IPL Lecture 6 - Shukr

Question 1

What is the definition of Shukr in Islam?

Answer 1

Gratitude is a natural human response to blessings or being saved from harm, intellectually and spiritually necessary.

Question 2

What are the three levels of Shukr?

Answer 2

Shukr-e-Qalbi (Heartfelt gratitude)
Shukr-e-Lisaani (Verbal gratitude)
Shukr al-A’maali (Gratitude in action)

Question 3

What is the difference between Ni’mah and Niqmah?

Answer 3

Ni’mah: Blessings that bring us closer to Allah.
Niqmah: Blessings that become harmful due to misuse or ingratitude.

Question 4

What is the Quranic verse that emphasizes the abundance of Allah’s blessings?

Answer 4

“If you count the blessings of Allah, you cannot enumerate them.” (Quran 14:34)

Question 5

According to Islam, how can you recognize if a blessing is truly a Ni’mah?

Answer 5

If it makes you more grateful, humble, and closer to Allah, it is a Ni’mah. Otherwise, it may turn into a Niqmah.

Question 6

Why does Shukr itself require gratitude?

Answer 6

Because being able to express gratitude is a blessing from Allah, which in turn requires further gratitude.

Question 7

What are the obstacles to Shukr?

Answer 7

Lack of knowledge (Ma’arifat) of blessings.
Heedlessness (Ghaflah).
Comparing oneself to others negatively.
Greed and narrow-mindedness.

Question 8

What does the Quran say about the rarity of grateful people?

Answer 8

“And few of My servants are grateful.” (Quran 34:13)

Question 9

How does Shukr increase blessings?

Answer 9

Allah promises, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase [My favor] upon you.” (Quran 14:7)

Question 10

How can gratitude towards people reflect gratitude to Allah?

Answer 10

“Whoever is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah.” Gratitude to others acknowledges Allah’s role in facilitating their kindness.