cultivating gratitude

What Are the Different Ways To Show Gratitude to Someone?


Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam’aleykum,

There are some people who have done such immense favors for me, that I want to do something for them. I have of course been making lots of du`a’ for them.

Is there anything more one can do for somebody else in this vein?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

Yes, the scholars mention that it is also from the sunna to reciprocate the good done to you by others by doing or giving something in return, if reasonably possible, or otherwise by supplicating for them.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Give refuge to anyone who seeks refuge by Allah. Give to anyone who asks by Allah. Respond to anyone who invites you. If anyone does something good for you, repay him. If you do not have the wherewithal to repay him, then pray for him until you think that you have repaid him.” [Abu Dawud]

Strive to keep them in your prayers, and ask Allah to repay them for what they’ve done for you. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said, “He who does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” [Abu Dawud]

Please also see: Giving & Receiving Gifts and: Donating Reward to the Dead: A Detailed Answer

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani