Hadith #2440

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

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

مَنْ كَتَمَ الإحْسانَ عُوقِبَ بِالْحِرْمانِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who conceals the favor [that has been done to him] is punished with deprivation.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ihsan) "إحْسانَ" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and favor. It encompasses any act that is done with excellence and sincerity, seeking to benefit others without expecting anything in return. The word (katama) "كَتَمَ" means to conceal or hide. It implies that one intentionally keeps the favor or act of kindness hidden from others, not acknowledging or expressing gratitude for it.

This Hadith highlights the importance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the favors and kindnesses we receive from others. It warns that those who conceal these acts of goodness will be punished with deprivation. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance 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. By concealing acts of kindness and failing to express gratitude, one risks losing the blessings and favors bestowed upon them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah commands,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse reminds us that gratitude is not only for the favors of others but also for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. By concealing acts of kindness, we are essentially denying the favor of Allah and failing to fulfill our duty of gratitude towards Him.

The consequences of concealing acts of kindness are not limited to deprivation in this world. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:264), Allah says,

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day.

This verse warns against seeking recognition and praise for acts of charity, as it nullifies the reward. Similarly, concealing acts of kindness for the sake of personal gain or recognition diminishes the reward and may lead to deprivation in the Hereafter.

Concealing acts of kindness can have detrimental effects on both the individual and society. When we fail to acknowledge and express gratitude for the favors we receive, we undermine the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. Gratitude fosters a culture of appreciation, love, and compassion, strengthening the ties that bind us as Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of gratitude in many of his teachings. He once said,

Gratitude is the key to increase, and ingratitude is the key to deprivation.

This statement echoes the message of the Hadith we are discussing. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) understood that gratitude is not only a moral obligation but also a means of attaining blessings and abundance in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against concealing acts of kindness and failing to express gratitude. It reminds us that gratitude is not only for the favors of others but also for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. By concealing acts of kindness, we risk losing the blessings and favors bestowed upon us, both in this world and the Hereafter. Gratitude fosters unity, love, and compassion within the Muslim community, strengthening our bonds as believers. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to always acknowledge and express gratitude for the favors we receive, and may He increase us in His blessings.