Purification of the Heart - Avoiding Temptations

Islam teaches the importance of purity of belief and heart. It warns against polluting the heart with doubts or defiling it with desires. In times when people are far from the guidance of the Prophet, the need to hold fast to the sources of Islam becomes even more important. The Prophet said, "No time will come upon you but the time following it will be worse than it. 

(Al-Bukhari)1

One of the effects of temptations is that anyone who leans toward them will be affected by their corruption. The Prophet said, "And whoever looks at them [temptations], they will take hold of him." 

(Bukhari)2

Pure and true Islam teaches the importance of following the two lights: the Quran and the Sunnah. It warns against anything that goes against them, as it leads to corruption of the heart.

When doubt enters the heart, it is difficult to remove it. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "When a servant exposes himself to misfortune, Allah leaves him to himself."3

Neglecting one's duties, rushing towards evil deeds, and relying on television broadcasts as a guide lead to destruction. When the heart is darkened by numerous sins, it becomes burdensome to perform righteous deeds, while accepting falsehood becomes easy. During a time when the revelation was descending and the companions were closely adhering to the Prophet, peace be upon him, he expressed his concern about tribulations. When he saw Umar ibn Al-Khattab holding a portion of the Torah, his face changed color, he said, "Are you confused, O son of Al-Khattab? By the One in whose hand is my soul, I have brought it to you pure and clear. Do not ask them about anything, for they may tell you the truth and you reject it, or they may tell you falsehood and you believe it. By the One in whose hand is my soul, if Moses were alive, he would have no choice but to follow me." 

(Narrated by Ahmad)1

Whoever exposes themselves to doubts and desires, and then seeks to rectify their heart, will find it resistant. Many have stumbled and been destroyed, and many have strayed without hope of being retrieved. The soul is greedy when you give it a chance, so restrain it with the reins of obligations and prohibitions. Whoever exercises patience against their desires will reap abundant fruits.

So stay away from the causes and sources of temptations, for their proximity is a trial that can hardly be escaped. Those who hover around the flames are likely to fall into it. Safeguard yourself with the provisions of knowledge and seek the company of the righteous. Follow the path of truth and adhere to the path of guidance. Strive to preserve your beliefs.

The scholars used to advise one another to distance themselves from the sources of temptation. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"The army of desires leads to deviation, and the army of false doubts. Whichever heart inclines towards them and seeks refuge in them, it will be saturated with them. Then its tongue and limbs will overflow with their consequences. If one consumes the doubts of falsehood, suspicions, suspicions, and fallacies will erupt from their tongue and actions."1

1 The book of tribulations, in the chapter "No time will come except that the time after it is worse than it," Hadith number (7068), narrated by Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 The book of tribulations, in the chapter "The tribulation of the one who remains seated is better than the one who stands," Hadith number (7082), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

3 Majmoo' Fatawa Sheikh al-Islam (577/10).

1 In al-Musnad, Hadith number (15156), narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Miftah Dar al-Sa'adah (140/1).

Purification of the Heart - Avoiding Sins

 Avoiding Sins

The heart fluctuates in this life between hardness and softness. When sins accumulate, it becomes hardened, and when a servant increases in acts of obedience, the heart becomes softened.

Sins have ugly consequences if they are committed hastily or accumulated. A spark may burn down a whole town, and sins are like shackles around people's necks, and destruction comes from persisting in them. Blessings disappear with sins, and retribution and punishment follow. The sinner finds that every matter he turns to is closed off or difficult to achieve.

Sins diminish the blessings of life. Whatever goodness the servant may miss out by committing a sin is multiplied many times compared to the pleasure and enjoyment gained from it. The punishment for wrongdoing will eventually come, even if it is delayed. Allah, the Most High, says:" 

لَّيْسَ بِأَمَانِيِّكُمْ وَلَآ أَمَانِىِّ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ۗ مَن يَعْمَلْ سُوٓءًۭا يُجْزَ بِهِۦ وَلَا يَجِدْ لَهُۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّۭا وَلَا نَصِيرًۭا ١٢٣

(Surah An-Nisa 4:123)

Iblis was expelled from the abode of honor for neglecting to prostrate just once. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰغِرِينَ ١٣

“[Allah] said, "Descend from Paradise, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased.” 

