The Deep Psychology of Gratitude: Decoding the Prophetic Insight into Human Relationships
In the ocean of Prophetic wisdom, certain utterances shine like stars—illuminating the hidden corridors of the human soul across time and culture. Among the most profound is the saying of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “Women may show ingratitude toward their companions (‘ashīr): even if you treat one of them kindly your entire life, and she sees something unpleasant from you, she might say, ‘I have never seen any good from you.’” At first hearing, the heart may flinch. But rushing to judgment means missing a profound gift: this is not condemnation—it is diagnosis. A compassionate map drawn not to sink ships, but to guide them safely through the hidden reefs of human connection. Ingratitude is not denial—it is emotional erasure The Arabic root “k-f-r” means “to cover.” Thus, “kufr al-‘ashīr” is not mere forgetting, but a psychological act in which a single negative moment covers years of kindness with a veil of resentment. In a flash of emotion, the present pain erases the past good—as ...