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Ustadh Michael Wolfender recites from Surah Quraysh (106 Quraysh) where Allah acknowledges the blessings He provided people in Mecca at the time of Islam’s onset. These blessings included a variety of food and safety in a desert. However, when humans get used to blessings as normal, they forget these favors indeed are blessings from Our Creator. This can even lead to, as in the case for the Quraysh, disbelieving in the Signs of Allah by not being thankful to Him. This angers Allah.So we should remember Allah and thank Him for the blessings He provides. Or He may take away these blessings, as its own harsh reminder. This was the case in Texas’ recent winter storm. Snow took away electricity, literal power, in the state. Of course, many take the blessing of having electricity as normal. Ustadh Michael reminds it is a blessing that Allah took away this blessing of normality. Normality can breed forgetfulness. Removing this normality can also breed thankfulness to Allah. We need reminders of the Blessings from Allah. Say bismillah (“in the name of Allah”) before eating. After a meal, say Alhamdulillah (“all praise and thanks is due to Allah”).Ustadh Michael references Surah 56 Al Waqiah where Allah points out His Blessings in verses 63 – 72: ”Have you not considered what you sow? Is it you who cause it to grow, or is it We Who do so? If We willed, We could simply reduce this ˹harvest˺ to chaff, leaving you to lament, “We have truly suffered a ˹great˺ loss. In fact, we have been deprived ˹of our livelihood˺.” Have you considered the water you drink? Is it you who bring it down from the clouds, or is it We Who do so? If We willed, We could make it salty. Will you not then give thanks? Have you considered the fire you kindle? Is it you who produce its trees, or is it We Who do so?”Food, water and heat are Blessings from Allah. Not complaining is showing gratitude for Allah and to Him. Asking Allah (making dua) is showing gratitude in asking Him to return His Favors, such as life without a pandemic. Maintaining a school environment such as Good Tree Academy is a blessing. Being able to pray, worship Allah and bow down before Him is a blessing. Many don’t have or partake of these blessings. We should be grateful for and look for the blessings Allah provides and not complain. Patience and gratitude are traits of those who are successful, earning Allah’s Greatest Reward of eternity in His Paradise.Support the show (http://www.goodtreeacademy.org/donate?id=pd)