Question

Is this story correct and where can it be found?

Dawud (‘alayhis salam) once asked Allah Ta’ala, ‘O My Rabb! [Being given the ability to] thank you and to express gratitude to you is also your bounty over me, so how do I express my gratitude to you?’ Allah Ta’ala revealed to him, ‘When you have realised this [that you will never be able to express enough gratitude for my bounties] then now you have made shukr’

Answer

Imam Abu Nu’aym and Imam Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration with weak chains. This narration is sourced from Historical sources [Israiliyyat]. Some narrations suggest that Musa (‘alayhis salam) also asked a similar question.

(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 6, pg. 56 and Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 4100, 4101. Also see: Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Ibrahim Verse: 34)

The narration is suitable to quote as reported.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar