How Practicing Thankfulness Transforms Our Life
During challenging times, it is often difficult to remember the feeling of gratitude. Sometimes we go through truly tough periods: illnesses, financial difficulties, losses, disappointments… These circumstances can suddenly immerse us in anxiety, fear, and stress. At such moments, gratitude is often forgotten, and complaints begin.
Yet, this is entirely human; our emotions, hearts, and minds can become confused during such times. Considering the nature of what happens to us or to our friends, it is clear that these emotional, mental, and physical reactions are common. Every day, more people share their struggles and complain about their circumstances.
“Complaints is criticism of fate; and thankfulness is surrender to destiny.” Master Nursi
Understanding Life Through Divine Wisdom
In reality, the situation is often not as dire as we imagine. If we can view our experiences through the lens of destiny’s wisdom and Allah’s plan, and learn to see life through the manifestations of Esma-i Husna, we gradually feel this truth within us:
“Good comes from Absolute Good. Beauty comes from the Absolute Beautiful. Nothing absurd comes from the Absolute Wise.” Master Nursi
This perspective allows us to both feel and recognize that even in difficulties, blessings, beauty, and abundance can exist. A believer is someone who seeks their Lord in everything that happens and follows the trace of His mercy.
Panic Prevents the Heart from Seeing Truth
You are right; when panic, fear, worry, and stress rise, the heart and mind cannot easily comprehend the magnificent system operating in the universe. It becomes difficult to recognize that this grand, mercy-filled system is designed to protect us through the manifestation of Al-Hakim, guiding us toward goodness, virtue, and maturity. Fear clouds the heart, with the thought, “Something will happen!”
However, Risale-i Nur, as a true exegesis of the Quran, repeatedly reminds us in every line:
“Good comes from Absolute Good. Beauty comes from the Absolute Beautiful. Nothing absurd comes from the Absolute Wise.” Master Nursi
As this truth settles in our hearts, we feel more deeply that a Merciful plan operates behind the events we experience. Gradually, the language of complaint fades, replaced by gratitude and surrender.
A Heart Trained in Gratitude Invites Goodness and Beauty
Let me remind myself and you of this observation: Life is beautiful despite everything; it is worth living, smiling, and being content. If we can lift our hearts, eyes, minds, and speech from the darkness of complaint to see the universe’s beauty, and train our words and deep feelings in gratitude, everything changes.
“Thanking Him happens by recognizing those blessings directly from Him, appreciating their value, and feeling your own need for them.” Master Nursi
Being calm and spending time alone is therefore necessary. It is not only about staying calm but also engaging in dhikr that helps return to your heart and essence—whether at a prayer mat or walking in the rain—remembering your Lord. Master Nursi’s saying, “Gratitude increases blessings, heedlessness loses them,” can serve as a guiding principle in everyday life.
This state of gratitude and contentment is not only important and healthy but also wise. It heals the soul, mind, and heart, mitigating the destructive effects of calamities. Thus, a person transitions from being complaining and pessimistic to cheerful, content, spiritually healthy, and beloved. After all, who loves someone who constantly complains?
Gratitude as a Gateway to Healing
Now, let us find a quiet place and start recalling: What has been given to us? What has been granted? In fact, saying “Alhamdulillah” illuminates the heart. Even in the darkest moments, when feeling broken, saying “Alhamdulillah” opens a small window in the heart. In contrast, failing to be grateful can lead to a more destructive collapse.
Contentment should become a habit. Let us not remain like frowning, discontented elders. Speak to the One closer than the jugular vein:
“For His Majesty, We created man and We know what his soul suggests to him! For We are closer to him than his jugular vein!” (Surah Qaf 50)
Do not be ashamed to say, “I love You” to Him; He never leaves this unacknowledged. Sincerely, from the heart, even if there seems nothing to be grateful for, continue saying “thanks, Alhamdulillah.” Repeat it, smile, do it in solitude. Observe how your troubles lighten and find healing.
Do not fear; cry. Share your helplessness, weakness, and poverty with Him. Believe, have faith, give thanks, and be healed.
“When I am ill, it is He who cures me.” (Surah Shu’ara 80)
“Gratitude is to recognize the bounty in the blessing. Recognizing it removes the sorrow resulting from its disappearance. Since blessings vanish, the True Bestower does not leave its place empty; He fills it abundantly, and you delight in its renewal.” Master Nursi
O Lord! For every breath I take as a servant who can give thanks to You, who leaves complaints behind and is content with You, I offer countless thanks.
Conclusion
Practicing gratitude is more than a spiritual act—it is a lifestyle that nurtures contentment, invites divine blessings, and protects from the corrosive effects of worry and despair. By training our hearts and words in thankfulness, we open the door to a life full of mercy, beauty, and spiritual healing.
