In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Divine Appreciation

All God's attributes are represented by Him in the utmost and absolute perfection and purity. Because God is infallible, He sets for us the highest of the highest example for each of His divine attributes. He also explains to us the dynamic of each one through clear teachings and allegories. God advises us in Quran to race and strive towards some of His divine beauty and righteousness. Although we can NEVER achieve His perfection, He would like to see us faithful, just, kind, truthful, compassionate and merciful. He would like to see us peaceful, forgiving and appreciative. He is the infinite source and the divine representation of these attributes.

[30:27] And He is the One who initiates the creation, then repeats it; this is even easier for Him. To Him belongs the most sublime similitude, in the heavens and the earth, and He is the Almighty, Most Wise.

[16:60] Those who do not believe in the Hereafter set the worst examples, while to God belongs the most sublime examples. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.

Throughout Quran, we learn that being appreciative of God is an act and a dynamic expression rather than a static feeling of recognition. Our actions validate our appreciation for God. Believing in the truth is only an initial choice we make on the right path. Appreciating that truth and expressing our appreciation determines our true convictions. We express our appreciation by acting upon our belief and striving to lead the righteous life style dictated by God. Such expression of our appreciation by leading a righteous life is always a condition, side by side to our belief in God and the Last Day, to be redeemed (2:62, 2:112, 5:69, 46:13, 17:19 and many more). Thus, actively expressing our appreciation spells out the test of being on earth and constitutes a vital element for salvation.

[47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities.

One of the attributes of the Most Gracious is being Appreciative/Shakoor/Shaker which indicates to us that appreciation is mutually practiced by God and His righteous servants. When God's allies are appreciative of Him and when they prove their convictions and express their appreciation through righteousness, God displays for them His divine appreciation of their righteous efforts. Because God is infallible, He sets the perfect example teaching us that appreciation is an act and a dynamic expression. How does God validate His divine appreciation? What are the divine acts of appreciation? When we reflect on the following verses, we rejoice in His promises for the righteous in this life and in the Hereafter. This is how God expresses His appreciation of righteousness:

[42:23] This is the good news from God to His servants who believe and lead a righteous life. Say, "I do not ask you for any wage. I do ask each of you to take care of your own relatives." Anyone who does a righteous work, we multiply his reward for it. God is Forgiver, Appreciative.

[64:17] If you lend God a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. God is Appreciative, Clement.

[17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated.

[4:147] What will God gain from punishing you, if you became appreciative and believed? God is Appreciative, Omniscient.

[35:29] Surely, those who recite the book of God, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them they spend - secretly and publicly - are engaged in an investment that never loses.
[35:30] He will recompense them generously, and will multiply His blessings upon them. He is Forgiving, Appreciative.

[35:34] They will say, "Praise God for removing all our worries. Our Lord is Forgiving, Appreciative.

[2:245] Who would lend God a loan of righteousness, to have it repaid to them multiplied manifold? God is the One who provides and withholds, and to Him you will be returned.

[47:7] O you who believe, if you support God, He will support you, and strengthen your foothold.

[3:133] You should eagerly race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the heavens and the earth; it awaits the righteous,
[3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. God loves the charitable.
[3:135] If they fall in sin or wrong their souls, they remember God and ask forgiveness for their sins - and who forgives the sins except God - and they do not persist in sins, knowingly.
[3:136] Their recompense is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens with flowing streams; they abide therein forever. What a blessed reward for the workers!

[21:94] As for those who work righteousness, while believing, their work will not go to waste; we are recording it.

[47:35] Therefore, you shall not waver and surrender in pursuit of peace, for you are guaranteed victory, and God is with you. He will never waste your efforts.

[61:11] Believe in God and His messenger and strive in the cause of God with your money and your lives. This is the best deal for you, if you only knew.
[61:12] In return, He forgives your sins, and admits you into gardens with flowing streams, with beautiful mansions in the gardens of Eden. This is the greatest triumph.
[61:13] Additionally, you get something you truly love: support from God and guaranteed victory. Give good news to the believers.

[14:27] God strengthens those who believe with the proven word, in this life and in the Hereafter. And God sends the transgressors astray. Everything is in accordance with God's will.

We work hard to validate our belief and express our appreciation to God (90:4). Bound by our limitations and fallibility, it takes a tremendous effort, self discipline, dedication, and a high level of honesty, integrity, reverence and compassion to succeed in that and do justice to our souls. Because God is infallible, His acts of appreciation represent the perfect and infinite justice, integrity, compassion, mercy and grace.

Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.