syukur

Syukur is a term used in Malay and Indonesian languages that stems from the Arabic shukr, meaning gratitude or thankfulness. It denotes the recognition and appreciation of blessings, typically directed toward God, though it can also refer to a general sense of thankfulness. The noun syukur and the verb bersyukur are used to express gratitude and the act of being grateful.

In Islamic thought, shukr is a central ethical virtue. It is often described as a threefold practice of gratitude of the heart, the tongue, and the limbs: recognizing blessings with inner awareness, praising God, and expressing grateful behavior through actions such as generosity, contentment, and obedience.

Scriptural sources in Islam emphasize gratitude. The Qur'an teaches that gratitude to God is rewarded, and believers are urged to remember and thank the Creator so that blessings may endure or be increased. In religious discourse, ingratitude (often framed as disbelief or refusal) is presented as a negative stance toward divine favors.

Beyond religious context, syukur is linked in modern psychology and sociology to well-being, social harmony, and resilience. In everyday life, it can shape attitudes toward life’s difficulties and foster humility, generosity, and reciprocal care.