Gratitude, or Shukr, holds a profound place in the teachings of the Quran. Time and again, Allah (SWT) reminds us that expressing thankfulness is not just a moral virtue—it is an act of worship and a source of spiritual elevation. Quranic verses on gratitude beautifully connect our acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings with divine increase, inner peace, and a stronger connection to our Creator.
Shukr or gratitude is something at the very core of our relationship with Allah SWT. Shukr is more than just saying “Alhamdulillah”; it’s a deep feeling in the heart, a recognition of Allah’s endless blessings (Ni’am), and a way of living that reflects this thankfulness.
The root letters ش-ك-ر (Sheen-Kaf-Ra) appear tens of times in the Quran, reminding us constantly of this vital quality.
Why? Because gratitude opens the doors to even more blessings and brings us closer to our Creator.
Let’s explore some verses together, insha’Allah, that teach us how to cultivate this beautiful state of Shukr.
1. A Quranic Quote on How Thanking Allah Brings More Blessings
One of the most direct verses concerning Shukr comes from Surah Ibrahim. Allah Himself makes a promise to us:
“وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ”
Wa idh ta’adhdhana rabbukum la’in shakartum la’azeedannakum wa la’in kafartum inna ‘adhaabee lashadeed
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful (shakartum), I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
SubhanAllah! Reflect on the certainty in Allah’s words: “la’azeedannakum لأزيدنكم” – I will surely increase you. This isn’t just about wealth or material possessions, but an increase in barakah (blessing), peace, faith, contentment, and closeness to Him.
The Shukr mentioned here is both of the tongue (saying Alhamdulillah) and of the heart (feeling genuine gratitude) and of the limbs (using Allah’s blessings in ways that please Him).
Reflecting on the depth of these meanings is a blessing in itself, something we explore carefully in our Online Quran Tafseer Course, connecting the words to their profound implications.
2. A Quranic Command to Be Thankful
Beyond being a response to blessings or a result of remembering Allah, Shukr is presented in the Quran as a fundamental aspect of our ‘Ibadah (worship) itself. It’s not merely a good habit; it’s an instruction tied directly to worshipping Allah correctly. Consider this direct command in Surah Az-Zumar:
“بَلِ ٱللَّهَ فَٱعْبُدْ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ”
“Balil laaha fa’bud wa kum minash shaakireen”
“Rather, worship [only] Allah and be among the grateful.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:66)
After negating any other object of worship, Allah gives two fundamental commands: Fa’bud فاعبد (so worship Him alone) and wa kun minash-Shakireen كن من الشاكرين (and be among the grateful).
Gratitude is placed right beside the ultimate purpose of our creation – the worship of Allah! This shows us that true, sincere worship (Ikhlas) is incomplete without a heart full of Shukr.
Being grateful is part of dedicating our lives to Him. Notice the phrasing kun min ash-Shakireen كن من الشاكرين – “be among the grateful ones.” It’s an invitation to join a category of people beloved to Allah. It implies a continuous state, a character trait we should strive to embody.
How do we achieve this? By constantly recognizing His favors, using them in ways that please Him, and expressing our thanks through our words, feelings, and actions – all fueled by our connection to His guidance in the Quran.
3. Another Quranic Command: Remember Me, Be Grateful
Again, Allah SWT gives us a direct command:
“فَٱذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ”
“Fadhkurooneee azkurkum washkuroo lee wa laa takfuroon”
“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152)
Notice how remembering Allah (Dhikr) and thanking Him (Shukr) are mentioned together.
It’s as if one leads to the other.
When we truly remember Allah’s greatness and His constant care, how can our hearts not overflow with gratitude?
And the opposite of Shukr here is Kufr – not just disbelief, but covering up or denying the blessings.
4. A Quranic Thankfulness Quote from Sulaiman (AS)
The Prophets (peace be upon them all) are our best examples. Look at the beautiful dua of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), peace be upon him, after Allah bestowed upon him tremendous favors, including understanding the speech of ants:
“فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًۭا مِّن قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِى بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِى عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ”
“Fatabassama daahikam min qawlihaa wa qaala rabbi awzi’neee an ashkura ni’matakal lateee an’amta ‘alaiya wa ‘alaa waalidaiya wa an a’mala saalihan tardaahu wa adkhilnee birahmatika fee ‘ibaadikas saaliheen”
“So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, “My Lord, enable me (awzi’ni) to be grateful (ashkura) for Your favor (ni’mataka) which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.”” (Surah An-Naml 27:19)
Despite his vast kingdom and unique miracles, Prophet Sulaiman’s first reaction is humility and turning to Allah.
