SACRED: "O ALLAH , ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE" BY TIMEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI

Today, I raise my hands with a grateful heart,

And lift my voice to Him from whom all blessings start

For breath renewed, for life, for light,

For every mercy, day and night.

Alhamdulillah! My soul will always say,

For guiding me through every day;

For every trial that made me strong,

For every grace that helped me on.

It is Your favour, Allah, that brought me here,

Your hidden kindness through another year.

For doors You opened, in Your wondrous way,

For loved ones beside me, and strength for each day.

O Allah, forgive today my faults and sins;

Purify my heart of all impure things

And grant to me more years in store;

Not just long life, but something more:

Let every year for me be bright,

A source of blessings, hope, and light.

Grant me strength with a bouyant health

In mind and body, with ample wealth 

Lawful, pure, wholesome, and true

None can grant these except You

Make me humble, loving, and kind,

Banish all hatred from my soul and mind

Make me a blessing for the poor and weak

Make me a conduit for all they seek

Grant me a thankful heart that sings Your praise

And a patient soul when trials I face

Preserve my wives, my kids, and me

And bless my home for all to see

A year ago, my tale almost ended

When the flame of life nearly faded

But then, Your Grace retrieved my soul

And patched it up into a wholesome whole

Alhamdulillah, for all I have;

Because in truth, there's none else I serve. 

© TIMEHIN SAHEED OLUROTIMI 

-Nigeria.

The poem “O Allah, Accept My Gratitude” by Timehin Saheed Olurotimi is a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving, faith, repentance, and renewed hope in Allah. The poet reflects on the blessings of life, including breath, strength, family, health, provision, and divine guidance, and repeatedly acknowledges that these blessings come from Allah. He also remembers a difficult period when his life was almost lost, presenting his survival as evidence of Allah’s mercy and grace.

Beyond gratitude, the poet asks Allah for forgiveness, purification of the heart, good health, lawful wealth, humility, kindness, patience, and the ability to help the poor and vulnerable. He also prays for the preservation and prosperity of his family. The poem therefore moves from thankfulness for the past, through repentance in the present, to prayers and hope for the future.

Overall, the poem is a sincere Islamic prayer of gratitude and supplication, emphasizing dependence on Allah, appreciation for the gift of life, and the desire to live a righteous and purposeful life.