Hey there, my fellow zen Muslims! If you’ve stumbled upon this blog, you’re probably juggling school deadlines, Netflix binges, gym goals, and an endless stream of TikToks telling you how to “live your best life.” (Spoiler alert: it’s not just about avocado toast and aesthetic planners.) Amid all this chaos, you might be wondering, “How do I even begin to feel grateful for the good things in my life when life itself feels like a never-ending to-do list?” Lucky for us, the Quran’s got our backs. Let’s unpack this divine wisdom, in a way that’ll actually make sense on a random Tuesday afternoon.
Gratitude: A Spiritual Glow-Up
First, let’s clarify: gratitude in Islam isn’t just a vibe; it’s a command. Allah says, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” (Quran 14:7). Yep, that’s right. Gratitude is like the cheat code to unlock more blessings in life. Think of it as the ultimate upgrade: your life gets better, your heart gets lighter, and, bonus, you start appreciating that weird friend who sends you halal memes at 3 AM.
But how do we channel this gratitude in real life? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with practical (and totally do-able) tips straight from the Quran.
1. Wake Up, It’s Fajr O’Clock!
Listen, I get it. Mornings can be brutal, especially if you’re not a morning person (aka, most of us). But the Quran reminds us to start the day with remembrance: “[He] who has made the night for you as clothing and sleep [a means for] rest and has made the day a resurrection” (Quran 25:47). Translation: Every day is a fresh start, like hitting refresh on your browser. Waking up for Fajr is literally a daily gratitude workout, acknowledging Allah for giving us another chance to try, live, and thrive.
Pro tip: After your Fajr prayer, instead of crawling back into bed like a sleep-deprived sloth, spend two minutes listing three things you’re thankful for. You’ll feel like a productivity guru before 6 AM.
2. Food = Blessing (Even If It’s Leftovers)
Let’s talk about food. The Quran says, “Eat of the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah” (Quran 2:172). Whether it’s biryani, ramen, or that sad salad you keep in your fridge “for health reasons,” remember: your food is a blessing. Take a moment before diving in to actually say “Bismillah” and mean it. Bonus points if you remember to say Alhamdulillah after eating, even if you’ve inhaled an entire pizza alone. (No judgment. We’ve all been there.)
Want extra gratitude points? Share your food. Pack a little extra for your classmate, coworker, or that neighbor who always complains about your parking. Sharing is caring, and it’s Sunnah, too.
3. Gratitude Journal: Quranic Style
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me” (Quran 2:152). Hear that? Allah’s practically sliding into our DMs with a reminder to keep Him in the loop. One easy way to do this is by keeping a gratitude journal.
No, it doesn’t have to be fancy. You don’t need glitter pens or stickers (unless you’re into that, in which case, you do you). Just jot down three things you’re grateful for every day. They can be as profound as “my faith” or as basic as “Wi-Fi.” The key is consistency. Over time, you’ll notice that your perspective shifts from “Ugh, life is so hard” to “Wow, life’s not that bad, actually.”
4. Gratitude in the Struggle
Here’s the tea: Life isn’t always going to be smooth sailing. The Quran reminds us, “Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease” (Quran 94:6). Translation: Struggles are temporary, and even within them, there’s something to be thankful for. Didn’t ace that exam? Be grateful for the chance to learn and try again. Stuck in traffic? Alhamdulillah for car karaoke time. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the bad; it’s about finding the good despite it.
5. Give Thanks With Actions
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “Alhamdulillah” every time something good happens (though that’s a great start). It’s about showing it through your actions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small” (Bukhari).
Smile at a stranger, call your mom, volunteer at the masjid, or simply pray two rakats of thanks. These small acts of gratitude compound into a life that’s spiritually rich and fulfilling. It’s like putting barakah into your daily routine, 10/10, highly recommend.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude, the Ultimate Life Hack
Gratitude isn’t just a buzzword for self-help books; it’s a lifestyle that Islam has been teaching us for over 1,400 years. By making it a daily practice, we’re not just living happier lives, we’re living better lives, ones filled with more purpose, barakah, and connection to Allah.
So, the next time life feels overwhelming, remember: the Quran’s guide to gratitude is always just a verse away. And hey, if you can master this, maybe you are living your best life, planner or not.
Alhamdulillah for that.