He asks Allah awzi’ni أوزعني – inspire me, enable me, grant me the capability – to be grateful (ashkura) for the specific blessing (ni’mah) given. This teaches us that even the ability to feel and express gratitude is itself a gift from Allah we should ask for!
He doesn’t just feel thankful; he asks Allah for the means to show that thankfulness through righteous deeds (‘amalan salihan tardhaahu).
Learning to recite such beautiful duas directly from the Quran, understanding their context and meaning, is a powerful way to connect with Allah and express our own gratitude. Consider joining Learn Quran Recitation couse to start reciting the words of Allah.
5. A Quranic Verse Stating That Shukr is for Your Own Good
In Surah Luqman, Allah connects gratitude directly with wisdom (Hikmah), showing that recognizing and appreciating blessings is a sign of true understanding:
“وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا لُقْمَـٰنَ ٱلْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌۭ”
Wa laqad aataynaa luqmaanal hikmata anishkur lillaah; wa man yashkur fa innamaa yashkuru linafsihee wa man kafara fa innal laaha ghaniyyun hameed
“And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], “Be grateful (ushkur) to Allah.” And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] – then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (Surah Luqman 31:12)
Allah gave Luqman Al-Hikmah الحكمة (wisdom), and the immediate instruction was Anishkur Lillah (Be grateful to Allah). This teaches us that a primary manifestation of wisdom is gratitude.
Notice the beautiful phrase: fa innamaa yashkuru linafsih فإنما يشكر لنفسه – “he is only grateful for [the benefit of] himself.” Our gratitude doesn’t benefit Allah, for He is Ghaniyy (Free of all need) and Hameed (Praiseworthy whether we praise Him or not).
Our Shukr benefits us, purifying our hearts, increasing our blessings, and drawing us nearer to Him.
Read more about: Quranic Verses: 20 Beautiful And Powerful Quranic Quotes in Arabic and English
6. Being Among the Few Who Are Truly Grateful in the Quran
Allah showers His blessings upon creation abundantly, yet He points out in the Quran that genuine, deep gratitude is a rare quality among humankind.
After mentioning the blessings bestowed upon the family of Prophet Dawud (David), peace be upon him, and their devotion, Allah concludes with a poignant statement in Surah Saba:
“ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ”
“Imaloo aala Daawooda shukraa; wa qaleelum min ‘ibaadiyash shakoor”
“[We said], “Work, O family of David, in gratitude.” And few of My servants are grateful”. (Surah Saba 34:13)
Why are so few truly grateful? Perhaps because it’s easy to take blessings for granted, to focus on what we lack rather than what we have, or for our gratitude to be superficial.
This verse isn’t meant to discourage us, but rather to motivate us!
It sets a high standard and makes us ask ourselves: “Am I striving to be among those Qaleel? Am I truly Shakoor?” It pushes us to move beyond occasional thankfulness towards a constant state of awareness and appreciation for Allah’s infinite favors (Ni’am).
Read more about: Quranic Verses on Ramadan (Quotes in Arabic & English)
7. A Quranic Verse on Thanking Allah for His Provisions
Allah directly commands us to enjoy the good things He provides and to couple that enjoyment with gratitude towards Him, the Provider.
“فَكُلُوا مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللَّهُ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا وَاشْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ”
“Fakulū mimmā razaqakumu Allāhu ḥalālan ṭayyiban washkurū niʿmata Allāhi in kuntum iyyāhu taʿbudūn.”
“Then eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:114)
This verse beautifully connects enjoying Allah’s rizq (رزق – sustenance) with Shukr. We are permitted, even encouraged, to partake of the ḥalālan ṭayyiban – things lawful and good/pure.
But this enjoyment should immediately lead to acknowledging the Source: washkurū niʿmata Allāh. Gratitude for sustenance is presented as a condition or consequence of true worship (in kuntum iyyāhu taʿbudūn – if it is Him you worship).
8. A Quranic Quote on the Choice of Gratitude
Allah reminds us that He has shown us the path, the clear way, and it is then our choice whether we respond with gratitude or ingratitude.
“إِنَّا هَدَيْنَاهُ السَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا”
“Innā hadaynāhu as-sabīla immā shākiran wa immā kafūrā.”
“Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he gratefu or be he ungrateful.” (Surah Al-Insan 76:3)
Allah states clearly: Innā hadaynāhu as-sabīl – “We guided him to the way.” The greatest blessing is guidance itself! After receiving this guidance, humanity is presented with a fundamental choice: immā shākiran (to be one who is grateful) wa immā kafūrā (or to be one who is ungrateful/rejects faith).
