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Count Your Blessings [14:34]

Loving and Living the Quran

Release Date: 03/29/2025

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Count Your Blessings
Verse Reflection:
“And if you count Allah's favors, you will not be able to number them.” — Surah Ibrahim (14:34)

🌟 Episode Summary

In this episode, we reflect on the Qur’anic reminder that Allah’s blessings are infinite—too many to count. From the seen to the unseen, the obvious to the hidden, His favors surround us constantly. True gratitude lies not just in counting our blessings but in recognizing them, reflecting on them deeply, and allowing that awareness to nurture our faith and wellbeing.

🧠 Why We Can’t Count His Blessings

  1. They Are Everywhere – Blessings like sunshine, air, and functioning limbs fade into the background until they’re threatened or lost.

  2. They Are Too Numerous – From the stars in the sky to the cells in our body, Allah’s gifts are immeasurable.

  3. Many Are Hidden – We’re often unaware of blessings until a shift in perspective or time reveals them. Some are disguised as challenges that end up guiding us closer to Him.

💭 The Wisdom of the Ahlul Bayt (as)

  • Imam Zaynul Abidin (as): “The most thankful is the one who is conscious of their inability to thank.”

  • Imam Hussain (as) in Dua Arafah: “Even if all creation tried to count Your blessings, they could not.”

💡 Spiritual and Psychological Benefits of Gratitude

  • Strengthens connection to Allah – Gratitude is an act of worship and love.

  • Balances perspective during hardships – Even in darkness, light exists.

  • Improves relationships – Grateful people are easier to be around.

  • Builds emotional resilience – Helps us cope with life’s ups and downs.

  • Leads to happiness – Shifts our focus to what we have instead of what we lack.

  • Rewires the brain – Gratitude creates positive thought patterns and emotional regulation.

☕ A Practical Tip: Teacup Gratitude

Instead of rushing through your morning tea or coffee, pause and turn it into a moment of mindfulness:

  • Feel the warmth of the cup.

  • Breathe in the aroma.

  • Think of the many people and processes that made it possible—from farmers and transporters to your ability to hold the cup.
    This transforms a routine moment into a spiritual and emotional reset.

🛠️ Practicing Deep Gratitude

  • Don’t just list blessings—explore them. Choose one and reflect on its depth.

  • Let gratitude become a daily spiritual practice that anchors your day.

  • Remember: Gratitude isn’t about ignoring problems—it’s about seeing blessings alongside them.

❤️ A Thank You to You

To every listener and reader: you are a blessing. Your support, presence, and encouragement mean more than words can express. May we grow in gratitude together and become among those whose hearts are filled with praise for the One who grants it all.

All praise is due to Allah—for He taught us how to thank Him.
— Sahifa Sajjadiyya, Dua 37