Hadith #229

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious and vigilant regarding the loss of blessings in our lives. The Arabic phrase "احْذَرُوا نِفَارَ النِّعَمِ" translates to

Keep on guard against the slipping away of blessings.

Here, the word "نِفَارَ" refers to the act of slipping away or running away, while "النِّعَمِ" signifies blessings or favors. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be mindful of the blessings we have been granted, as not everything that runs away will come back.

This profound advice from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Ibrahim, verse 7:

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and warns us of the consequences of neglecting or taking for granted the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we remember and show gratitude to Him, He, in turn, remembers and blesses us. However, if we neglect or deny Him, we risk losing His blessings and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for us to appreciate and value the blessings in our lives. It urges us to be mindful of the transient nature of these blessings and to avoid taking them for granted. Just as not everything that runs away comes back, not all blessings that slip away will be returned to us. Therefore, it is essential to cherish and make the most of the blessings we have been granted.

This Hadith also encourages us to reflect on the consequences of neglecting or losing blessings. When we fail to appreciate and utilize the blessings bestowed upon us, we may experience a sense of regret and longing for what we have lost. This regret can manifest in various aspects of our lives, such as relationships, health, wealth, or opportunities. By being mindful of the potential loss of blessings, we can strive to make the most of them and avoid any future regrets.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice highlights the importance of gratitude and contentment. By being grateful for the blessings we have, we cultivate a positive mindset and attract more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude allows us to recognize the abundance in our lives and prevents us from falling into the trap of constantly seeking more without appreciating what we already have.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and appreciative of the blessings in their lives. It urges us to avoid taking these blessings for granted and to make the most of them while we have them. By being grateful and mindful, we can ensure that we do not lose the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to cherish and utilize His blessings in the best possible manner.