(Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Ismail Sambhali)

SHUKR (GRATITUDE AND THANKS) has three fundamentals.

• Awareness of the `Ni-mat’ (favour or gift) and the `Mun-im’ (The Benefactor).

It should be understood that all bounties (`ni-mat’) are bestowed only through the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala Who is the True Benefactor ( `Mun-im’ ). He alone is the Creator of all the mediums and means through which the various bounties are conveyed to us. A proper understanding of this fact will infuse in us two things; viz., (a) to be pleased with The Mun-im, and (b) ever-readiness to render obedience to the Commands of The Benefactor (Allah Ta’ala).

• Appreciation of the `ni-mat’ (GIFT) since it is the gift of Allah Ta’ala. This state of appreciation should inculcate humility in one.
• Utilization of the `ni-mat’ in obtaining the Pleasure of Allah Ta’ ala. For example: The eye is `ni-mat’ of Allah Ta’ala. The shukr or offering gratitude for this great gift is to employ it in reciting the Quraan Shareef and studying literature of the Deen; to use it in observing the wonders of Allah’s creation so that the Power, Wisdom and the Grandeur of Allah Ta’ala becomes apparent. And, of its Shukr is to protect the gaze from staring at the `ghair mahaareem’ (those for whom Shariah has commanded the observation of Purdah) and from looking at all things unlawful.Similarly, the ear is a `nimat’ of Allah Ta’ala. Showing gratitude (Shukr) for this gift is to employ it in listening to speech which is beneficial regarding the Aakhirat; and to prevent the ear from listening to nonsensical talks, `gheebat’ and all other forms of evil conversation.

  The tongue is a `ni-mat’ of Allah Ta’ala. Its Shukr is to employ it in Zikrullaah and to prevent it from complaining in adversity.

  The heart is a `ni-mat’ and its Shukr is to employ it in sincerity, meditation and Knowledge of Allah, and to decorate it with the noble angelic qualities as well as to eliminate the baser animal qualities from it. In short all the organs of the body as well as wealth and honour are bounties from Allah Ta’ala and fulfilment of their Shukr is to utilize them in the obedience of Allah Ta’ ala.

  Perfect Shukr could be offered by only him in whose heart there is the effulgence of Allah Ta’ala’s Ilikmat’ (Wisdom) and `Ma-rifat’ ( gnosis). Such a person is fully cognizant with the mysteries of all things and in all things he observes the manifestation of his Beloved (Allah Ta’ala). Those who have not attained this lofty rank, nevertheless have to obey the Sunnah and confine themselves to the limits fixed by the Shariah. In this manner will they be able to discharge their gratitude (Shukr) for the bounties Allah Ta’ala bestowed upon them. Transgression of the limits prescribed by the Shariah implies Kufraan-e-nimat’ (or ingratitude). For instance, glancing at a `naa-mettram’ involves ingratitude for the `nirnat’ of the eye as well for all those bounties like the sun, etc. whose interaction makes sight possible, for minus the eye, sight is not possible and similarly without the sun, sight is not possible. Thus an evil glance cast initiates a chain reaction in ingratitude. Ingratitude for several blessings are implied in the misuse of the eye. Similar is the case with all sin. Commission of sin sets off in its wake a chain reaction in ingratitude, for when one sin is committed then ingratitude to numerous `nimats’ is involved because of the inter-relation of the various bounties of Allah to each other.