Hadith #5291

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 and noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

شُكْرُ النِّعْمَةِ أمانٌ مِنْ حُلُولِ النَّقِمَةِ,

which can be translated as,

Gratitude for blessing is a safeguard from the coming of adversity.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" in Arabic refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is an act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. Gratitude is not merely a verbal expression, but it is a state of the heart that manifests in our actions and attitudes. It is a recognition of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) infinite mercy and generosity towards His creation.

The word (ni'mah) "نِّعْمَةِ" refers to blessings or favors. It encompasses all the blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), both material and spiritual. These blessings can include good health, wealth, knowledge, guidance, and countless other gifts that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that gratitude for these blessings acts as a safeguard or protection from the coming of adversity, represented by the word (naqimah) "النَّقِمَةِ". Adversity can refer to trials, tribulations, hardships, or any form of difficulty that we may encounter in our lives. By expressing gratitude for the blessings we have, we develop a positive mindset and a sense of contentment that helps us navigate through challenging times.

The concept of gratitude is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its benefits for the believers. 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 the reciprocal nature of gratitude. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in favor. This increase can be in the form of additional blessings, increased contentment, and protection from adversity. On the other hand, if we deny or neglect gratitude, we risk facing the severe punishment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah An-Nahl, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 14:34)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely give you more; but if you are ungrateful, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse reiterates the same message as the previous one, emphasizing the link between gratitude and increase in blessings. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings they have been granted and to express their gratitude through their words, actions, and attitudes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that gratitude acts as a safeguard from the coming of adversity. When we are grateful for the blessings we have, we develop a positive mindset and a sense of contentment. This mindset helps us face challenges with resilience and patience, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always with us and will provide for our needs.

Furthermore, gratitude also deepens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude, we acknowledge that all blessings come from Him alone, and we humble ourselves before His greatness. This recognition strengthens our faith and increases our reliance on Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings we have been granted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude acts as a safeguard from adversity, helping us develop a positive mindset, contentment, and a deeper connection with our Creator. Let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our lives and continuously express our thanks to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His countless blessings.