Being grateful for the blessings from Allah is as easy as breathing. The best way to attain Allah's pleasure is through gratitude. However, if you easily complain when things don't go your way or take life for granted, there is punishment for that just as easily. 

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in blessings]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.“ (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)

Gratefulness is a beautiful characteristic to have and to practice in your daily life. We can say Alhamdulillah or even make dua and tell Allah (swt) how grateful we are for everything. But what are the three main foundations of gratefulness in Islam? Let's dive in and learn. Here are three beautiful ways to incorporate Shukr in your everyday life. 

1. Shukr bi'l-badan wa'l-arkan: 

We all know actions require faith, which is why in Islam actions and faith go hand in hand. We must believe in Allah with our hearts; thus, showing gratefulness is part of worship that is shown through good deeds. These deeds can range from Hajj, charity, fasting, and even saying salaams to another Muslim for the sake of Allah swt. In the Quran, Allah ensures that all of our good deeds are rewarded. 

“Indeed, this for you is a reward, and your efforts has been appreciated.” (Al-Insan 76:22)

2. Shukr bi'l-lisan: 

From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we should always thank Allah for everything. Words of gratitude are equally important to showing your gratitude. Taking life for granted is a form of ungratefulness, so we should admire that mercy of Allah for blessing us with all we have. When someone asks how your day is, say “Alhamdulillah” even if its been a bad day since we're still able to at least be alive. Therefore, we should all strive to speak words of gratitude often and with sincerity. The reward for doing so is great. 

“My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.” (Quran 27:19)

3. Shukr bi’l qalb: 

Lastly, just believing in Islam is a form of Shukr. The gratefulness of the heart connects us to Islam and gives credit to Allah as a whole. Hence, being thankful to Allah deep in our hearts is a sign and act of pure devotion to him. Allah instructs us in the quran to be grateful for being given intelligence. 

“It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affection: that you may give thanks (to Allah).”  (Surah an-Naḥl, 16:78)