Character
Gratitude (Shukr) in Islam: Quran Verses and Hadith
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” What the Quran and Sahih al-Bukhari teach about gratitude, and simple daily habits of shukr.
Reviewed by the Nouf Quran Academy teaching team · Updated
Shukr is more than saying “Alhamdulillah”. It is noticing a blessing, attributing it to Allah, and using it in a way that pleases Him. The Quran ties gratitude directly to increase.
وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٞ
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe”
فَٱذۡكُرُونِيٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لِي وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me”
The Prophet ﷺ worshipped out of gratitude
Narrated Al-Mughira:The Prophet (ﷺ) used to stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet or legs swelled. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, "Should I not be a thankful slave?
Even though he was already forgiven, the Prophet ﷺ saw long night prayer as a way of thanking Allah — a reminder that worship is not only about fear or need.
Look at those who have less
Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If anyone of you looked at a person who was made superior to him in property and (in good) appearance, then he should also look at the one who is inferior to him
Simple habits of gratitude
- Say Alhamdulillah on waking, after eating and after finishing a task.
- Each night, name three specific blessings from the day.
- Thank people — gratitude to others is part of gratitude to Allah.
- Use blessings in obedience: health for prayer, wealth for charity, time for the Quran.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Quran say about gratitude?
Allah says: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Quran 14:7), and “Remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me” (Quran 2:152).
How did the Prophet ﷺ show gratitude?
He prayed at night until his feet swelled, and when asked why, he said, “Should I not be a thankful slave?” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1130).