These are not accidents of history. They are part of the countless blessings to us provided from Allah.
"And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
Surah An-Nahl (16:18)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
There was a time when people depended on handwritten letters carried by travelers or even pigeons. Messages took weeks or months to arrive, if they arrived at all. Families could remain uncertain about their loved ones for long periods.
Today, we communicate instantly across the world. A parent can hear their child’s voice within seconds, even if oceans separate them. This ease strengthens family ties, preserves relationships, and spreads knowledge and dawah globally.
Modern communication is one of those favors. It is a tool. Used for good, it becomes a source of reward. Used carelessly, it becomes a source of regret. Gratitude means using blessings in ways that please the Giver.
Consider the journey of Hajj or Umrah.
Today, a Muslim from China, Africa, Europe, or any distant land can travel to Makkah in a matter of hours by plane. The journey, though tiring, is organized, structured, and far safer than in the past.
But in earlier centuries, pilgrims walked for months. They crossed deserts under scorching heat. They faced illness, hunger, bandits, and storms. Some never arrived. Some arrived but never returned home. Families would say goodbye not knowing if they would ever meet again.
Allah reminds us in the Quran,
“And He has subjected for you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, all from Him.”
Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:13)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
Airplanes, ships, roads, and vehicles are part of this subjugation. Allah made the laws of physics and gave human beings the ability to discover and use them. Every safe landing is a mercy. Every smooth journey is a blessing.
There were times when travel meant extreme danger. Even daily life was uncertain due to tribal conflicts, invasions, or lack of infrastructure.
Allah reminds Quraysh of the blessing of safety,
“Let them worship the Lord of this House, who has fed them against hunger and secured them from fear.”
Surah Quraysh (106:3–4)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
Food and security are enormous blessings. When we sleep peacefully at night, when we have access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare, we are living inside blessings that millions before us never experienced.
In the past, seeking knowledge required long journeys. Scholars would travel for months just to verify a single hadith. Today, the Quran is available in our pockets. Tafsir, hadith collections, and lectures are accessible instantly.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
(Reported by Muslim)
Translated Hadith from Arabic to English
Now Allah has made the path easier than ever. But ease increases responsibility. If knowledge is accessible, ignorance becomes a choice.
“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)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
Gratitude (shukr) is not just saying “Alhamdulillah.” It has three parts:
1. Gratitude of the heart, Recognizing the blessing comes from Allah.
2. Gratitude of the tongue, Praising Allah for it.
3. Gratitude of the limbs, Using the blessing in obedience to Allah.
If we use technology to maintain family ties, spread beneficial knowledge, and remember Allah, our blessings increase. If we use travel to perform Hajj, visit family, and seek halal provision, our blessings increase.
But if blessings lead to arrogance or neglect of prayer, they may be taken away.
Imagine yourself:
Waiting months for news from loved ones.
Walking across continents for Hajj.
Risking your life for trade.
Studying years just to access a few books.
Now compare that with,
Instant messaging.
Air travel.
Global trade networks.
Digital libraries of Islamic Books.
This contrast should not make us proud of our era, it should make us humble before Allah.
Every convenience we enjoy is a test:
Will we remember Allah?
Will we pray on time?
Will we give charity?
Will we use our ease to help others?
The Prophet ﷺ taught that many people are deceived by two blessings: health and free time (reported in Sahih al-Bukhari).
Translated Hadith from Arabic to English
Our era multiplies both opportunity and accountability. The ability to message each other across distance, to fly to Makkah for Hajj and Umrah, to live with access to knowledge and safety, these are tremendous blessings.They are signs of Allah’s mercy.
Let us increase in saying “Alhamdulillah.”
Let us increase in obedience.
Let us increase in gratitude.
Because when we are grateful, Allah promises us increase, and there is no promise more true than the promise of Allah.
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد ان لا اله الا انت استغفرك وأتوب اليك