30 Nights of Gratitude #2: Islam, The Blessing

In this Ramadan, I saw it fit to talk about people and things in my life that I'm grateful for. The daily struggles and happenings life's throws at us might make us forget how blessed we are. Ramadan is the best time for year to remember to count our blessings and thank God. All praise be to Allah.

Today I'll talk about Islam, and why I'm grateful that I'm a Muslim.

I don't consider myself a good person, but I'll be much worse of a person if I wasn't a Muslim. Being a Muslim is a constant reminder of being mindful of good behavior.

Everything that's Haram (forbidden) in Islam is harmful to us, either physically or spiritually. I'm not saying I don't do Haram things. Constantly overcoming temptation requires a strength I don't have.

However, because of Islam, I don't smoke, I don't steal, I don't drink alcohol, I don't do drugs, I don't deal with Riba (usury,) I don't backtalk people, and I try to deal with fairness with people.

Islam guides us to be good to our parents. I've made my parents happy many times by doing things I didn't want to do but only done because I try to be a better Muslim.

There are things I could be improve on, and some Islamic guidance I (sadly) ignore, but in general. Islam prevents me from doing many things I know I could get away with doing if not for fear of Allah and the day of judgement.

It makes me grateful I'm a Muslim. I pray that Allah guides me more towards the truth.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might enjoy reading the previous article in which I offer my gratitude for my family. Also read my series about the Pillars of Islam that I wrote in last year's Ramadan.