Posted by Umm Sahl in Ideal Muslim | 3 Comments
Do Not Expect Gratitude From Anybody
Shaykh Aaid Al-Qarni
Allah created his slaves so that they may remember Him, and He provided sustenance for them so that they may be grateful to Him. Nevertheless, many have worshipped other than Him and the masses are thankful not to Him, but to others, because the characteristic of ingratitude is prevalent among most people. So do not be dismayed when you find that others forget your favours or disregard your kind acts. Some people might even despise you and treat you as enemy for no other reason than that you have shown them kindness.
“And they could not find any cause to bear a grudge [against Muhammad], except that Allah and His Messenger had enriched them of His Bounty.” [Surah At-Taubah –Ayah 74.]
From among the ever repeating pages of history is a story of a father and his son: the former raised him, fed him, clothed him and taught him; he would stay up nights so that his son could sleep, stay hungry so that his son could eat, and he would toil so that his son could feel comfort. And when the son became older and stronger, he rewarded his father with disobedience, disrespect, and contempt. So be at peace if you are requited with ungratefulness for the good you have done. Rejoice in your knowledge that you will be rewarded from the One who has unlimited treasures at His disposal.
This is not to say that you should refrain from performing acts of kindness toward others: the point is that you should be mentally prepared for ingratitude. Perform acts of charity seeking Allah’s pleasure, because with this attitude you will assuredly be successful. The ungrateful person cannot really harm you: praise Allah that that person is the transgressor and that you are the obedient servant. Also, remember that the hand that gives is better than the hand that receives.
“We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.” [Surah Al-Insan – Ayah 9.]
Hence do not be in a state of agitation if you give someone a pen as a gift and he uses it to satirize you, or if you give someone a walking stick to lean upon and he strikes you with it. As I already pointed out most human beings are ungrateful to their Lord, so what treatment should you and I expect?
Umm Sahl, your sister in Islam, a wife and mother of 3 beautiful blessed babies
human beings are ungrateful to their Lord, so what treatment should you and I expect?
Subhan Allah.. what a statement for us to keep in mind all the time…
Surah Al- Insan:
Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm, in order to try him: so We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. (2) We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will). (3) For the Rejecters We have prepared Chains, Yokes, and a Blazing Fire. (4) As to the Righteous, they shall drink of a Cup (of Wine) mixed with Kafur― (5) A Fountain where the Devotees of Allah do drink, making it flow in unstinted abundance. (6) They perform (their) vows, and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide. (7) And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan and the captive― (8) (Saying) "We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks. (9)
subhan allah yes a very true statement.
SubhanAllah..Indeed we need to remember this important lesson that "everyone except Allah will disappoint our expectations" as br.nouman ali khan put it.
We just need to do good and expect the reward and appreciation from Allah alone and no one else.