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