Ash-Shakūr (الشكور)
Definition
Ash-Shakūr (الشكور), meaning “The Acknowledger of Thanksgiving” or “The Most Appreciative,” is one of the ninety-nine special attributes (Asma’ul Husna) of Allah. It highlights Allah’s characteristic of acknowledging and rewarding the good deeds of His servants, even the smallest acts of virtue.
Etymology
The term Ash-Shakūr derives from the Arabic root word شَكَرَ (shakara), which means “to be thankful” or “to be grateful.” The name, in its hyperbolic form, Ash-Shakūr, signifies the highest degree of appreciation and gratitude that Allah shows towards His creation.
Qur’anic References
Ash-Shakūr is mentioned in the Qur’an, illustrating both Allah’s encouragement of gratitude and His own acknowledgment of it.
- Surah Fatir (35:30): “Verily He (Allah) is forgiving, and an acknowledger of thanksgiving (Ash-Shakūr).”
- Surah Saba (34:13): “Few of My servants are grateful.”
While the name primarily refers to Allah, it can also describe humans who manifest a deep sense of gratitude.
Implications and Usage
When referring to Allah, Ash-Shakūr signifies His boundless ability to reward His servants’ good deeds manifold. In human context, being described as shakūr implies a high level of gratitude and acknowledgment for received blessings, no matter how small.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الشكور (Ash-Shakūr)
- Turkish: Şükredici
Significance in Islamic Practice
Understanding Ash-Shakūr encourages Muslims to cultivate a heart full of gratitude, imitating this divine attribute in their own lives. This doesn’t merely involve verbal thanks but a comprehensive lifestyle of appreciation towards Allah and His creation.
Further Reading
- “The Most Beautiful Names of Allah” - Tosun Bayrak
- “The Ninety-Nine Names of God in Islam” - Ghazi Bin Muhammad
- “Al-Ghazali on the Ninety-nine Beautiful Names of God” - Al-Ghazali
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ash-Shakūr teaches the importance of gratitude in Islam, both in receiving and recognizing it. It exemplifies how divinely acknowledged even the smallest good deeds are. It encourages believers to embody gratitude, fostering a more mindful and thankful existence.
Understanding the attribute of Ash-Shakūr deepens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah and broadens their appreciation for the manifold blessings in life.
