Surah Ibrahim (Abraham ) 14 : 8

Explanatory Note

Denying God’s grace can take many forms. For example, omitting to thank God for it or refusing to recognise that it is God who has bestowed it, and attributing it to one’s own knowledge, expertise, hard work, or intelligence, as if these are not part of the grace God bestows on His servants. It may also take the form of misusing or abusing God’s blessings, as when these are used to behave arrogantly when dealing with other people or to satisfy evil or corrupt desires. The severe punishment threatened here may include being deprived of God’s blessings, either by removing them literally, or by removing their effects on one’s feelings. Many a blessing may become a curse which brings unhappiness, to the extent that the person given it may envy those who do not have it. Or the punishment may be deferred to its right time either in this life or in the life to come, as God may wish. It will however undoubtedly take place, because denying God’s grace does not go unpunished. Giving thanks to God for His grace does not benefit God Himself, just as denying it and being ungrateful does not cause Him any harm. God is in no need of anyone or anything. He is praised as He is God. He does not need people’s praise or gratitude.

Indeed it is human life that is elevated through thanking God for His grace. People’s souls are purified by turning to God, and by giving thanks where thanks belong. They are reassured when they establish a bond with the One who bestows abounding grace. They do not fear that blessings are withdrawn. They do not feel heart-broken when they miss something they would have liked. God, the Most Gracious, is there and He bestows His grace in abundance. Such grace then is increased when people show their gratitude.