obedience to Allah and worship of Him, without disobeying Him for a single moment or with a single word, he would not have rendered due gratitude for even one-hundredth of His blessings—glory be to Him. Indeed, even if he were to expend his entire lifespan over an endless succession of lifetimes, he would not render due gratitude for a single blessing. How could he, when gratitude itself is a blessing that requires an equal measure of gratitude? There is therefore no way to render due gratitude for even one-hundredth of His blessings except by acknowledging one’s inability and shortcomings. Thus, the foremost supplication for forgiveness states: “I acknowledge Your blessing upon me, and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me, for none forgives sins except You.” Although the word “blessing” is singular in this supplication, it is linked to a possessive pronoun and therefore encompasses every blessing, outward and inward: the blessings of faith, being brought into existence from nonexistence, hearing, sight, reason, knowledge, health, and all the other blessings Allah has bestowed upon His servants.1

Blessings are of two kinds: absolute blessings and restricted blessings.

The absolute blessing is that which is connected to eternal felicity: the blessing of Islam and the sunnah. This is the blessing that Allah—glory be to Him—has commanded us to ask Him for in our prayers: that He guide us to the path of its recipients, whom He has specially favored with it and made members of the Highest Company. He, Exalted is He, says: “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous. What excellent companions they are!” 2.

Restricted blessings include health, bodily well-being, high social standing, numerous children, and the like. The absolute blessing is the one in which one truly rejoices,