During the holy month of Ramadan, I felt compelled to write a short piece on a subject that is one of the leading reasons for discontent, jealousy and the unrelenting rat race that leads to corruption in our society. The Holy Qur’an emphasises gratitude (shukr) as a fundamental act of faith, linking it to increased blessings, divine pleasure and the purpose of creation. “If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe” (Al Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim 14:7). The Qur’an also notes that despite abundant blessings, many do not show gratitude (Surah Saba 34:13). Being grateful benefits the individual’s soul, not God, as all blessings come from Him. Gratitude to Almighty Allah stems from the heart, is expressed in words and is reflected through pious acts such as Salat, Zakat, charity and service to humanity.

Diminishing gratitude, or growing ingratitude, is a decline in appreciating what one has, often replaced by entitlement, materialism or envy. In this state, blessings are viewed as expectations, eroding mental health, weakening social connections and leading to disappointment or resentment. It stems from a focus on what is missing rather than what is present, that is, a failure to see the glass as half full. Reduced gratitude can also lower the quality of relationships and weaken social bonds, as appreciation for others’ efforts fades. When luxuries are treated as necessities, the inability to meet these high, often unrealistic expectations can lead to corruption. Another malaise of ingratitude is the “self-made” illusion, the tendency to believe success is solely due to personal effort while ignoring divine blessings and the help of others, fostering a lack of humility and thankfulness. Ingratitude can act as a barrier to well-being, contributing to higher levels of stress and a more cynical outlook on life, with devastating psychological and social impacts.

The development and cultivation of the fundamental tenets of Islam, that is, Taqwa (God-fearing obedience), Tawakkal (strong faith in God’s blessings), Ikhlas (sincerity and full devotion), Ibadat (worship), Sabr (patience) and Shukr (gratitude), is every Muslim’s individual as well as collective responsibility. God’s blessings in our lives are countless and beyond adequate thanks: the status of being the best of creation, six senses, good health, clean air and water, family, countless varieties of food, shelter, clothing, transportation and other means of sustenance, flora and fauna, and the religion of Islam. Above all, we have an independent State, Pakistan, in which to live, yet insufficient gratitude is expressed for the freedom we enjoy, won through the greatest sacrifices of the founding fathers and the oppressed Muslims of the subcontinent. {“Which, then, of your Sustainer’s favours will you deny?” – Surah Ar-Rahman (55:13)}.

The attainment of an independent Pakistan, granted by Almighty Allah during the month of Ramadan, was a successful yet arduous journey. However, transforming it into a strong and ideal Islamic welfare state, with the prevalence of comprehensive Islamic laws and the provision of free, independent and swift justice, remains an unfinished task. Moreover, the limping economy, standing on the crutches provided by non-Muslim institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, has kept real sovereignty hostage to their diktats, adversely affecting national policy and all walks of life.

By the Grace of God, Pakistan, as the first nuclear-armed Muslim state with credible delivery systems and strong Armed Forces, has thus far remained safe from the devastation faced by other targeted Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, Yemen and Iran. The sense of gratitude demands that we thank God and, on earth, the heroes who made it possible. Yet it is painful to observe that the supreme sacrifices constantly rendered by our men and women in uniform, in lives lost, limbs sacrificed and fractured family lives marked by socio-psychological hardships, are neither fully recognised nor appropriately honoured beyond annual ceremonies. Hardly a day passes without the tragic news of officers and soldiers laying down their lives, giving their today to secure our tomorrow. Lamentably, for many among the public, the media and the rulers, mere lip service suffices while life carries on as usual. The exalted status of a martyr (Shaheed) notwithstanding, the families of martyred personnel endure indescribable sorrow and suffering throughout their lives. Beyond the Sabr granted by God, their consolation must come from the State and society at large. Are we doing enough? In my view, beyond institutional support, the State and the nation must do far more to ensure proper recognition, respect and care for the families of martyrs. The print, electronic and social media, along with religious and educational institutions and the intelligentsia, have much to contribute.

While the ever-ruling elite may be unlikely to stop following the “law of diminishing utility” with regard to the people, voters, important personalities and national institutions, let us pray and make sincere efforts to rid ourselves of the “law of diminishing gratitude” towards our living and departed heroes, as well as towards those around us.

Saleem Qamar ButtThe writer is a retired senior army officer with experience in international relations, military diplomacy and analysis of geo-political and strategic security issues.

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