(Surah Al-Araf: Ayat 13)

Adam was expelled from Paradise for partaking of a forbidden fruit. Allah, the Most High, says:

وَقُلْنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ٣٥

فَأَزَلَّهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ ۖ وَقُلْنَا ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۭ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّۭ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ ٣٦

"And We said, 'O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been." 

(Surah Al-Baqarah, : Ayat 35-36)

"A woman entered the Hellfire because of a cat that she had confined.1" "While a man was walking, dragging his dress with pride, he was caused to be swallowed by the earth and will go on sinking in it till the Day of Resurrection."2

Thus, sins lead to destruction. So be fearful of your sins and never feel secure from punishment. For the insignificance of sin in the eyes of a servant is great in the sight of Allah, indicating impending doom.

Beware of belittling sins, because when they accumulate upon a person, they destroy him. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Verily, the example of the belittling of sins is like a group of people who set up camp in a valley, and then one of them brought a stick, and another one brought a stick until  they baked their bread."

(Ahmed)1

Sin becomes magnified and its danger intensifies when a person openly commits it, belittles it, takes delight in it, or disregards Allah's covering. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Verily, you perform deeds that appear to you as insignificant as a strand of hair, but we used to count them among the destructive sins during the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him,." 

(Al-Bukhari)2

When death approached Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir, may Allah have mercy on him,3 he wept. He was asked, "What makes you weep?" He replied, "By Allah, I do not weep for a sin that I am aware of committing. But I fear that I may have committed a sin, considering it insignificant, while it is great in the sight of Allah."4

Sin is not limited to committing forbidden actions alone; rather, falling short in fulfilling obligations is also among the blameworthy deeds. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Repentance and seeking forgiveness can be a result of neglecting obligations and committing prohibitions. Many people are unaware of this"5

References:

1 In Al-Musnad, Hadith number (22808), from the narration of Sahl ibn Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him).

2 Book of Asceticism, Chapter on the Reprehensible Aspects of Sin, Hadith number (6492).

3 He is Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Al-Munkadir ibn Abdullah Al-Tamimi Al-Qurashi, born 30 AH and passed away in 130 AH. Siyar A'lam al-Nubala (353/5).

4 Revival of the Religious Sciences, (481/4).

5 Majmu' Fatwa by Shaykh al-Islam, (670/11).

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Drinks and Watering, Chapter on the Virtue of Giving Water, Hadith number (2365), and Muslim, Book of Righteousness and Maintaining Family Ties and Good Manners, Chapter on the Prohibition of Torturing a Cat or Similar Animals that Do Not Harm, Hadith number (2242), from the narration of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Prophetic Hadiths, Chapter on the Hadith of the Cave, Hadith number (3485), from the narration of Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

Remembrance of Allah --Seeking Forgiveness

Seeking forgiveness is the cause for the forgiveness of sins, entry into paradise, warding off calamities, and the increase of wealth and children. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

فَقُلْتُ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارًۭا ١٠

يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًۭا ١١

وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍۢ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍۢ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَـٰرًۭا ١٢

"So I said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers and give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.'"  

(Surah Nuh : Ayat 10-12)

It is also a means for a happy life and abundant blessings. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَأَنِ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَـٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّۭى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِى فَضْلٍۢ فَضْلَهُۥ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍۢ كَبِيرٍ ٣

“And [saying], "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day”. 

(Surah Hud: Ayat 3)

Through seeking forgiveness, one's strength is increased. Prophet Hud said to his people:

وَيَـٰقَوْمِ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًۭا وَيَزِدْكُمْ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمْ وَلَا تَتَوَلَّوْا۟ مُجْرِمِينَ ٥٢

"And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then rHim, and He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals." 

