Hadith #5293

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Your gratitude to the one who is pleased with you increases [his] approval and loyalty (or preservation) towards you.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude to those who are pleased with us, as it leads to an increase in their approval and loyalty towards us.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (shukruk) "شُكْرُكَ" means "your gratitude" and is derived from the root word (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which means to acknowledge, appreciate, and express gratitude. It is important to note that gratitude is not limited to mere words, but it encompasses sincere actions and a genuine appreciation for the favors bestowed upon us.

The phrase (lir-raadi 'anka) "لِلرَّاضِي عَنْكَ" translates to

to the one who is pleased with you.

This highlights the significance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude specifically to those who are content with us. It is crucial to recognize the individuals who support and are pleased with us, as their satisfaction holds great value in our lives.

The word (yazeeduka) "يَزِيدُكَ" means "increases [his] approval" or "enhances [his] loyalty." This signifies that when we express gratitude to those who are pleased with us, it strengthens their approval and loyalty towards us. Our gratitude acts as a catalyst for deepening the bond and connection we share with them.

The word (ridan) "رِضًا" refers to approval, satisfaction, or contentment. When someone is pleased with us, their approval signifies their acceptance and satisfaction with our actions and behavior. By expressing gratitude to them, we acknowledge their contentment and reinforce their positive perception of us.

The phrase (wafa'an) "وَوَفَاءً" can be translated as "loyalty" or "preservation." It represents the commitment and dedication that individuals exhibit towards those they are pleased with. When we express gratitude to them, it strengthens their loyalty and preserves their positive sentiments towards us.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its direct correlation with an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude to Allah for His countless favors upon us, He promises to increase us in His blessings and favors. Similarly, when we express gratitude to those who are pleased with us, their approval and loyalty towards us are enhanced.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nahl (16:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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

This verse reminds us of the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), which we can never fully comprehend or enumerate. Expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings is a means of acknowledging His infinite mercy and seeking His continued favor.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound implications of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When we express gratitude to those who are pleased with us, we not only strengthen our relationships with them but also align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran. Gratitude is a powerful tool that fosters love, harmony, and loyalty among individuals.

By expressing gratitude, we acknowledge the efforts and support of those who are pleased with us, and this recognition strengthens the bond of mutual respect and appreciation. It motivates them to continue their support and loyalty towards us, as they feel valued and acknowledged.

Conversely, neglecting to express gratitude may lead to a weakening of the bond and a decrease in their approval and loyalty. It is essential for us as Muslims to cultivate a culture of gratitude and appreciation, both towards Allah and towards those who are pleased with us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of expressing gratitude to those who are pleased with us. By doing so, we enhance their approval and loyalty towards us. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of gratitude and its direct correlation with an increase in blessings from Allah. As Muslims, let us strive to cultivate a culture of gratitude, acknowledging the favors of Allah and expressing appreciation to those who support and are pleased with us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and strengthen our relationships through gratitude.