March 20, 2024

There isn’t much to today’s reflection except that I am sitting in gratitude. The first 10 days are wrapping up and it is starting to feel like the month is flying by without having done enough. So, I found comfort in Allah saying:

“There is no activity you may be engaged in ˹O Prophet˺ or portion of the Quran you may be reciting, nor any deed you ˹all˺ may be doing except that We are a Witness over you while doing it. Not ˹even˺ an atom’s weight is hidden from your Lord on earth or in heaven; nor anything smaller or larger than that, but is ˹written˺ in a perfect Record.” [Qur’an 10:61]

A reminder that not even an atom’s weight of our deeds, of our efforts, of our ibadats is wasted except that Allah sees it and records it. There are other ayats in the Qur’an that speak about Allah being Ash-Shakur (The Most Appreciative). Allah in His infinite Grace, and Generosity promises to increase us for our deeds even if they are an atom’s weight but not just that in His Mercy ﷻ He grants us His forgiveness as well to cover up for our shortcomings and to fill in the gaps in our deeds.

“Surely those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer, and donate from what We have provided for them—secretly and openly—˹can˺ hope for an exchange that will never fail,

“so that He will reward them in full and increase them out of His grace. He is truly All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative.” [Qur’an 35:29-30]

As I was thinking of this attribute of Allah being Ash-Shakur, I questioned my own gratitude and appreciation of the many blessings and favors He bestowed upon me. How many times did I stop to appreciate the many blessings in my own life that I tend to overlook because they have just always been there. Like having my 5 senses functioning well, my limbs, having enough to eat in a day, a place to sleep. These are the things I rarely think to be thankful to Allah for, may Allah forgive me. I think a lot of times when I think of things to be grateful for, I naturally think of the “big things,” rarely do I reflect on the basic necessities I’ve been blessed with. And that’s something I need to change moving forward.

Allah is witnessing, recording and promising a reward for my meager deeds, and He isn’t missing not an atom’s weight. That alone warrants my constant gratitude to Him for His infinite Mercy. So today, I am sitting in gratitude and being appreciative for the blessings in my life and for the hardships as well that bring me closer to Him. For a hardship that brings me closer to him is far better than a blessing that takes me away from Him, may Allah protect us. Today, I am counting my blessings and being appreciative to Ash-Shakur.

Ya Allah, Ya Shakur, I know that You are the Most Appreciative. Help me to do good, make me of those who help others for Your sake only, and grant me sincerity and patience in my actions. Adorn me with Your shukr for all You’ve given me and support me to use all these blessings to obey You. Let me taste the ultimate reward, gazing at Your countenance and enjoying happiness forever in Paradise. Ya Rabb I call upon You with the du’a of Sulayman (peace be upon him) - My Lord! Inspire me to always be thankful for Your favors which You have blessed me an my parents with and to do good deed that please You. Admit me by Your Mercy in to the company of Your righteous servants. Allahumma Amin.

With Love, Ibtisam