(Surah Hud: Ayat 52)

Seeking forgiveness is also a means for the descent of mercy from the heavens. Allah, the Most High, says: 

قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ لِمَ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ قَبْلَ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ لَوْلَا تَسْتَغْفِرُونَ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ ٤٦

"He said, 'O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e., instead of] good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allah that you may receive mercy?'" (Surah An-Naml: Ayat  46)

Seeking forgiveness removes sins and the harm of disobedience. Qatadah1, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Verily, this Quran guides you to your diseases and their remedies. As for your disease, it is sins, and as for your remedy, it is seeking forgiveness."2

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to frequently seek forgiveness. He said,

There is (at times) some sort of shade upon my heart3, and I seek forgiveness from Allah a hundred times a day". 

Abu Al-Minhāl1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "No neighbor is dearer to a person in his grave than seeking forgiveness."2

So, increase in seeking forgiveness at all times, and it will rectify your religious and worldly affairs.

(Muslim)4

References:

1 He is Abu Al-Khattab Qatadah ibn Da'amah ibn Qatadah Al-Sadusi. He was born in 60 AH and passed away in 118 AH. Sīyar Aʻlām al-Nubalā'" (269/5) and "Taqrīb al-Tahdhīb" (453/1).

2 Jamiʻ al-ʻUlūm wal-Ḥikam (415/2).

3 "Mashāriq al-Anwār ʻalá Ṣaḥāḥ al-Āthār" (142/2).

4 Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, chapter on the recommendation of seeking forgiveness and increasing it, number (2702), from the narrationepent to 

of Al-Agharr Al-Muzani, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 He is Abdur-Rahman ibn Mut'im Al-Banani Al-Basri Al-Makki. He passed away in 106 AH. "Taqrīb al-Tahdhīb" (p. 350).

2 Jamiʻ al-ʻUlūm wal-Ḥikam (415/2).

Remembrance of Allah -- The Best Remembrance

The best remembrance is the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Prophetic Sunnah has provided various forms of remembrance, and the best of these remembrances are as follows:

“The words dearer to Allah are four: ‘How perfect Allah is and all praise is for Allah. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone and Allah is great It does not matter which you say first.

(Muslim)1

"And "there is no might nor power except with Allah": It is one of the treasures of Paradise." (Agreed upon)2

“Whoever says: ‘Glory is to Allah, the Magnificent, and with His Praise (Subḥān Allāhil-Aẓīm, wa biḥamdih)’ a date-palm tree is planted for him in Paradise.” 

(At-Tirmidhi)3

“Two phrases which are dear to the Compassionate One and are light on the tongue but heavy in the scale are: “How perfect Allah is and I praise Him; and How perfect Allah is the Most Great.” (Agreed upon)4

“And the praise of Allah fills the scale. Glorification and praise fill up what is between the heavens and the earth”.

(Muslim)1

Saad Ibn. Abi Waqqas2, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Once when we were with the Messenger of Allah he asked whether any of us was incapable of acquiring a thousand daily, and when one of those who were sitting with him asked how any of them could acquire a thousand he replied, “If he says, Glory be to Allah, a hundred times, a thousand blessings will be recorded for him or a thousand sins will be removed from him.”

(Muslim)3

Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter on the Virtue of Saying "La ilaha illallah" (There Is No Deity Worthy of Worship Except Allah), "Allahu Akbar" (Allah Is the Greatest), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise Be to Allah), and Other Forms of Remembrance, 

Hadith number 2694, narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

References

1 Book of Manners, Chapter on the Dislike of Being Named with Ugly Names and with No Benefit and Similar Matters, Hadith number 2137, narrated by Samurah ibn Jundub, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Invocations, Chapter: There is no Power or Strength except with Allah, Hadith number 6409, and Muslim, Book of Remembrance and Supplication and Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter on the Merit of Lowering the Voice in Remembrance, Hadith number 2704, narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him.

3 Chapters of Invocations, Chapter number 3464, narrated by Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him.

4 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Oaths and Vows, Chapter: If One Says, "By Allah, I Will Not Speak Today" and Then Prays or Recites or Glorifies or Exalts Allah or Declares His Greatness, Hadith number 6682, and Muslim, Book of Remembrance and Supplication and

1 Book of Purification, Chapter on the Virtue of Wudu (ablution), Hadith number 223, narrated by Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 He is Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, and name of Abi Waqqas is Malik ibn Uhayb Al-Zuhri Al-Qurashi. He was the seventh person to embrace Islam and was one of the companions whom Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, consulted in matters of consultation (Shura). He passed away in 54 AH, or it was said 55 AH, or it may be different. Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat Al-As'hab (606/2), Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz Al-Sahabah (62/3).

3 Book of Remembrance and Supplication and Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter on the Virtue of Saying "La ilaha illallah" (There Is No Deity Worthy of Worship Except Allah), "Allahu Akbar" (Allah Is the Greatest), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise Be to Allah), and Other Forms of Remembrance, Hadith number 2698.

Remembrance of Allah ---The Importance of Remembrance

Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) brings joy, happiness, sustenance, and honor. It necessitates being mindful of Allah, increasing in worship, turning to Him in repentance, and nearness to Him. It is a remedy for various ailments. Ibn 'Awn1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Remembrance of Allah is a cure, while remembrance of people is a disease."2 Another incident is reported where a man complained to Al-Hasan Al-Basri about the hardness of heart, and he advised him, "Soften it with the remembrance of Allah."3

Through remembrance of Allah, ranks are elevated, sins are forgiven, calamities are repelled, difficulties are eased, and it brings comfort to the hearts. Allah, glorified be He, says:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٢٨

"those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.." 

(Surah Ar-Rad: Ayat 28)

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, advised someone, 

"Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah." 

(Narrated by At-Tirmidhi)4

Through remembrance of Allah, hearts come alive. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "The example of one who remembers his Lord and one who does not remember Him is like that of the living and the dead." 

(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)1

No one truly understands the greatness of Allah more than those who remember Him frequently, as abundant remembrance is a sign of sincerity towards Allah.

References

1 Abu 'Awn 'Abdullah ibn 'Awn ibn Artaban Al-Muzani Al-Basri, born in 66 AH and died in 151 AH. Sources: Siyar A'lam al-Nubala' (364/6).

2 Tarikh al-Islam (101/4).

3 Rawdat al-Muhibbin (p. 167).

4 Book of Invocations, Chapter on the Virtues of Remembrance, Hadith number 3375, narrated by Abdullah ibn Busr, may Allah be pleased with him.

Book of Invocations, Chapter on the Virtues of Remembrance of Allah Almighty, Hadith number 6407, narrated by Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him.

Gratitude - How do I express gratitude for Allah's blessings?

 Gratitude should come from your heart, tongue, and actions. Expressing gratitude in the heart means recognizing the blessings and attributing them to its Creator. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَمَا بِكُم مِّن نِّعْمَةٍۢ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فَإِلَيْهِ تَجْـَٔرُونَ ٥٣

“Whatever blessings you have are from Allah. Then whenever hardship touches you, to Him ˹alone˺ you cry for help"

(Surah An-Nahl : Ayat 53)

Expressing gratitude with the tongue involves praising and thanking the Bestower of the blessings. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah) fills the scales." 

(Muslim)1

Expressing gratitude with your actions means utilizing the blessings in ways that please Allah and refraining from using them in disobedience or sin. The happiest of people are those who make blessings a means to draw closer to Allah and attain success in the Hereafter. The most miserable are those who follow their desires and indulge in worldly pleasures while neglecting gratitude for Allah's blessings.

Be content with what Allah has provided for you, and you will be among the most grateful people. Remember that expressing gratitude for Allah's blessings is a form of worship. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "The one who eats and is grateful is like the one who fasts and is patient." 

(Narrated by Al-Hakim)2

References;

1 Book of Purification, Chapter on the Virtue of Wudu, Hadith number 223, narrated by Abu Malik al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Al-Mustadrak, Book of Foods, Hadith number 7194, narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah

be pleased with him.

Al-Hakim refers to Abu Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Naysaburi al-Shafi'i, who was born in 321 AH and died in 405 AH. Tabaqat al-Fuqaha al-Shafi'iyah (198/1), Siyar A'lam al-Nubala' (162/17).

Gratitude to Allah -- The Importance of Gratitude

Allah has bestowed upon you His great blessings and has showered you with abundant gifts, so that you may express gratitude for them. Gratitude is the purpose behind His creation and command. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَٱللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًۭٔا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ٧٨

"And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful." 

