✨ ASH-SHAKŪR (الشكور): Embracing Divine Acknowledgement and Gratitude
Comprehensive Definition
Ash-Shakūr (الشكور) is one of the Ninety-Nine Names of Allah, meaning “The Acknowledger of Thanksgiving” or “The Grateful.” In essence, it portrays Allah’s quality of recognizing and abundantly rewarding even the smallest deeds of His servants. When used to describe human beings, it is translated as “grateful” or “thankful.”
Etymology and Background
Derived from the Arabic root “sha-ka-ra” (ش-ك-ر), which means “to be thankful” or “to express gratitude,” Ash-Shakūr signifies one who acknowledges the goodness they receive. On a deeper theological level, it emphasizes a reciprocal relationship between the Creator and His creation rooted in recognition and gratitude.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In various Islamic traditions, expressions of gratitude hold a central place, often exhibited through prayers, charitable acts, and daily acknowledgments of divine sustenance. Similar to the Christian and Judaic concept of thanksgiving towards God, Ash-Shakūr emphasizes gratefulness as a continuous spiritual practice rather than a seasonal reflection.
Synonyms
- Al-Ḥamīd (الحميد): The Praiseworthy
- Al-Karīm (الكريم): The Generous
Antonyms
- Al-Juhūd (الجَحُود): The Denier (of blessings)
- Al-Ghāfil (الغافل): The Heedless
Related Terms with Definitions
- Shukr (شكر): Gratitude or thankfulness to Allah for His blessings.
- Hamd (حمد): Praise; specifically gratitude towards Allah.
Exciting Facts
- Few Servants are Truly Grateful: As mentioned in Surah Saba (34:13), the Qur’an acknowledges that true gratitude is rare among human beings.
- Continuous Divine Reward: According to Islamic belief, Allah, as Ash-Shakūr, continues to reward good deeds even after one’s death, extending to their progeny and community.
- Relevance Across Faiths: The concept of divine gratitude and reciprocal thanksgiving can be found in many religious traditions, illustrating a universal recognition of thankfulness as a key spiritual element.
Notable Quotations
“Verily He (Allah) is Forgiving, and an Acknowledger of Thanksgiving.” — Surah Fatir 35:30
Suggest Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies
- The Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of Allah by Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi
- The Book of Assistance by Imam Al-Haddad
- The Divine Reality: God, Islam & The Mirage of Atheism by Hamza Andreas Tzortzis
- Al-Shifa: Healing Through the Knowledge of the Prophet by Qadi Iyad
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
May the exploration of Ash-Shakūr (الشكور) inspire us to embody gratitude in every facet of our lives and nurture a profound acknowledgment of the multiplicity of blessings that envelop us daily. For it is in recognizing and counting our blessings that we draw closer to the essence of divine appreciation and fulfillment.
