Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 142
142 islam’s response to contemporary issues Gratitude In the case discussed above, there was of course, an inherent danger that some people would become ungrateful to their benefactors: instead of expressing gratitude for any favours they received from others, they may end up by saying that what one has given us was our right. There is no need for us to be grateful to such a person at all. If this tendency were to be promoted, then, it would be at the cost of courteous and decent behaviour. Turning to the recipient of favours, the Holy Quran repeatedly reminds him of his duty to be grateful and to express his gratitude for even the smallest favour shown to him. The believer is repeatedly told that God does not love the ungrateful for example: If you are ungrateful, surely Allah is Self-Sufficient, being independent of you; and He is not pleased with ingratitude in His servants; but if you are grateful, He likes it in you. No one shall bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return; and He will inform you of that which you used to do. Surely, He is Well-Aware of whatever passes in your thoughts. 4 Further emphasising the importance of a grateful disposition, the Holy Founder sa of Islam reminds the believers: