Thank you, House

Good morning. I confess. I sometimes do the strangest of things. However my faith teaches me, فطوبى للغرباء - which means, “Paradise is for the strangers.”

When I packed up our home just a few months ago, and the move was imminent, I paused. I looked around at what had been our sanctuary—the artwork, the scattered plants, the walls, the flooring. And I said: thank you.

It might have seemed weird to thank the being of a home for witnessing my prayers, my laughter, my tears, and my children’s little footsteps and antics. But it felt right. 

I thought: if I could express gratitude to bricks and mortar, then what about the countless people whose lives have intersected with mine? Neighbours, friends, and family who’ve shaped who I am today? Thank you unreservedly for the many gifts of life.

Gratitude, I think, grounds us in the present. It helps us appreciate where we are and what we have. In Islam, God says: وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ - which means, “If you are grateful, I shall surely increase you.”

Gratitude isn’t about expecting anything in return; its beauty lies in its source. It comes from a place deep within the heart, untouchable yet powerful. It’s an acknowledgment: I see you. I’m grateful for what you’ve done for me.

Yaa Allah, O God, help us to be among your grateful people. Enable us to recognise who and whatever has done good to us and empower us to use your gifts to do good to your creation. And to those who have gifted us with difficulty, help us overcome and do right by You. Amin.