Hadith #5267

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, "إذا أُعْطِيتَ فَاشْكُرْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you are given, show gratitude.

This short but amazing Hadith holds immense wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

The word (u'tita) "أُعْطِيتَ" in the Hadith refers to being given or bestowed with something. It implies receiving a gift, a blessing, or a favor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses both material and spiritual blessings that we receive in our lives. It is important to note that the word "أُعْطِيتَ" is in the passive form, indicating that the act of giving is initiated by someone else, in this case, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to (fashkur) "فَاشْكُرْ", which means to show gratitude or thankfulness. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith as Muslims. It is an acknowledgment and appreciation of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not only expressed through words but also through actions that reflect our appreciation for the blessings we have received.

The importance of gratitude is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (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 direct correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in favor. Gratitude opens the doors to even more blessings and opportunities in our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Naml (27:40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 his response to a miraculous event. When a throne was brought before him in an instant, he recognized it as a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to see if he would be grateful or ungrateful. This story teaches us that gratitude is not only a personal virtue but also a means of testing our faith. It is a reflection of our character and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our lives. When we are given blessings, whether big or small, we should express our gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through our words and actions. Gratitude not only increases our blessings but also strengthens our faith and enhances our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a means of recognizing and acknowledging the countless favors bestowed upon us by our Creator.

Therefore, let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our lives. Let us be grateful for the blessings we have, both seen and unseen. Let us express our gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through our prayers, supplications, and acts of kindness towards others. By doing so, we will not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others to adopt a grateful mindset. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to always be grateful and may He increase us in His blessings.