Gratitude and the Holocaust

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, found himself in the depths of unimaginable suffering in Nazi concentration camps.

Despite the unimaginable horrors he faced, he found meaning.

His secret? Gratitude.

He realized that even in the most dire circumstances, he had the freedom to choose his attitude and focus his thoughts on the few positive aspects of his life at that moment—perhaps a kind word from a fellow prisoner or a fleeting moment of beauty in nature. This gratitude practice became a lifeline for Frankl, helping him transcend his suffering and maintain his inner strength.

Being grateful doesn't mean turning a blind eye to life's challenges.

Instead, it means facing life’s hardships with appreciation rather than resentment. We often forget that if we become grateful, Allah promises to bestow us with even more blessings, increasing our portion of life’s goodness.

We harm ourselves when dissatisfied with our lives, whether it be relationships, homes, or jobs. Dissatisfaction breeds a form of paralysis that prevents us from moving forward, while gratitude liberates us from negative thoughts and gives us the energy to strive for better.

Yes, we will all have moments when we feel down, but during these moments, we must ask ourselves: what can we be grateful for now? This simple question helps us pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and soldier on. There's much to be thankful for - health, safety, freedom from oppression, the love of family and friends - this list is truly endless.

As followers of the sunnah, we need to be conscious of our attitudes towards life and show those around us how to live with gratitude, replacing complaints and negativity with appreciation and joy.

Let's commit to cultivating an attitude of gratitude. It's not just about seeing the glass as half full; it's about taking steps to fill it ourselves.