Hadith #2476

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,

مَا اكْتُسِبَ الشُّكْرُ بِمِثْلِ بَذْلِ المَعْرُوفِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Nothing earns gratitude like doing good to others.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (iktusiba) "اكْتُسِبَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of acquiring or earning something. It highlights the idea that gratitude is not something that can be obtained easily or automatically. It requires effort and action on our part. The word (shukr) "شُّكْرُ" means gratitude or thankfulness, which is a virtue highly emphasized in Islam.

To understand the significance of doing good to others in earning gratitude, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:172),

O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being grateful to Allah for His blessings. By doing good to others, we are acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.

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

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's help and guidance in our actions. When we do good to others, we are seeking Allah's pleasure and relying on His sustaining power to carry out acts of kindness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that doing good to others is the most effective way to earn gratitude. When we selflessly help and support others, we create a positive impact on their lives. This act of kindness not only brings joy and relief to those we assist, but it also cultivates a sense of gratitude within them. They recognize the goodness extended to them and are more likely to express their gratitude.

Moreover, the act of doing good to others has a ripple effect. When we engage in acts of kindness, it inspires and motivates others to do the same. This creates a cycle of gratitude and goodness within society. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages us to spend in the way of Allah and engage in acts of goodness, which includes doing good to others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that nothing earns gratitude like doing good to others. By actively engaging in acts of kindness and selflessness, we not only earn the gratitude of those we help but also cultivate a sense of gratitude within ourselves. This virtuous cycle of gratitude and goodness is highly valued in Islam and is a means of seeking Allah's pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to continuously do good to others and be grateful for His blessings.