Names of Allah
Ash-Shakur
Ash-Shakūr
The Appreciative — who rewards even the smallest good deed with abundant rewards.
What does Ash-Shakur mean?
Ash-Shakur is one of the 99 Names of Allah, meaning "The Most Appreciative," "The Grateful". It describes Allah's extraordinary response to His servants' good: He values even the smallest sincere deed, multiplies its reward far beyond its measure, praises His servants for what He Himself enabled them to do, and increases in grace those who thank Him.
The Meaning in Depth
It is remarkable that Allah, who needs nothing, describes Himself as "appreciative" of His servants. His "gratitude" means He never lets a good deed go unrewarded; rather, He rewards it generously, often multiplying a single good deed many times over. He accepts the little and gives much in return, overlooks shortcomings, and praises the doers of good. This is the height of generosity from the One who owes nothing to anyone.
Ash-Shakur in the Quran
- "...That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative." (35:30)
- "And whoever volunteers good — then indeed, Allah is Appreciative and Knowing." (2:158)
- "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you." (14:7)
Living by This Name
Ash-Shakur encourages the believer never to belittle any good deed, since the Most Appreciative rewards it manifold — even a smile, a kind word, or removing harm from the road. It also inspires gratitude (shukr): recognising blessings, thanking Allah with the heart, tongue, and limbs, and using His gifts in obedience. The Quran promises that gratitude brings increase (14:7), so the grateful servant is met by the generosity of Ash-Shakur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Allah be described as "grateful" if He needs nothing?
Allah's being Ash-Shakur does not imply need. It means He fully appreciates and richly rewards the good His servants do, never letting it go to waste — multiplying small deeds and praising those who obey. It is a description of His boundless generosity, not of dependence.
How does gratitude lead to increase?
The Quran states: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you" (14:7). Thanking Allah for His blessings opens the door to more, while ingratitude blocks it. Gratitude is both a duty and a means to lasting good from Ash-Shakur.
Etymology & origin
Ash-Shakur (الشكور) is from the root SH-K-R (ش-ك-ر), meaning "gratitude, appreciation, and recompense for good". From it come shukr (thankfulness) and shakir (grateful). When applied to Allah, the intensive form Shakur means the Most Appreciative: the One who rewards even the smallest good deed abundantly, and who responds to the gratitude of His servants with ever more grace.
References
- Quran:
- 2:158, 14:7, 35:30, 35:34, 42:23, 64:17
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 6021 (a man forgiven for removing a thorn from the road); Muslim 1009 (charity from every joint, even a good word); Bukhari 1413 (give charity even with half a date); Tirmidhi 1954 (whoever is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah)
Related terms
Al-Karim
The Most Generous, the Noble — who gives abundantly without expecting return, even to those who disobey.
Al-Wahhab
The Bestower — who continuously grants gifts and favors without expecting return.
Ar-Rahman
The Most Gracious — Allah's all-encompassing mercy extending to all creation in this world, believers and disbelievers alike.
Ihsan
Spiritual excellence — to worship Allah as if you see Him; the highest level of faith, defined by the Prophet ﷺ in the Hadith of Jibril.
Shukr
Gratitude — recognizing Allah's blessings, thanking Him with heart, tongue and limbs; Allah promises to increase blessings for the grateful.