Diminishing Gratitude

During the holy month of Ramadan, I felt compelled to write a short piece on the subject, which is one of the leading reason for discontent, jealousy and unrelenting rat-race leading to corruption in our society. The Holy Quran emphasizes gratitude (shukr) as a fundamental act of faith, linking it to increased blessings, divine pleasure, and the purpose of creation. "If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe"(Al Quran,Surah Ibrahim 14:7). And the Quran notes that despite abundant blessings, many do not show gratitude (Surah Saba 34:13). Being grateful benefits the individual's soul, not God, as all blessings come from Him. The gratitude to Almighty Allah stems from heart, also expressed in words and then by indulgence in pious acts like Salat, Zakat, charity and service to humanity.

Diminishing gratitude, or growing ungratefulness, is a decline in appreciating what one has, often replaced by entitlement, materialism, or envy. This state, where blessings are viewed as expectations, can erode mental health, weaken social connections, and lead to increased disappointment or resentment. It stems from a focus on what is missing rather than what is present i.e. failure to see the half glass full. Reduced gratitude can also lead to lower quality relationships and reduced social bonding, as appreciation for others' efforts fades. When luxuries are treated as necessities, the inability to meet these high, often unrealistic, expectations leads to  corruption. Another malaise of ingratitude is the "Self-Made" Illusion, which is a  tendency to believe success is solely due to personal effort, while ignoring the Divine blessings and help of others, which fosters a lack of humility and thankfulness. Ingratitude can act as a barrier to well-being, potentially contributing to higher levels of stress and a more cynical quality of life  resulting in devastating psychological and social impact. 

The development and cultivation of fundamental tenets of Islam i.e. Taqwa(God fearing, full obedience), Tawakkal(strong faith in God’s blessings), Ikhlas(sincerity,full devotion), IBADAAT(worship),Sabr(patience) and Shukr( gratitude) is every Muslim’s individual as well as collective responsibility. God’s blessings in our lives are countless that we can not thank enough e.g. status of the best creation of Allah, six senses, good health, clean air, water, family, countless varieties of food, shelter, dresses, transportation and all other means of sustenance, flora and fauna and religion of Islam. And above all an Independent State Pakistan to live in with not much realised let alone adequately expressed gratitude for the freedom we enjoy based on the greatest sacrifices made by the founding fathers and the subjugated Muslims of the subcontinent.{Which, then, of your Sustainer’s powers can you disavow?-  Surah Ar-RahMan(55):13}. 

The attainment of an Independent Country Pakistan granted by Almighty Allah during the Month of Ramadan was a  successful but hard journey; however, to make it a strong and an Ideal welfare Islamic State with the  prevalence of hundred percent Islamic laws and the provision of free, independent and quick justice remains a half glass empty. Besides, the limping economy standing on the crutches provided by non-Muslim World Bank and IMF has kept the real sovereignty hostage to their diktat badly impacting every national policy and thus all walks of life.

By the Grace of God, Pakistan being the first Nuclear weapon state with enviable delivery means and with strong Armed Forces has so far remained safe from the devastation and destruction faced by other targeted Muslim countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, Yemen and Iran. The sense of gratitude demands that we should always thank God; and on earth the heroes who made it all happen. Nevertheless, it is very painful to see that the steadfast supreme sacrifices constantly rendered by our men and women in uniform in terms of lives, limbs and fractured family lives with a range of socio-psychological issues are neither wholly realised, nor appropriately thanked and respected beyond annual or occasional ceremonies. Hardly any day passes by without sad news of a number of our officers and soldiers laying down their lives; giving their today to save our tomorrow. Lamentably, for majority of people, media and rulers, bare pathetic lip-service suffices and merry making continues. The great status of a Martyr(Shaheed) notwithstanding, the families of shaheed personnel endure indescribable sorrow and sufferings throughout their lives. Besides Sabr(patience) granted by God, their only consolation has to come from the State and Society at large. Are we doing enough? In my view, in addition to some institutional help, the State and the whole Nation has to do a lot  for salutatory recognition, respect and care of the wards of Martyrs. The print, electronic & social media, religious and educational institutions  and intelligentsia,  have a lot to contribute.

While the ever ruling elite is unlikely to stop following “the law of diminishing utility” with regards to people, voters, important personalities and national institutions;  lets pray and make sincere efforts to get rid of “ the law of Diminishing Gratitude” for our living and passed away Heroes as well as for people around us. 

Long Live Pakistan!