The Arkaan (Pillars) of Gratitude

Pertaining to what Al Baaree [The Originator (Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى)] mentioned with regards to His Favours conferred upon the slaves, of the facilitation of the means of transport (through riding beasts and ships):

''In order that you may mount on their backs, & then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, & say: ''Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, & we could never have it (by our efforts).  And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return!''

(43:13-14)

Mentioned (in the above) are the three pillars of gratitude, & they are:

1.     Acknowledgement

2.     Proclamation of the Blessings of Allaah, Speaking about it, & Praising Allaah with regards to that.

3.     Submission to Allaah, & seeking aid by way of that in actualizing the worship of Allaah.

That is because the intent behind the statement of Allaah, ''And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return'', is acknowledgement of recompense & being prepared for that.  The objective of these favours is that they are an aid by which the slave (seeks) to fulfill that which Allaah has designated for him (with regards to acts of worship & obedience Him).

And concerning Allaah's saying: ''And then may remember the favour of your Lord when you mount thereon'', this is a specific mention of these (favours) in this state, (at the time in which these favours are being conferred upon the slave). That is because blessings intoxicates many amongst the creation and makes them more heedless of Allaah.  It imposes upon them more evil & thanklessness.  Therefore, this state which Allaah commanded (i.e. the state in which the slave remembers Allaah for His Favours), is medication for this destructive ailment.

When the slave remembers that he is covered by the blessings of Allaah & that nothing is from himself), rather blessings have an origin (i.e. all blessings are from Allaah), & that its means are facilitated & its obtainment made easy, & that it remains & continues (&) that which opposes it is repelled, & that all of this is from Allaah; so when the slave recalls this (in his mind & heart), he submits to Allaah, humbles himself & thanks & Praises Him.  And through that the slave is given continuous blessings.  Allaah blesses him in this, so that it becomes true blessings.

Source:  Fataawa Sadiyyah page