The word Shākir implies not just feeling thankful, but actively living a life of gratitude in response to that guidance.
Kafūr implies covering up or denying the blessing of guidance, leading to disbelief. This verse highlights that gratitude for Islam itself, for the ability to know and worship Allah, is paramount.
9. A Quranic Verse Prompting Reflection on Thanking Allah
Allah reminds us of the fundamental blessing of being established on earth, provided with means of livelihood, yet points out how seldom people truly express gratitude for these foundational gifts.
Allah says:
“وَلَقَدْ مَكَّنَّاكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ ۗ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُونَ”
“Wa laqad makkannākum fī al-arḍi wa jaʿalnā lakum fīhā maʿāyisha. Qalīlan mā tashkurūn.”
“And We have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of livelihood. Little it is that you give thanks.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:10)
Allah’s gentle rebuke, Qalīlan mā tashkurūn (“Little it is that you give thanks”), should stir our hearts. It calls us to consciously reflect on the very basics of our existence – the air we breathe, the earth beneath our feet, the sustenance we receive – and cultivate a deep sense of Shukr for these often-overlooked, immense blessings.
10. A Quranic Quote on the Divine Attribute of Ash-Shakur
In this verse, Allah describes His own nature in relation to His faithful servants. He promises full reward and even increase, attributing this to His being both Forgiving and Appreciative.
Allah promises the believers:
“لِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ”
“Liyuwaffiyahum ujūrahum wa yazīdahum min faḍlih. Innahū Ghafūrun Shakūr.”
“That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving, Appreciative.” (Surah Fatir 35:30)
Here we encounter one of the beautiful names/attributes of Allah: Ash-Shakūr. While we strive to be shākir (grateful), Allah Himself is Shakūr (Appreciative). What does this mean?
It signifies that Allah recognizes, values, and rewards the good deeds and gratitude of His servants, often multiplying the reward far beyond the measure of the deed itself. He doesn’t overlook our efforts, however small they may seem
Knowing that Allah Himself is Shakūr should inspire us even more to perform righteous deeds and express our gratitude, understanding that our efforts are seen, valued, and rewarded by the Most Appreciative Himself. This understanding deepens our love and awe for our Lord.
Your Quran Journey Begins with Quranica!
Here at Quranica, we are blessed with a dedicated team whose passion is to help non-Arabs like you connect with the Quran. Our strengths, by the grace of Allah, include:
- Authentic Teachers: Many of our instructors are native Arab speakers, graduates of esteemed institutions like Al-Azhar University, bringing genuine expertise and passion.
- Qualified & Experienced: We have teachers holding Ijazah (certification to teach Quran recitation) and possess extensive experience specifically in teaching Quran and Arabic to non-Arabs. We understand the challenges and joys of your learning journey.
- Personalized Learning: We strive to tailor the experience to your needs and pace.
- Value: We aim to provide high-quality education with competitive pricing.
Whether you are just beginning or seeking to deepen your existing knowledge, we have courses designed for you:
- Online Quran Classes for Beginners: Start your journey with the basics.
- Learn Quran with Tajweed: Beautify your recitation according to the rules.
- Quran Memorization and Hifz: Embark on the blessed path of memorizing Allah’s words.
- Online Quran Tafseer Course: Dive deeper into the meaning and interpretation of the Quran.
- Learn Arabic Online Course: Unlock the beauty of the Quran’s original language.
- Quranic Arabic to deepen your understanding to the specific language styles in Quran.
Explore our full range of courses.
Enroll in your trial class now!
Conclusion
The Quran reminds us that true gratitude is one of the highest forms of worship. It is a trait of the righteous, a sign of wisdom, and a means to attract divine mercy and favor. Each verse we explored teaches us that thanking Allah is not only a response to blessings but also a gateway to more—more barakah, more closeness to Allah, and more spiritual contentment. Shukr purifies our hearts, aligns us with our purpose, and protects us from heedlessness and ingratitude.
At Quranica, we help you connect with these powerful meanings by guiding you through the Quran with expert teachers, native Arabic instruction, and personalized learning experiences. Whether you’re beginning your journey or looking to deepen your Quranic understanding, our online courses in Quran Recitation, Tajweed, Hifz, Tafseer, and Quranic Arabic are designed to nurture your spiritual growth.
Let us help you unlock the deeper dimensions of Shukr through the words of Allah. Enroll in your first class today and begin a journey of thankfulness that lasts a lifetime.
0 Comments