them but more importantly to think of the One who made them so readily available to me, without me having done anything to deserve them; even if it is to whisper a quiet thank You. How many other blessings have I not thanked Allah for?

Then as I continued to read to Surah Luqman, I come across verse 12 where Allah says,

Indeed, We blessed Luqman with wisdom, ˹saying˺, “Be grateful to Allah, for whoever is grateful, it is only for their own good. And whoever is ungrateful, then surely Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.” [31:12]

Ya Rahman Ya Shakur (The Most Appreciative, The One who rewards little with Much) allow me be constantly grateful to You. Thank You for my life, for my sight and hearing, for my functioning limbs, for the air I breathe, for my sleep and wake. Ya Karim, Thank You for all of the blessings I am aware of, those I fail to notice and those I’m unaware of which out of Your mercy and generosity You bestowed upon me.

Verse 12 of Surah Luqman reminded me of the du’a of Sulaiman (upon him be peace) in Juz 19 asking Allah to make him grateful. And the thought crossed my mind- that even in thanking Allah we need His help.

Ya Allah I beseech You with the du’a of Sulaiman - My Lord! Inspire me to ˹always˺ be thankful for Your favours which You have blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please You. Admit me, by Your mercy, into ˹the company of˺ Your righteous servants [27:19], Amin.

With love, Ibtisam