An Attitude of Gratitude

Allah promises us in this verse that if we express shukr - gratitude, appreciation and thanks for what we have been given - He will most certainly increase us in blessings. Notice the use of lam al-qasam here, as well as nun at-tawkeed - both linguistic methods of emphasizing the certainty and absoluteness of the truth of a statement. Allah is assuring us that this increase will definitely happen, if only we are grateful.

How can we show shukr? The scholars mention three ways:

1. Shukr of the heart, by understanding that one's blessings are from God alone and it is to Him we must be thankful;

2. Shukr of the tongue, by celebrating the praises of Allah, and saying many words of thanks and gratitude, such as "Alhamdulillah."

3. Shukr of the limbs, by using our external senses to do good with the blessings we have been given, and to use our blessings in the right way.

May Allah bless us with an attitude of gratitude and be of those whom He increases! Ameen.