Neighbor News
The Spirit of Thanksgiving in Islam
Muslims are encouraged to live in a constant state of appreciation for the blessings God bestows on them.
Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated to honor the Pilgrims who arrived in the “New World” on September 6, 1621. It has become an annual occasion where families gather, offer thanks to God, and enjoy a meal together. It is a day dedicated to gratitude, prayer, and community. However, for Muslims, the spirit of thanksgiving is not confined to a single day; it is a continuous way of life.
In Islam, gratitude is woven into every aspect of a believer’s existence, not assigned to one particular day to express thankfulness. Muslims are encouraged to live in a constant state of appreciation for the blessings God bestows on them. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) beautifully emphasized this by saying, “One who is not grateful to others is not grateful to God.” This profound teaching reminds us that true thanksgiving is not limited to acknowledging blessings once a year or only being grateful for food. Instead, it is about recognizing and appreciating every blessing-big or small, every moment of our lives.
The Holy Qur’an reinforces this principle. The very first chapter begins with the phrase “Alhamdulillah,” meaning “All praise belongs to God.” Muslims are taught to recite words of gratitude throughout the day: upon waking up, before and after eating, when drinking water, and during prayers. In this way, the rhythm of a Muslim’s day is centered on remembering and thanking God, the Almighty.
Another verse of the Holy Qur’an states: “...Then seek sustenance from God, and worship Him, and be grateful to Him. Unto Him will you be brought back.” (29:18). This reminds us that God is the source of all provisions, and therefore, He is most deserving of our gratitude.
Islam also teaches that gratitude is expressed not only through words but also through actions. One of the greatest ways to thank God is to share the blessings He has granted us. Today, many around the world struggle for necessities such as food, shelter, and clean water. By helping others and easing their difficulties, we demonstrate our appreciation to God and fulfill the true spirit of thanksgiving.
In essence, while Thanksgiving Day is a beautiful tradition that encourages gratitude, Islam calls us to embrace thanksgiving as a lifelong practice, expressed through remembrance, humility, kindness, and service to humanity.
