Thankful for Thanksgiving

American celebration of Thanksgiving Day is the epitome of Islamic moral values. Born and raised in England, I have lived in America for 10 years.  I can gladly say that both countries have customs that speak to my soul as a Muslim. In America, Thanksgiving is one of them though there is no equivalent holiday in England.

As a newcomer I was deeply touched by the spirit of generosity expressed by mere strangers as they reached out to my husband and me and opened up their homes and welcomed us. This gesture of hospitality is a unique part of American culture as they are used to accepting new people and I believe it has became a trademark characteristic of this country. The food that local businesses prepare for their communities is another act of generosity and sympathy.   

Further, this is a holiday that embraces gratitude to other people.  It is an exercise in spiritual fitness that makes people happier, and brings them together.  My neighbors have demonstrated this sense of gratitude by including such people who may be unmarried, widowed or divorced and no one gets left out.   Through these small acts of humanity and goodness we are reminded of the history of America and the common thread connecting all of us here, which is our attachment to our homeland - that is America!

As Muslims we believe that to be grateful to God we need to show gratitude to our fellow humans. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had stated that if one is not grateful to others then he is not grateful to God.  Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show gratitude and generosity to each other and to reach out to those who are without families or those who may be disadvantaged.