Following Jumma prayer at MQI Manchester, His Eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam delivered a powerful and spiritually enriching nasiha (advice) on the concept of gratitude in Islam. Drawing on deep Islamic principles, he outlined three critical levels of gratitude that every believer must uphold in order to express sincere thanks to Allah Almighty. This structured approach to gratitude is not only a moral obligation but also a spiritual safeguard against misguidance and deviation.
The first level of gratitude is directed towards one’s physical parents. Shaykh-ul-Islam emphasised that our parents are the means through which Allah brings us into existence. They are responsible for our physical development, nurturing, education and worldly upbringing. Expressing gratitude to parents is not simply a social or emotional act; it is a religious duty of immense significance. He stated that being ungrateful to one’s parents is considered a grave sin in Islam, one that can lead a person towards Hellfire. In fact, such ingratitude is equated with disbelief (kufr), highlighting its severity. The Qur’anic command to show kindness and gratitude to parents is repeated numerous times, signifying its foundational place in a believer’s moral conduct.
The second level of gratitude pertains to one’s spiritual teachers and guides. While the body is nurtured by physical parents, the soul, which is everlasting, is shaped by those who lead us towards Allah. Shaykh-ul-Islam stressed that spiritual guides, including scholars, religious mentors and those who impart Islamic knowledge, deserve even greater gratitude than physical parents. These individuals illuminate the path to righteousness, helping believers avoid misguidance and stay aligned with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Since the soul is more precious and enduring than the body, those who play a role in its purification and development occupy an even more elevated status in terms of gratitude.
The third and highest level of gratitude is reserved for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded the audience that the Prophet is the ultimate benefactor of the Ummah. It is through him that the message of Islam, the Qur’an and the prophetic traditions have reached humanity. Through his sacrifices, teachings and unrelenting mercy, the doors of divine guidance were opened for mankind. Expressing gratitude to the Prophet (peace be upon him) is therefore essential, not only in words but in action — by following his Sunnah, honouring his mission and holding firm to the Deen he conveyed.
Shaykh-ul-Islam concluded by warning that neglecting gratitude in any of these three essential relationships; towards parents, spiritual guides and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) - creates a spiritual void. Such neglect weakens one’s connection to Allah and opens the door to Satanic misguidance. True gratitude, he asserted, serves as a powerful shield that preserves faith and moral integrity. Maintaining and strengthening these three dimensions of gratitude is thus an ongoing obligation for every believer who seeks proximity to Allah and protection from spiritual ruin.
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