(Surah An-Nahl:Ayat 78)

Allah has informed us that those who do not show gratitude to Him are not truly His sleeves. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ ١٧٢

"And be grateful to Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship." 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:172)

Allah praised the first messenger He sent to the earth for his gratitude. He said: 

ذُرِّيَّةَ مَنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ عَبْدًۭا شَكُورًۭا ٣

"O descendants of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant. 

(Surah Isra: ayat 3)

He commanded His servant, Moses, to receive the prophethood and teachings with gratitude. Allah, glorified be He, says:

قَالَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّى ٱصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِرِسَـٰلَـٰتِى وَبِكَلَـٰمِى فَخُذْ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ ١٤٤

 "O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful." 

(Surah Al-Araf :144)

He praised His beloved, Ibrahim (Abraham), for his gratitude for His blessings. Allah says about him: 

وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةًۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ١٣

[He was] grateful for His favors. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path. 

(Surah An-Nahl:Ayat13)

Allah commanded the family of the prophet David (Dawud) to work with gratitude. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣

"They made for him whatever he desired of sanctuaries, statues,1 basins as large as reservoirs, and cooking pots fixed ˹into the ground˺. ˹We ordered:˺ “Work gratefully, O  family of David!” ˹Only˺ a few of My servants are ˹truly˺ grateful."

 (Surah Saba: Ayat 13)

Allah commanded His messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, to be grateful. He said to him: 

بَلِ ٱللَّهَ فَٱعْبُدْ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ ٦٦

"Rather, worship (only) Allah and be among the grateful." 

(Surah Zumar: Ayat 66)

The first advice that Allah gave to mankind was to be grateful to Him and to their parents. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُۥ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍۢ وَفِصَـٰلُهُۥ فِى عَامَيْنِ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَيْكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ ١٤

"And be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination."

 (Surah Luqman: : Ayat 14)

The prophets also commanded their people to be grateful. Ibrahim said to his people:

إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْثَـٰنًۭا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًۭا فَٱبْتَغُوا۟ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرِّزْقَ وَٱعْبُدُوهُ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لَهُۥٓ ۖ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ١٧

“You worship besides Allah nothing but idols, simply creating lies about them. Those you worship besides Allah certainly cannot give you any provision. So seek provision from Allah ˹alone˺, worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will ˹all˺ be returned.." 

(Surah Al-Ankabut: 29:17)

The best supplication is the prayer for assistance and seeking His pleasure with gratitude for His blessings and worship. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "I have pondered over the most beneficial supplication, and I found it to be seeking assistance according to His pleasure. Then I saw it in the following verse:

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ١

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٢

ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٣

مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ ٤

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ٥

“In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help."

(Surah Al-Fatihah: Ayat 5)

When Satan, the enemy of Allah, realized the value and significance of gratitude, and that it is the most important act of worship, he made it his ultimate goal to cut people off from it. He said, ;

ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَـٰكِرِينَ ١٧

"Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful." 

(Surah Al-Araf : Ayat 17)

The grateful ones are a minority among the creation, so be among that blessed few. Allah, the Almighty, says;

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣

"And few of My servants are grateful." 

(Surah  34:13)

Every blessing that does not bring you closer to Allah is a trial. Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Adhere to gratitude for blessings, for a blessing that has been taken away from people and returned to them."1 When you realize that Allah continues to favour you with His blessings, even as you disobey Him, then be cautious and fear Him.

When a servant attains a position with Allah, he should preserve it and remain steadfast in it. Then, when he thanks Allah for what He has given him, Allah grants him something even better than it. But if he neglects gratitude, Allah gradually leads him astray.

Blessings are connected to gratitude, and more blessings are bestowed upon those who are grateful. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

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

Through gratitude to Allah and obedience to Him, the doors of this world and the Hereafter open up for His servant. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ ٩٦

Allah says; "And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." (Surah Al A'raf: Ayat 96)

References:

1. Madaarij al-Saalikeen by Ibn Qayyim (100/1)

1 Tarikh Dimashq by Ibn Asakir (446/48).