Hadith #5275

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

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

دَوامُ الشُّكْرِ عُنْوانُ دَرَكِ الزّيادَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Constant gratitude is the symbol of obtaining increment.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (shukr) "شُّكْرِ" in Arabic means gratitude or thankfulness. It is derived from the root word (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which implies acknowledging and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not merely expressing thanks verbally, but it encompasses a deep sense of recognition and appreciation for the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says,

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 clearly highlights the connection between gratitude and increase in blessings. When we express gratitude to Allah for His favors, He promises to bestow upon us even more blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Naml (27:40), Allah says,

Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, 'I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, '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 narrates the story of Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the miraculous appearance of the throne of the Queen of Sheba. Prophet Solomon recognized the importance of gratitude and acknowledged that it is for our own benefit. Gratitude is not for the benefit of Allah, as He is free of need and generous. Rather, it is a means for us to attain spiritual growth and increase in blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, states that constant gratitude is the symbol of obtaining increment. This means that when we continuously express gratitude to Allah for His blessings, we open the doors for even more blessings to come our way. Gratitude acts as a catalyst for the increase in blessings from Allah.

When we reflect upon this Hadith, we realize that gratitude is not limited to a mere expression of thanks, but it is a state of being. It is a mindset that permeates every aspect of our lives. Gratitude is not only for the blessings that are apparent to us, but also for the trials and hardships that we face. It is through gratitude that we find contentment and peace in all circumstances.

By constantly expressing gratitude, we develop a deep sense of appreciation for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. This appreciation motivates us to utilize these blessings in a manner that pleases Allah and benefits ourselves and others. It also serves as a reminder that all blessings come from Allah alone, and we should never take them for granted.

Moreover, gratitude has profound consequences in our spiritual journey. It strengthens our relationship with Allah and increases our faith. It helps us recognize the infinite mercy and love of Allah, and it humbles us before His greatness. Gratitude also protects us from the destructive traits of arrogance and entitlement, as it reminds us that all blessings are a gift from Allah's infinite grace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that constant gratitude is the symbol of obtaining increment. By expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings, we open the doors for even more blessings to come our way. Gratitude is a state of being that permeates every aspect of our lives, leading to contentment, peace, and spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the ability to be constantly grateful and may He increase us in His blessings.