Quran Quotations about Gratitude (Shukr/ شکر) and Contentment

Gratitude in Islam (Shukr) and Contentment in Islam (Qana’ah) are two essential virtues that lead to inner peace, happiness, and success. Islam teaches that being thankful for Allah's blessings and being content with what we have strengthens faith and enhances well being.

Shukr in Islam: A Key to Blessings:

Shukr, or gratitude, is repeatedly emphasized in the Qur'an and Hadith. Allah says in Surah Ibrahim (14:7)

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase your blessings; but if you deny, indeed My punishment is severe."

This verse highlights the benefits of gratitude in Islam. When we express thankfulness, Allah multiplies our blessings, whether in wealth, health, or relationships. Islamic gratitude teaches us to acknowledge Allah’s favors through our words, actions, and prayer. Sajdat al-Shukr (Prostration of Thankfulness) is a powerful way to express our appreciation. For a deeper understanding of gratitude and other essential Islamic teachings, joining online Quran classes can help guide you on how to incorporate these virtues into your daily life. These classes offer you the opportunity to learn the profound wisdom of the Quran, allowing you to grow in gratitude and faith.

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor." (Quran 14:7)

Arabic:

"لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ"

Urdu:

"اگر تم شکر گزار بنو گے تو میں تمہیں مزید انعام دوں گا۔"

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him." (Quran 14:34)

Arabic:

"وَآتَاكُم مِّن كُلِّ مَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُ"

Urdu:

"اور اس نے تمہیں جو کچھ بھی تم نے اس سے مانگا، دیا۔"

"And sufficient is your Lord as a guide and a helper." (Quran 25:31)

Arabic:

"وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ هَادِيًا وَنَصِيرًا"

Urdu:

"اور تمہارے رب کو رہنمائی دینے والا اور مددگار ہونے میں کافی ہے۔"

"Allah is the best disposer of affairs." (Quran 3:173)

Arabic:

"وَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَكِيلًا"

Urdu:

"اللہ بہترین تدبیر کرنے والا ہے۔"

"Say, ‘Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has decreed for us.’" (Quran 9:51)

Arabic:

"قُل لَّا يُصِيبُنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا"

Urdu:

"کہو، ہمیں وہی کچھ پہنچے گا جو اللہ نے ہمارے لیے لکھا ہے۔"

 "And He found you lost and guided you." (Quran 93:7)

Arabic:

"وَوَجَدَكَ ضَالاًّ فَهَدَىٰ"

Urdu:

"اور تمہیں گمراہ پایا، پھر تمہیں ہدایت دی۔"

"So, which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?" (Quran 55:13)

Arabic:

"فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ"

Urdu:

"تو تم اپنے رب کی کون سی نعمتوں کو جھٹلاؤ گے؟"

"Indeed, with hardship comes ease." (Quran 94:6)

Arabic:

"إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا"

Urdu:

"بے شک، ہر مشکل کے ساتھ آسانی ہے۔"

 "And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah." (Quran 3:159)

Arabic:

"فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَىٰ اللَّهِ"

Urdu:

"پس جب تم فیصلہ کر لو، تو اللہ پر بھروسہ کرو۔"

"Then, do they not look at the camels—how they are created?" (Quran 88:17)

Arabic:

"فَلا يَنظُرُونَ إِلَىٰ الْإِبِلِ كَيْفَ خُلِقَتْ"

Urdu:

"پھر کیا وہ اونٹوں کو نہیں دیکھتے کہ وہ کیسے پیدا کیے گئے؟"

The Importance of Contentment in Islam (Qana’ah):

Contentment (Qana’ah) in Islam refers to being satisfied with what Allah has provided. It does not mean we should not strive for success, but rather, we should trust in Allah’s wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Richness is not having many possessions, but true richness is being content in the soul." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Islamic teachings on happiness emphasize that true fulfillment comes from a heart free of greed, stress, and resentment. Gratitude and patience in Islam go hand in hand, helping believers navigate life’s challenges with a positive perspective.

How to Practice Shukr and Qana’ah in Daily Life?

• Acknowledge Allah’s Blessings – Reflect on your health, family, and opportunities.
• Pray and Praise Allah – Daily prayers (Salah) and reciting Surah Ibrahim remind us of our faith and satisfaction.
• Avoid Comparison – Focus on what you have rather than what others possess.
• Practice Generosity and Kindness – Helping others increases gratitude and strengthens community bonds.
• Maintain Positive Thinking – Trust in Allah’s plan and find joy in small blessings.

Hadiths About Being Thankful and Content:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized gratitude and contentment multiple times. He advised:

"The best among you are those who are best in gratitude." (Ahmad)

Islamic teachings on gratitude encourage believers to express thankfulness in both ease and hardship. The more thankful we are, the more peace and joy we experience

Conclusion:

Shukr and Qana’ah are powerful virtues that lead to success and inner peace. By cultivating gratitude in Islam and practicing contentment, we attain true happiness and strengthen our faith. As believers, we should always remember the words of Surah Ibrahim: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase your blessings."