Islam scholar encourages Muslims to lead balanced life with gratitude and patience

Ustadh Khalid Basalamah, has urged Indonesian Muslims to lead a balanced life with “two wings,” namely “gratitude” and “patience.”

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – A prominent Indonesian scholar, Ustadh Khalid Basalamah, has urged Indonesian Muslims to lead a balanced life with “two wings,” namely “gratitude” and “patience.”

The topic titled ‘Patience and Gratitude: Two Keys to Facing Life’s Trials’ was delivered by Ust. Khalid Basalamah at the international Islamic event, CONN3CT, held at Jakarta’s sports stadium ISTORA Senayan, on Sunday.

“These two wings of life are like a bird or an airplane that cannot fly without both or either of them. They support each other,” said Ust. Khalid.

He continued by saying that generally, humans find it easy to be grateful when they receive blessings such as food, drink, clothing, or positions.

“Gratitude with the word ‘alhamdulillah’ is just one wing. However, what if we don’t get what we desire, like in college or in a job, as a test? Or we wish for a partner or children but have not been granted by Allah yet. This is where we use the wing of patience,” explained Ust. Khalid.

Regarding the trials of life, he reminded that everything in the world comes in pairs, “There is hunger, there is fullness, there is sickness, there is health, there is sleepiness, there is time when you’re not sleepy, and there is life, there is death,” said the scholar.

“And this (patience) is the best solution to face life’s tests,” Ust. Khalid emphasized, adding that gratitude should not only be expressed to Allah but also shown or conveyed to those who act as intermediaries in bringing blessings.

“Thank those who have done good to us, such as our parents, our teachers, and even those who show us the way,” he said.

Further, Ust. Khalid mentioned that Islam provides detailed guidance on how to express gratitude. “Saying ‘alhamdulillah’ is not enough. Gratitude must be sincerely believed in the heart, knowing that the blessings come from Allah.”

Therefore, Allah rewards those who are grateful, even if their deeds are few. “With just one word of ‘alhamdulillah,’ Allah will empower and provide sustenance for a year ahead. Allah is the Most Grateful.”

As for thanking people, Ust. Khalid said Islam teaches us to continually recognize the good done by someone and treat that goodness as an achievement, even if the person later makes a mistake.

The annual international event, CONN3CT, organized by The Strong Minor Project, took place on January 11-12, 2025, at ISTORA Senayan, Jakarta, featuring Indonesian scholars and four international scholars from three countries.

In addition to Ust. Khalid Basalamah and Ust. Subhan Bawazier from Indonesia, four international scholars also delivered inspiring Islamic topics at CONN3CT.

They are Sheikh Ali Hammuda from the UK, Mufti Menk from Zimbabwe, Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem from Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Abu Taymiyyah from the UK.

Reporting by Indonesia Window