Which of the favours of Thy Lord do you deny? (5)

by Imâm Ibnul Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

(Reminder 5)

 

A man said to Abû Hâzim: 

“What is the gratitude of the eyes?” He said, “If you see good things, you speak about them, and if you see bad things, you keep quiet about it.” He asked, “What is the gratitude of the ears?” He said, “If you hear something good, you accept it, and if you hear something bad, you reject it.” Then he asked, “What is the gratitude of the hands?” He said, “Do not take what which does not belong to you, and do not hold back from paying the dues of Allâh (zakât).” Then he asked, “What is the gratitude of the head?” He said: “To have knowledge in it.” Then he asked, “What is the gratitude of one’s private parts?”

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: