Unmodern Aspects of Islam (18): Endless Complaining

 

Did you know that psychologists say constant complaining actually rewires the brain—making negativity a habit that poisons our outlook on life? Just scroll online, and you’ll see it: everyone venting, criticizing, and drowning in dissatisfaction.

But Islam flips the script. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever is not grateful for small things will not be grateful for large things.” (Musnad Ahmad, 19516)
Gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s a shield for the heart.

The early Muslims lived in poverty compared to today’s luxuries. Yet their lips overflowed with alhamdulillah. They thanked Allah for a sip of water, a piece of bread, or the blessing of faith. Gratitude gave them resilience, optimism, and inner peace.

And us? Imagine replacing one complaint a day with one moment of thanks. Instead of saying, “I’m tired of this job,” we say, “Alhamdulillah, I have work.” Instead of, “This meal is boring,” we say, “Alhamdulillah, I have food.” Slowly, our hearts shift from bitterness to hope.

Negativity is the currency of modern life.
But gratitude—that’s the Sunnah. And it transforms everything.

In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.