Did you know? (Inspirational Islamic Stories)

Thanking Allah in every situation is a blessing

When Allah s.w.t. created Adam, and sent into him soul and life, he sneezed and said "Alhamdulillah" which means all praise belongs to Allah. Allah answered with "Yarhamuk-Allah" which holds the meaning Allah bestows His mercy upon you (Sahih of Ibn Hibbaan 6165).

As Muslims, we are all well aware of these words, and we try to practise praising God after we sneeze. And to reflect on this episode, these are actually the first words of the first man created - which is to thank Almighty Allah! And the first thing that happened to him was Allah's mercy on him.

This short story, however, is an important lesson for us to remember. It is the virtue of being grateful to our Lord, which is crucial in our life. No matter what we are always in need of Allah's mercy.

Prophet Sulaiman as was one of the prophets who was rich and granted a glorious kingdom to rule. He also had the ability to know the language of animals and during one time, there lived an ant. The ant had some of the best qualities such as helpfulness and was always putting the needs of her kingdom above her own.

At one time, Prophet Sulaiman as had gathered his army of jinns, humans and birds and they were marching towards the direction of the ant nest. The ant then heard that the army was approaching, and knew that they were likely to crush all of them. Being ants, they are always overlooked and barely noticeable. She informed her community of the potential disaster so that all the ants can seek refuge in their homes

With the help of Allah, the prophet then heard the tiny ant's plea. Hearing the ants talk, the prophet thanked Allah for the many blessings bestowed upon him including his ability to understand animals, and immediately commanded his troop to change course, so as to avoid destroying over the homes of the ants - all because of the plea of one single ant.

Despite his worldly powers, he never forgot Allah. He was grateful to Allah for all his gifts and he always tried to serve Allah. Prophet Sulaiman thanked Allah for His blessings on him and said that Allah brought favors upon him to test him.
(Havehalalwilltravel. Com by Amira rahmat)

- There was once a King who had a servant named Shukr. They were the closest of friends and the King would take Shukr everywhere. Shukr was aptly named, because he was always grateful to Allah for whatever he had and for whatever situation he was in, and this was a noble quality of his which the King greatly admired.

One day the King and Shukr went out hunting, as the King loved to hunt in the forest. They came across a deer and the King shot at the deer and killed it. "Alhamdulillah!" exclaimed Shukr.

The King and Shukr went to remove the arrow from the deer and as it was being withdrawn the end of the King's little finger was chopped off! "Alhamdulillah!" exclaimed Shukr again. This time, the King was not pleased with Shukr's gratitude and condemned him for it. In fact the King was so angry that he threw Shukr in prison. "Alhamdulillah!" cried Shukr once again, confusing all of those around him.

The next week, the King went hunting alone. As he was exploring the forest, he came across a tribe of indigenous people. They seemed friendly and invited him to have dinner with them, which was of religious significance to them. Little did he know that he was to be the main course! They tied up the King and prepared the stew. When everything was ready they untied him, and one man noticed that his little finger was not complete. They all broke out in argument, saying that they could not offer an incomplete human being as a sacrifice to their gods. So they let the King go free.

Out of happiness and joy the King ran back to the city and to Shukr. After hearing his story, Shukr exclaimed "Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah!" The King released him from jail and Shukr continually kept on crying "Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah!" The King was surprised by this, so he asked Shukr why he was so excessively grateful. Shukr replied "Because if you had not thrown me in jail, I would have been out hunting with you and the tribe would have eaten me instead of you!"

By Dr Zakir Naik @greaterIslam.Com

You should recognize that your very existence and your continuing sustenance are dependent on Allah. Whatever praise is due, therefore, it is due to Him alone, for nobody has the power or the resources to give you anything except by His will. His bounties and blessings are countless.

Everything that happens to us - even events that we may consider to be personal afflictions or natural disasters- are from Him. So even in times of calamity and distress, there will be some good for us, provided we respond appropriately. The Prophet said:

"How wonderful is the case of a believer! There is good for him in whatever happens to him -and none, apart from him, enjoys this [blessing.] If he receives some bounty, he is grateful to Allah and this bounty brings good to him. And if some adversity befalls him, he is patient, and this affliction, too, brings good to him." (Muslim)

Look again at the Qur'an, you will see that the very first introduction to Allah is Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim. (Al-Fatihah 1:1) Allah Himself is saying that He is the Most Merciful, He is the Most Compassionate. He shows and gives mercy to all, even those who continue to be ungrateful and rebellious towards Him:

{Allah is full of bounty to the people, but most people do not give thanks.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 243)

Reflect upon your own life and you will find innumerable occasions when Allah's 'hand' has been holding you and helping you. So often, we subconsciously use the expression 'thank God for this and that', without realizing the full implications of our words.

The Qur'an even reminded the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that in his early life, Allah's 'hand' was holding him and guiding him:

{Did He not find you an orphan and gave you shelter [and care]? And He found you wandering and He gave you guidance. And He found you in need and made you independent. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness, nor repulse him who asks.} (Ad-Duha 93: 6-10)

This exhortation is not only for the Prophet but for all people. From the moment that we open our eyes in this world until the moment our souls leave our bodies, and even beyond, Allah's mercy, compassion and protection remain with us.

Continuously remind yourself then that your entire existence is dependent on Him. He is your Lord and Sustainer. He is nourishing and sustaining all that exists.

From morning until evening, your tongue must be moist with continuous praise of Allah. In return, Allah has promised increased rahmah or mercy for you:

{If you are grateful, I will surely give you more and more.} (Ibrahim 14:7)

This is the cornerstone of your faith and the Islamic way of life. If you learn this first lesson, you will begin the process of 'holding onto Allah'. And whoever is grateful, he is only grateful for the benefit of his own self (Luqman 31:12), for surely if it was not for the grace of God on you and His mercy, you would have been among the losers. (Al-Baqarah 2:64).