Title: A Blessing in Every Sip: Gratitude in the Face of Global Injustice

Category: Reflections, Gratitude, Current Affairs

Tags: Blessings, Gratitude, UK, Gaza, Injustice, Quran, Hadith, Qaroon, Haman

Assalamu Alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Take a moment and look around you. If you are reading this from the comfort of your home in the UK, reflect on the immense favours Allah has bestowed upon you. The clean water flowing from your tap, the abundant food in your fridge and supermarkets, the security of knowing where your next meal will come from—to such an extent that we never have to go and beg from people.

These are not small things. They are monumental blessings from Allah, the All-Provider (Ar-Razzaq). Yet, how often do we take them for granted? How often do we waste food, or let water run unnecessarily, forgetting that for millions, these are matters of life and death.

Let us make a conscious effort to not waste what we have been given and to thank Allah from the depths of our hearts. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) constantly reminded us of the gravity of these blessings.

Hadith on Gratitude and Avoiding Waste

1. On the authority of Abu Huraira (RA), that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not hold the favours of Allah in contempt.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
2. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The son of Adam cannot fill a vessel worse than his stomach. It is enough for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him going. If he must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air.” (Tirmidhi)
3. He (ﷺ) also said: “Verily, Allah is Pure and He accepts only that which is pure. Indeed, Allah has commanded the believers with what He has commanded the Messengers. He said: ‘O Messengers, eat from the pure foods and act righteously.’ (Quran 23:51) And He said: ‘O you who believe, eat from the pure things which We have provided for you.’ (Quran 2:172)” Then the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned a man who, “after a long journey, is dishevelled and dusty, and he stretches out his hands to the sky, saying, ‘O Lord, O Lord!’ But his food is haram, his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he is nourished by the haram, so how can his du’a be accepted?” (Muslim)

The Stark Contrast: A Glimpse into Gaza

Now, let this gratitude sink deeper by looking at our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Just imagine:

· Being barred from your family for no reason.
· Living in a prison without any justice at all.
· Going without food and drink for many days, your stomach aching with a hunger we cannot fathom.
· Desperately looking for a morsel of food amongst piles of rubbish to keep your children alive.
· And even then, not knowing if you will survive a bullet or an airstrike while searching for that food.

One heart-wrenching testimony captures this despair: “I am going with two children to get food and don’t know how they will survive or if they will get sniper shot at all.”

This single sentence shatters the soul. It is a reality that should shake the conscience of the entire world.

A World of Injustice and the Decree of Allah

All this makes one think how the world is full of injustice. We see people who care only for themselves, whose power deludes them into thinking they can rule the world and that they are the “chosen ones” of Allah, above accountability.

But Allah reminds us in the Quran that this is not a new story. Tyrants and arrogant leaders have come and gone throughout history. Allah gives them time, just as He gave to previous nations and their leaders, like Qaroon, Haman, and Pharaoh.

Allah says:

“And do not let their speech grieve you. Indeed, honour [all] belongs to Allah entirely. He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Quran 10: 65)

“So indeed, your Lord is full of grasp for the people when they do wrong. Indeed, your Lord is severe in penalty.” (Quran 13:6)

“And We had certainly given Qaroon from his treasures so much that its keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, ‘Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.’… So We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves.” (Quran 28: 76, 81)

The story of Qaroon is a powerful lesson. He was given immense wealth and power, but it made him arrogant and oppressive. His end was destruction, a reminder that all power belongs to Allah alone.

Our Duty

So, what do we do?

1. Increase in Gratitude (Shukr): Let every sip of water and every bite of food be a moment to say Alhamdulillah.
2. Make Du’a: Beg Allah to ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Palestine, and all oppressed lands. Ask Him to grant them victory, justice, and peace.
3. Speak the Truth & Act: Use your voice, your wealth, and your prayers. Support through legitimate aid organizations, raise awareness, and never forget that silence in the face of injustice is not an option.
4. Trust in Allah’s Plan: Have firm faith that the tyrants of today are just like those of the past. Their time is limited, and the ultimate justice belongs to the Day of Judgement.

May Allah make us among those who are grateful, who are compassionate, and who stand for justice. May He protect the oppressed and humble the oppressors. Ameen.

What are your thoughts on cultivating gratitude in times of global hardship? Please share in the comments below.