Is there any narration which states Musa (‘alayhis salam) once asked Allah Ta’ala regarding gratitude (shukr)? Allah Ta’ala said “Keep your tongue moist in dhikr.”
Answer:
Yes. Imams ‘Abdullah ibnul Mubarak, Ibn Abi Shaybah and Bayhaqi (rahimahumullah) have recorded this narration.
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Salam (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “Once Musa (‘alayhis salam) asked Allah, ‘[How do I show] gratitude to You that is appropriate?’ Allah Ta’ala replied, ‘Your tongue should remain moist in my remembrance.”
(Kitabuz Zuhd: 942, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 35429, Shu’abul Iman: 669 and 4114)
See a similar Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar