Hadith #9269

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

في كُفْرِ النِّعَمِ زَوالُها۔

This can be translated as,

In ungratefulness for blessings is [the cause of] its removal.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (kufr) "كُفْرِ" in this Hadith refers to ungratefulness or disbelief. It signifies the act of denying or rejecting the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is important to note that kufr can manifest in various forms, not just in the context of disbelief in Allah. In this Hadith, it specifically refers to ingratitude towards the blessings we receive.

The term (an-ni'am) "النِّعَمِ" means blessings or favors. It encompasses all the bounties and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us, both tangible and intangible. These blessings can range from material possessions, health, knowledge, guidance, and even the gift of life itself.

The Hadith emphasizes that the removal or loss of blessings is a consequence of our ingratitude towards them. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Ibrahim (14:7),

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 highlights the direct correlation between gratitude and the increase or preservation of blessings. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase them. Conversely, when we are ungrateful, we risk losing those blessings.

Another verse that supports this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ibrahim (14:34), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.

This verse highlights the abundance of blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us, even beyond what we ask for. It also emphasizes the ingratitude and injustice of mankind towards these blessings. Our failure to acknowledge and appreciate the countless blessings we receive is a form of ungratefulness that can lead to their removal.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the consequences of ungratefulness. When we fail to recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives, we risk losing them. This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and to constantly reflect on the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to develop a deep sense of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His countless blessings. By expressing gratitude, we not only preserve and increase our blessings, but we also strengthen our relationship with our Creator. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of faith and a means to attain spiritual growth and contentment.

Let us remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be grateful for the blessings we have been bestowed with. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize, appreciate, and express gratitude for His blessings, and may He protect us from the consequences of ungratefulness.