Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates this statement of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him: "A man was once walking on a path when he saw a thorny branch on the road. He picked it up (and put it aside), so Allah Almighty accepted this deed of his and forgave him."

(Imam Ibn Hibban, may Allah have mercy on him, says:) The Being of Allah Almighty is far above and exalted from needing to thank His servant, because He initiates goodness with His servants and then completes it upon them and bestows His grace upon them. However, Allah Almighty being pleased with His servant's deed will be considered as gratitude from Allah Almighty, which will be for that act of the servant.