What is shukr (gratitude) in Islam?

"knowing the magnitude of Allah’s forbearance and concealment is gratitude, and acknowledging that blessings are from Allah without deserving them is gratitude. The knowledge that gratitude itself is a blessing from Allah and His gift is gratitude, as is humility toward blessings and acting humbly in them. Gratitude to intermediaries is gratitude, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever does not thank people does not thank Allah."

"Gratitude, too, has many levels, the highest of which we have discussed, and it encompasses lesser matters. For instance, a servant’s modesty due to Allah's continual gifts is gratitude. Recognizing one’s shortfall in gratitude is gratitude, apologizing for the lack of gratitude is gratitude, knowing the magnitude of Allah’s forbearance and concealment is gratitude, and acknowledging that blessings are from Allah without deserving them is gratitude."

"They are hindered by ignorance and heedlessness from recognizing blessings, and gratitude for blessings is inconceivable without recognizing them first. Even if they recognize a blessing, they think that gratitude for it is merely to say, "All praise belongs to Allah, all thanks belongs to Allah," with their tongues. They do not understand that the essence of gratitude is to use the blessing in completing the wisdom intended by it, which is obedience to Allah Almighty."

"over his Master's good pleasure and command — this is the servant who has arrived and passed through, whom nothing has cut off from his Master. And with God is success. Section: Blessings are three: a blessing already granted, of which the servant is aware; a blessing awaited, for which he hopes; and a blessing he is already in without perceiving it. So when God wills to complete His blessing upon His servant, He makes him know the blessing present with him, and grants him gratitude as a tether to bind it fast so that it does not stray — for blessings stray through disobedience and are tethered by gratitude."

"requiring further gratitude, which is also a blessing, necessitating yet another gratitude, and so on. Thus, there is no way to truly fulfill gratitude to the Lord. No one truly thanks Him except Himself, for He is the Bestower of the blessing and the gratitude for it. He is the Grateful to Himself, even if He names His servant grateful."

"He is the one who bestows blessings upon His servant and has further blessed him by enabling him to be grateful for them. His gratitude is a blessing from اللّٰه bestowed upon him, which requires further gratitude, and so on. From the completeness of His blessings, glory be to Him, and His immense kindness, generosity, and bounty: His love for the servant for this gratitude, His acceptance of it, His praise for it, and the benefit and advantage of it are exclusive to the servant."

"The author of "Al-Manazil" explains that gratitude is the recognition of a blessing, serving as the path to knowing the Bestower. اللّٰه, the Exalted, refers to الإِسْلَام and faith in the القُرْآن as forms of gratitude. Recognizing a blessing is a fundamental part of gratitude, but not its entirety. Gratitude involves acknowledging the blessing, praising the Bestower, submitting to Him, loving Him, and acting in ways that please Him."

"In another narration, it is said: "Whoever does not thank for the little, does not thank for the much. Whoever does not thank people, does not thank اللّٰه. Speaking of اللّٰه's blessings is gratitude, and neglecting it is ingratitude. Unity is mercy, and division is punishment." The second opinion is that the command to speak of blessings refers to calling others to اللّٰه, conveying His message, and teaching the community."

"If these circumstances are equal for him, he should know that his motive is to establish the Sunnah of gratitude and discussion of blessings. Otherwise, he is deluded. When one knows their motive is the Sunnah of gratitude, they should not neglect fulfilling the donor's right. If the donor loves gratitude and publicity, it is better not to thank him openly, as supporting him in seeking gratitude is unjust. Seeking gratitude is unjust."

"The purification is proportional to the extent of one's giving and the joy in spending for the sake of Allah Almighty. The third meaning of zakat is gratitude for blessings. Allah Almighty has bestowed blessings upon His servants, both in themselves and in their wealth. Physical acts of worship show gratitude for bodily blessings, while financial acts of worship show gratitude for financial blessings."