What does Islam teach about gratitude (shukr), and how is it expressed?

Gratitude in Islam is not a passing feeling but a comprehensive response to Allah's favors, expressed through the heart, which recognizes that a blessing comes from Allah; the tongue, which praises and thanks Him; and the limbs, which use the blessing in ways that please Him. The Quran presents gratitude almost as a spiritual law: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed My punishment is severe" (14:7). Luqman's counsel to his son likewise opens with the reminder that whoever is grateful is grateful for his own soul's benefit (31:12), since gratitude cultivates contentment and draws down further blessing regardless of outward circumstance. Islam also links gratitude toward Allah with gratitude toward people: the Prophet said, "Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4811), teaching that acknowledging a kindness from a parent, spouse, friend, or even a stranger is part of the same virtue, not a separate one. Practically, shukr includes saying Alhamdulillah, using one's wealth and ability for good, and recognizing that even trials often carry hidden blessings, which is why a grateful believer remains steady in both ease and hardship.

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