Hadith #5328

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that whoever expresses gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), it becomes obligatory upon them to give thanks twice. This means that when a person acknowledges and appreciates the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they are required to express gratitude in both words and actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their significance. The word (shakara) "شَكَرَ" means to be grateful or thankful. It is derived from the root word (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which implies acknowledging and recognizing the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (shukratan) "شُكْرَتانِ" is the plural form of (shukrah) "شُكْرَة", which means gratitude or thanks. It signifies the act of expressing appreciation and thankfulness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The concept of gratitude is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude towards Him. In Surah Ibrahim, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 that gratitude leads to an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), while ingratitude can lead to severe consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Naml, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the gratitude of Prophet Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) when he said, (Quran 27:40)

This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.

This verse illustrates that gratitude is a means of benefiting oneself, as it leads to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the obligation to give thanks twice arises from the fact that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who enables a person to express gratitude in the first place. Every blessing we have, whether it is health, wealth, or knowledge, is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through His divine guidance and mercy that we are able to recognize and appreciate these blessings.

To illustrate this, let us consider the example of knowledge. When a person acquires knowledge, they may feel grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow intellectually. However, it is important to recognize that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who has granted them the ability to acquire knowledge in the first place. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, (Quran 27:15)

And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, 'Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.'

This verse highlights that knowledge is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and expressing gratitude for it is a means of acknowledging His favor upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It teaches us that when we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us, it becomes obligatory upon us to give thanks twice. Gratitude is not only expressed through words but also through our actions and deeds. By recognizing that it is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who enables us to be grateful, we deepen our connection with Him and increase our blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly grateful and may He increase us in His favor.