‘I discovered that with gratitude, comes abundance which further increased my gratefulness to Allah.’
Life is a myriad of blessings and abundance that comes from the One and Only God, Allah. We might often overlook these blessings due to distractions. We compare ourselves to others, we question the trials and tribulations that we face – the ‘why me?’ question. We even question Allah’s decree to us.
We forget to be grateful to Him yet He constantly showers us with His Immense Mercy.
Coupled with thematic artworks of the day and night event, this book captures the author’s personal reflection on honing the act of gratitude as a way of life. Each metaphorical chapter serves as a reminder that from Allah we come, and to Him we return; in every situation, whether the best or the worst.
PREFACE VIII
CHAPTER ONE 1
IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT 1
Count Your Blessings 1
Every Breath is a Blessing 4
Happiness in the Wink of an Eye 7
Light in the Dark 12
CHAPTER TWO 16
AS DAWN BREAKS 16
Our Unique Heart 17
The Grateful Heart 19
The Contented Heart 20
CHAPTER THREE 25
SUNRISE 25
Praise Allah 26
Balancing Between Hope and Fear 27
Building Strength and Resilience 32
Look Around 35
CHAPTER FOUR 38
BY THE FORENOON 38
Obey His Commands 39
Gratitude is Ibadah 42
Obedience Manifests Gratitude 44
CHAPTER FIVE 50
MIDDAY HEAT 50
Value the Relationship 51
Relationship with Allah 54
Relationship with Others 59
Do Not Take Anyone for Granted 62
CHAPTER SIX 68
NOON SIESTA 68
Thank People 68
Be Sincere with Thanks 73
Mention the Blessings 75
CHAPTER SEVEN 82
AS THE DAY DECLINES 82
Giving to Others 83
Everything Belongs to Allah 92
A Goodly Loan 97
CHAPTER EIGHT 105
SUNSET 105
Avoid Wastage 106
Appreciation of the Environment 112
Time — Allah Vows by It 120
CHAPTER NINE 132
DUSK HAS ENDED 132
Exercise Patience 133
Three Blessings with Tribulation 141
No Hardship Lasts Forever,
there is Always Hope 147
CHAPTER TEN 154
THE NIGHT ENSHROUDS 154
Remain Committed, Give Our Best 155
Gratitude and Ihsan 166
A New Dawn Awaits 169
Du’a 174
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 177
ABOUT THE ARTIST 178
REFERENCES 179