Gratitude Beyond Boundaries: How Thanksgiving Reflects Shared Values

For Muslims in the U.S., the holiday offers an opportunity to connect Islamic teachings on thankfulness, hospitality, and community with American tradition.

Gratitude lies at the heart of both Thanksgiving and Islam. The Qur’an reminds believers, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (14:7). This mirrors the spirit of Thanksgiving—recognizing blessings such as food, family, and peace. In Islam, gratitude is not confined to one day but is woven into daily life through prayer, charity, and kind acts. Thanksgiving can serve as a moment to renew this spiritual awareness with sincerity.

The act of gathering and sharing meals also reflects core Islamic values. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “He who believes in God and the Last Day should honor his guest.” Like the Thanksgiving table, Muslim hospitality celebrates generosity and togetherness, bridging divides and nurturing empathy in a world often marked by division.

Thanksgiving also offers Muslims a chance to live out the Qur’anic call to compassion. Volunteering, donating to shelters, or inviting others to share a meal aligns both with the holiday’s purpose and Islamic ethics.

For Muslim Americans, observing Thanksgiving doesn’t dilute faith—it deepens it. By embracing the day with intention and gratitude, they affirm that Islamic values and American ideals of community and thankfulness beautifully complement one another.