Hadith #5279

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,

شُكْرُ مَنْ فَوْقَكَ بِصِدْقِ الوِلاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

The gratitude of one who is above you is through true friendship and loyalty.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of showing gratitude towards those who are in a higher position or have more knowledge than us.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is an expression of appreciation and acknowledgment for the blessings bestowed upon us. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "one who" or "the one who." (fawqaka) "فَوْقَكَ" means "above you" or "higher than you." It signifies someone who holds a superior position in terms of knowledge, status, or authority. (bisidq) "بِصِدْقِ" means "through" or "by means of." Finally, (al-wilā') "الوِلاءِ" refers to true friendship, loyalty, or allegiance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude in numerous verses. 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 highlights the direct correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nahl (16:18), Allah reminds us,

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages us to reflect upon the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and to express gratitude for them.

Now, let us explore the deeper meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The Imam is teaching us that true gratitude towards those who are above us, whether in terms of knowledge or status, is not merely expressed through words but through sincere friendship and loyalty. It is not enough to simply acknowledge their superiority; we must also demonstrate our appreciation through our actions and behavior.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement reflects his understanding of the importance of true friendship and loyalty. He recognized that gratitude towards those who are above us requires more than just empty words; it necessitates a genuine commitment to supporting and honoring them.

By practicing true friendship and loyalty towards those who are more knowledgeable than us, we not only express our gratitude but also benefit from their wisdom and guidance. This fosters a positive and nurturing environment for growth and development. It allows us to learn from their experiences, seek their advice, and gain a deeper understanding of our faith.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to be humble and recognize our own limitations. It encourages us to acknowledge the knowledge and expertise of others and to approach them with respect and humility. This attitude of humility and gratitude opens doors for learning and personal growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true gratitude towards those who are above us is not limited to mere words but requires sincere friendship and loyalty. By practicing these qualities, we not only express our appreciation but also benefit from the wisdom and guidance of those who possess greater knowledge or status. Let us strive to embody this teaching in our interactions with others, seeking to learn from and support those who are more knowledgeable than us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate true gratitude and sincere friendship in our lives.