“Indeed, mankind is ungrateful to his Lord.”
(Surah Al-‘Aadiyaat 100:6)

We stand today at a crossroads — as individuals and as a nation. Our decline is not merely economic or political; it is spiritual and moral. We have become, as the Qur’an describes, “Al-Kunood” (الکنود) — utterly thankless.
I have witnessed Pakistan’s journey since the 1965 war. Once, we were among the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Our currency was strong, our people hopeful, and our land blessed with peace and prosperity. But somewhere along the way, we forgot the Source of those blessings.

A Reminder from the Qur’an:
“And remember when you were few and oppressed in the land, fearing that people might snatch you away, but He sheltered you, strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things so that you might be grateful.”
(Surah Al-Anfaal 8:26)
This verse is not only a reflection of the Prophet’s (PBUH) time — it applies to us today. We were once weak and struggling, yet Allah raised us, gave us freedom, and blessed us with abundant resources. But instead of gratitude, we became complacent and ungrateful.

The Command to Acknowledge Blessings
“And proclaim the blessings of your Lord.”
(Surah Ad-Dhuhaa 93:11)
Allah commands us to remember and speak of His blessings — not to dwell on our hardships. Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is an act of recognition that brings more blessings.

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”
(Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
Yet, we have done the opposite. We complain more than we thank. We count our troubles but ignore our countless blessings.

The Consequence of Thanklessness
“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned, so He may let them taste part of what they have done, that perhaps they will return.”
(Surah Ar-Rum 30:41)
Our current state — soaring prices, weak currency, and heavy taxes — is not just an economic crisis; it is a spiritual warning. When a nation becomes ungrateful, its blessings turn into burdens.

The Path to Renewal
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11)
Change begins within. We must shift from negativity to gratitude, from complaint to contribution. Count your blessings, not just your failures. Use your intellect, faith, and energy to rebuild — personally and collectively.
Let us stop being Al-Kunood. Let us become a nation that remembers, thanks, and grows.

Final Reflection
If we truly wish to rise again, we must begin with one simple act: Shukr (gratitude).
Gratitude transforms scarcity into abundance, despair into hope, and weakness into strength.

Count your blessings — and not your troubles.