We praise someone under two circumstances: for the excellent attributes they possess, or for the deeds they perform towards us, such that we feel gratitude towards them. [1]
The only one who deserves praise in all these levels is the Creator of excellence, the Perfect Being who showers us with abundant favors again and again!
Translation: All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds. [Surah Al-Fatiha, verse 2]
How true are the words of the righteous man who said, “How can I truly thank Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), when my desire to thank him is a blessing by Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), and deserves to be thanked for!”
Subhan’Allah, lets reflect upon this heart-felt expression whenever we say it. Let us fill our scales of good deeds with the phrase, “Alhamdulillah”. [2]
May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) help us learn how to praise Him in the best manner, such that we mean it, and don’t just say it, ameen!
Tip: One way to get the maximal benefit from the verbalization of alhamdulillah is to actively think of a blessing Allah blessed us with when we say it. [3] And there are always tons of blessings to remember, for Allah says:
Translation: And He gives you of all that you ask for. But if you count the favours of Allah, you will never be able to number them! [Surah Ibrahim, verse 34]
[1] Commentary on the Quran, Surah al-Faatiha by Maulana Maudoodi.
[2] On the authority of Abu Maalik al-Haarith ibn Aasim al-Ashari(رضي الله عنه), who said: The Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه وسلم) said, “Purification is half of the faith. The phrase al-hamdulilaah (‘All praise be to Allah’) fills the scale. The phrases subhan’Allah (‘High is Allah above every imperfection and need; He is pure and perfect’) and al-hamdulillah (‘All prase be to Allah’) together fill–or each fill– what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is a light. Charity is a proof. Patience is a brightness. The Quran is either an argument for or against you. And everyone goes out in the morning and sells himself, either freeing or destroying himself.” [Muslim]
[3] Muhammad Alshareef. Lecture. AlMaghrib. Breach of Covenant. University of Toronto, Toronto. May 2005.