Gratitude in Islam The Key to Contentment Through Humility (Sayings of Sheikh-ul-Islam Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, may Allah protect him)
In one hadith, the Noble Messenger ﷺ said that whoever constantly looks at those who are financially, physically, or health-wise in a lower state than themselves, will, by the grace of Allah Almighty, always be protected from ingratitude and will become a grateful servant of ALLAH. However, the one who always looks at those above them—who has a more magnificent house, better clothes, a superior mode of transport, or more wealth—will be afflicted with ingratitude.
Therefore, in matters of worldly wealth, health, and well-being, always look at those who are below you. Whenever a thought crosses your mind that you are in financial difficulty, or that your financial state is weak, just consider how many people are even worse off than you. You are better off than they are; you have more wealth than them. When you think in this way, you will naturally say, “Alhamdulillah, I am better off than them,” and words of gratitude to Allah will flow from your tongue: “O Allah! I thank You that I am better off than them.”
If the thought occurs to you that you are often sick, and this happens frequently, that some illness or another constantly afflicts you, then whenever such a thought arises, think of those who are suffering from worse illnesses than you. Reflect on the severe illnesses that people are stricken with. May Allah protect us. Not only will this bring you patience, but it will also lead to gratitude, and you will say, “O Allah! Your grace and mercy have not made me like them; You have kept me in a better state than them.” Pay attention to this.
(From the teachings of Shu’ab al-Iman, Volume 3, Page 209).
These sayings were selected by Dr. Faisal Sahib.