Peak Purpose: Gratitude and Servitude; how gratitude (shukr) and servitude (ubudiyyah) together define the peak purpose of human existence in Islam

The Qur’an defines the very purpose of human existence as worship and gratitude. Allah declares,

“Wa maa khalaqtul jinna wal insa illa li ya‘budoon” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:57).

I have created jinn and men only that they may worship Me. He further reminds,

“Wallahu akhrajakum min butooni ummahaatikum la ta‘lamoona shai’an wa ja‘ala lakumus sam‘a wal absara wal af’idata la‘allakum tashkuroon” (An Nahl 16:79)

Allah brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing, and gave you hearing, sight, and hearts so that you may be grateful. And He commands, Fa‘budillaha wa kun minash shaakireen (Az Zumar 39:67) Worship Allah and be among the grateful.

These verses establish that servitude and gratitude are not separate ideals but inseparable realities. Servitude is the fulfillment of our created purpose, while gratitude perfects that servitude. Gratitude elevates Servitude. Without gratitude, worship risks becoming mechanical; with gratitude, it becomes sincere, alive, and transformative.

The Prophet^(sa) taught us a concise yet profound expression of this reality. Hazrat Abu Hurairah^(ra) relates that the Prophet^(sa)  said,

Kalimataani habibataani ilar Rahman, khafifatani ‘alal lisan, thaqilatani fil mizan : Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil ‘Azim; 

Two phrases are beloved to the Most Merciful, light on the tongue but heavy on the scale, Glory and praise be to Allah; Glory be to Allah, the Almighty. These words combine tasbih and tahmid, glorification and gratitude, capturing the essence of a believer’s relationship with Allah.

The most complete form of remembering Allah is to glorify and praise Him while invoking blessings upon those most beloved to Him. The Prophet^(sa) is the most beloved to Allah, and sending durood upon him is among the highest expressions of gratitude and devotion.

This is beautifully reflected in the revealed supplication to the Promised Messiah (sa);

Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi, Subhanallahil ‘Azim, Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammad ;

Glory be to Allah and all praise belongs to Him; Glory be to Allah, the Almighty; O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad.

(Tariaqul quloob Page 208 Ruhanni Khazain Vol 15)

This brief yet comprehensive prayer unites glorification of Allah, praise for Allah, and love for the Prophet^(sa), encompassing the essence of servitude and gratitude.

Thus, the path to nearness to Allah lies in living these two truths. We were created to worship Him and to be grateful to Him. When gratitude permeates our worship, and worship expresses our gratitude, man the al-insan reaches the fullness of purpose and the highest spiritual state.

Featured image courtesy AlHakam