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It is no great secret that I was once the most negative of people, and some would say that I still carry traces of this trait; reform of one’s character takes time after all. Perhaps this is why I find I cannot tolerate negativity in others; perhaps it is because I see a reflection of myself. Over the years I have come to realise that God has showered me with His blessings, despite myself, and so I have to acknowledge this with contentment.

Life is filled with trials and everyone has their tests; this much we have been promised. But life is also filled with great blessings—tests in themselves—and to me a negative outlook on life feels like ingratitude for all the good I have received. So if it is raining, we say alhamdulilah, and if it is hot, we say the same. In both cases it is from our Lord.

When I encounter folk who could only be described as bitter—harbouring an intense anger, impatience and intolerance towards everyone and everything around them—I find myself at a loss. Will nothing satisfy such a person? Will they not see the good they have and not only their trials? Will they not at least find the seed of mercy from somewhere and let it grow?

About four years ago I met a fellow who has been a great inspiration for me ever since, may Allah reward him. I have witnessed his trials, but I have never known him to be negative, to criticise others or seek out people’s faults. Whenever I have sought advice, he has always responded with insight and a good opinion of others. The source of this, I have come to realise, is gratitude.

Though I may fail more frequently than not, this is the example I wish to follow. This example is, after all, of one following the sunnah of our Prophet—peace be upon him. To be grateful is our deen. To be angry, contemptuous, dismissive, impatient, intolerant and bitter is not.

May our Lord make us of those who are grateful, like the best of the people before us.