Gratitude means the reciprocation of kindness and giving praise to the one who has done good and kind things.
It is when the servant shows the effect of the favours of Allah on him.
He shows it in his heart by having belief in Allah, on his tongue by thanking Allah and on his limbs by worshipping Allah.
Allah has commanded us in the Quran and through his Prophet (PBUH) that we should give thanks to Him for His blessings, and not deny them.
He says: “Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me” [2:152]
Gratitude is an objective in and of itself while patience is only a means (to achieve an objective). Showing gratitude could be through the heart, tongue or limbs.
Allah says: “Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Haneef (i.e. to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al‑Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners with Allah).
(He was) thankful for His (Allah’s) favours. He (Allah) chose him (as an intimate friend) and guided him to a Straight Path (Islamic Monotheism — neither Judaism nor Christianity)” [16:120, 121]
“O offspring of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nûh (Noah)! Verily, he was a grateful slave” [17:3]
The meaning of gratitude is to use the favors of Allah in His obedience.
