Gratitude or Patience: Which is More Beloved by Allah?

Gratitude and patience are two primary virtues taught to every Muslim. However, a question that has long been a subject of contemplation among scholars is: which is more virtuous in the sight of Allah SWT, a person who is grateful for blessings or a person who is patient when facing trials?

Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Ghazali, in his work Minhajul Abidin, explores the differing views on whether gratitude or patience holds greater virtue. Imam Al-Ghazali explains the profound relationship between gratitude and patience, which in essence complement each other in a servant’s journey towards Allah SWT.

It is explained that some scholars hold the opinion that a grateful person is more virtuous. This is based on the word of Allah SWT, who said: “…Work, O family of David, in gratitude. And few of My servants are grateful.” (QS Saba’: 13). Allah SWT places those who are grateful among a special, select group of servants.

Allah SWT also praised Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) by saying: “O descendants of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant.” (QS Al-Isra’: 3). Similarly, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is described in the Qur’an as being “grateful for His favours. He chose him and guided him to a straight path.” (QS An-Nahl: 121).

Because gratitude is associated with blessings and well-being, some say, “If I am given a blessing and I am grateful for it, that is more beloved to me than being tested and then being patient.”