Complete Gratitude in Islam
The Three Levels of Shukr
1. Shukr has three levels in Islamic thought
Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام) and other scholars explain that gratitude (shukr) has three dimensions:
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Heart (قلب) – recognizing the blessing inwardly.
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Tongue (لسان) – expressing it verbally: Alhamdulillah, thank you, jazāk Allāhu khayran.
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Action (عمل) – using the blessing in a way that pleases Allah.
So, inner appreciation alone is incomplete if it is not followed by tongue and action.
2. Qur’anic evidence
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“Work, O family of David, in gratitude” (اعْمَلُوا آلَ دَاوُودَ شُكْرًا) – Surah Saba (34:13)
→ Gratitude is described as action, not just feeling. -
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you” (لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ) – Surah Ibrahim (14:7)
→ The increase comes after expressed and acted-upon gratitude.
3. Hadith evidence
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Imam al-Baqir (عليه السلام):
“The least of gratitude is to say Alhamdulillah.”
(al-Kāfi, vol. 2, p. 95) -
Imam al-Sadiq (عليه السلام):
“When one is grateful in the heart but does not express it, he is like one who conceals a treasure and never shares it.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 78)
4. Practical takeaway
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Inner appreciation without outward expression can be valid, but it is incomplete.
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Expression completes the cycle: acknowledging Allah, thanking people (as the Prophet ﷺ said, “He who does not thank people does not thank Allah”), and using blessings rightly.
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