“Riches do not mean having a great amount of property; rather, true richness is the richness of the soul.”— Prophet Muhammad

The other day, my granddaughter Iman and I were enjoying a quiet afternoon when a conversation left both of us deeply contemplative. We discussed a question that seems increasingly common: why are so many people, despite seemingly having it all, disappointed, despondent, and even depressed?

To the naked eye, they appear successful — wealthy, accomplished, admired — but inside, they feel empty and express it by always moaning and complaining. Most of the time they are a burden to be around as they dampen the spirits of others.

Iman reflected and stated: “Jeddah (Grandma), my opinion is that the problem is a lack of gratitude — they don’t count their blessings, they expound on the negative more than on the positive.” I had to agree with her.

Many people see the “glass half-empty”. They focus on what is missing rather than what is present. Their hearts dwell on loss, disappointment, and comparison. Undoubtedly, an attitude and spirit of ungratefulness begins to fester and grow.

Allah says: “Indeed, mankind is ungrateful to his Lord.” (Surah Al-‘Adiyat, 100:6)

When we view life through a lens of scarcity, dissatisfaction grows. We begin to believe that happiness lies in the next achievement, the next purchase, or the next stage of life. But this search never ends, because what we seek cannot be filled by the material — it is the heart that is thirsty.

This paradox is not new. Humanity has long wrestled with the question of fulfilment, and Islam offers profound insight into this dilemma.

Islam teaches us that having gratitude (shukr) is among the most powerful forces that transform how we experience life. It shapes our thoughts, lifts our spirits, and draws us closer to Allah.

It is not simply about saying “thank you” — it is a deep awareness that everything we have and everything we endure is a part of Allah’s wisdom and mercy.

Allah places great emphasis on showing gratitude to others as well as Himself. In fact, expressing thanks to those who help us — even in the smallest way — is considered just as important as showing gratitude to Him.

“He who does not thank the people has not thanked Allah.” (Tirmidhi)

This Hadith reminds us that gratitude begins with recognition — seeing goodness wherever it exists, whether in divine blessings or the kindness of others.

In contrast, a believer strives to see the “glass half-full”. Gratitude does not deny pain or hardship — it simply refuses to let difficulty overshadow blessings.

The grateful heart is not blind to challenges; it simply remembers that even challenges carry mercy. Seeing the glass as half full breeds a heart of contentment. Not to be grateful is very displeasing.

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” — Surah Ibrahim (14:7)

Gratitude multiplies goodness. The more we acknowledge Allah’s favours, the more blessings He sends — sometimes in the form of ease and always in the form of inner peace.

To be truly grateful is to live in worship: “So, remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:152)

Remembrance (dhikr) and gratitude go hand in hand. When we remember Allah in our thoughts, words, and actions, we strengthen our connection with Him. Gratitude becomes a form of worship — a continuous acknowledgement that all good flows from Him alone.

“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are small.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Even a simple Alhamdulillah (all praise and thanks are due to Allah) whispered with sincerity carries immense weight with Allah.

Just what does it mean to have gratitude? Classical Islamic scholars describe gratitude as having three levels:

1, Gratitude of the heart — recognising and appreciating Allah’s blessings within.

2, Gratitude of the tongue — expressing that appreciation through praise and remembrance.

3, Gratitude of action — using our time, health, and wealth in ways pleasing to Allah.

“Work, O family of David, in gratitude.” (Surah Saba, 34:13)

Gratitude is both feeling and action — an ongoing cycle of receiving and giving.

Gratitude in times of trial as gratitude extends even to hardship.

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer! There is good for him in every matter … if he is afflicted with a hardship, he is patient, and that is good for him.” (Muslim)

When we are tested, we can still find reasons to say Alhamdulillah — for the patience granted, the lessons learnt, or the faith strengthened through trial.

“Do you know how My servant responds when calamity befalls him?” And the angels replied: “He praised You and said, Alhamdulillah.” (Hadith Qudsi)

Those with grateful hearts remain hopeful and spiritually rich, even when material wealth is scarce.

Gratitude is truly a shift in vision. When we stop seeing what’s missing and start seeing what’s already there, life itself changes. The “half-full” heart sees each breath as a gift, each sunrise as mercy, and each challenge as a bridge towards spiritual growth. We must work hard in shifting our vision as most of us are inclined to complain as Allah says: “And few of My servants are truly grateful.” (Surah Saba, 34:13)

There is nothing to compare to the peace of a grateful heart. Indeed, the journey of gratitude leads to peace.

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)

When we remember Allah — not only with our tongues but through how we live, feel, and perceive — our hearts settle. Everything, even what we do not understand, has purpose. I strive to have peace that surpasses all understanding.

The next time we look at the glass, may we remember: it is never truly half-empty. A grateful heart will always find it full — overflowing with love, faith, and peace.

Bermuda let's keep on keeping on striving to be grateful for what we as Allah promises: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favour.” (14:7)

“Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?” (Surah Ar-Rahman, repeated 31 times)

Let this verse echo through our day.

Let it soften our hearts, awaken our gratitude, and remind us of the One who gives without measure.

Surely none of us can afford to deny the favours of Allah.

May our tongues remember, our hearts reflect, and our actions honour the favours of Ar-Rahman. Ameen.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam