Hadith #9622

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

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

لَمْ يُدْرِكِ المَجْدَ مَنْ عَداهُ الحَمْدُ۔

This can be translated as,

He who has been forgone by praise does not attain distinction.

In order to understand the significance behind this statement, let us delve into the important words and concepts within this Hadith.

The word (majd) "مَجْدَ" in Arabic refers to glory, honor, or distinction. It signifies a state of greatness and prominence. The word (adaahu) "عَداهُ" means to be deprived or forsaken. And finally, (al-hamd) "الحَمْدُ" refers to praise or gratitude.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Fath (48:9),

That you [people] may believe in Allah and His Messenger and honor him and respect the Prophet and exalt Allah morning and afternoon.

This verse emphasizes the importance of praising and honoring the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a means of attaining belief and closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: Praise be to Allah, Who has not taken to Himself a son, and Who has not a partner in the kingdom, and Who has not a helper to save Him from disgrace; and proclaim His greatness magnifying.

This verse highlights the significance of praising Allah alone and recognizing His greatness without associating any partners with Him.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He states that the one who is forsaken by praise, who does not receive recognition or gratitude, will not attain distinction or greatness. This statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of others.

When we praise and express gratitude towards others, we uplift their spirits, motivate them to continue their good deeds, and create an atmosphere of positivity and unity within the community. This act of recognizing and appreciating the good in others is not only a means of fostering strong relationships but also a way to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, when we fail to acknowledge the good in others, when we withhold praise and gratitude, we create an environment of negativity, jealousy, and division. This not only hampers personal growth but also prevents the community from collectively attaining distinction and greatness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of recognizing and praising the good in others. By doing so, we not only uplift individuals but also contribute to the overall progress and success of the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to appreciate and praise the good in others. By doing so, we create an environment of positivity, unity, and growth. Neglecting to recognize the efforts of others hampers personal and collective progress. Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and continuously express gratitude and praise towards one another, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining distinction in this life and the hereafter.