Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous. (Surat an-Naml, 27:40)
Allah created the universe and formed it according to His own attributes. Everything that exists belongs to Him. All beauties and subtleties are manifestations of His wisdom. Like all other beings, we come into being by His will. Each person, once a lump of flesh in his or her mother's womb, is born, grows up, and manifests Allah's artistry with his or her beautiful face. Indeed Allah relates humanity's superiority, as follows:
O man! What has deluded you in respect of your Noble Lord? He Who created you, formed you, proportioned you, and assembled you in whatever way He willed. (Surat al-Infitar, 82:6-8)
Yet, although people can think, many of them never wonder how they came into being and who is responsible for the countless blessings surrounding them. The Qur'an asks:
Has man ever known a point of time when he was not something remembered? We created man from a mingled drop to test him, and made him able to hear and see. We guided him on the Way, whether he is thankful or unthankful. (Surat al-Insan, 76:1-3)
On the other hand, those who use their intellect wonder who created them, who is responsible for the infinite blessings that they could never have attained on their own, and who has enabled them to think, use their intellect, and perceive all that is around them. These people reach the following conclusion: Our Lord, Who created them and granted all of the superior blessings that they could never attain on their own, is very generous. This Creator is Allah, the Lord of the heavens and Earth, and He reminds people to:
Recite: In the Name of your Lord Who created, created man from a clot of blood. Recite: And your Lord is the Most Generous, He Who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know. No indeed! Truly man is unbridled, seeing himself as self-sufficient. Truly it is to your Lord that you will return. (Surat al-‘Alaq , 96:1-8)
In other words, each person is responsible for turning toward Allah, the Gracious Creator, in order to thank Him. Allah grants countless blessings and, in return, asks only that people serve Him and abandon their arrogance. Allah's sincere servants, all of whom assume and display this morality, will be generously rewarded for their virtuous conduct.
