Exegesis of the saying of Allah the Exalted: << ثم عفونا عنكم من بعد ذلك لعلكم تشكرون >> from Surat al-Baqarah

meaning We have overlooked this action and lifted the punishment from you. meaning so that you may be grateful. The word "perhaps" (la'all) here indicates the cause. As we mentioned previously, "perhaps" occurs with several meanings, including indicating the cause, which is common in the Noble Qur'an; hope; wishing; fear and concern; and expectation. All of this is understood by the context. And His saying: Gratitude is righteous action, as it came in the Qur'an. The evidence for this is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): إن الله أمر المؤمنين بما أمر به المرسلين فقال تعالى: يا أيها الرسل كلوا من الطيبات واعملوا صالحا وقال في المؤمنين: كلوا من طيبات ما رزقناكم واشكروا لله Indeed, Allah commanded the believers with what He commanded the messengers, and He said: "O messengers, eat from the good things and do righteous deeds." And He said regarding the believers: "Eat from the good things We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah." This indicates that gratitude is righteous action, and there is no doubt in that. Know that gratitude is only in response to a favor, unlike praise. Praise is for the perfection of the one praised and his generosity, so its cause is broader than that of gratitude. However, gratitude is broader than praise in terms of its connection to the heart, the tongue, and the limbs, as the poet said:
The favors Allah bestowed upon me are three: my hand, my tongue, and the hidden loins.