Hadith #10322

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

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

ما حُرِسَتِ النِّعَمُ بِمِثْلِ الشُّكْرِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing guards blessings like gratitude.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (hurisat) "حُرِسَتِ" in the Hadith means to guard, protect, or preserve. It implies that gratitude acts as a shield or barrier that safeguards the blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude, we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us, and this awareness helps us protect and preserve those blessings.

The word (ni'am) "نِّعَمُ" refers to blessings or favors. It encompasses all the blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), including material possessions, health, knowledge, and spiritual guidance. These blessings are a manifestation of Allah's mercy and grace upon us.

To understand the significance of gratitude in guarding blessings, we can turn to the Quran for 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 direct correlation between gratitude and the increase in blessings. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase those blessings. Gratitude opens the doors for further blessings and abundance in our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah An-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 that the blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are countless and immeasurable. Expressing gratitude helps us recognize and appreciate the magnitude of these blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate a mindset of gratitude in their daily lives. By acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the blessings we have, we not only protect and preserve them but also attract more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is a powerful tool that strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and brings us closer to Him.

When we express gratitude, we recognize that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. This realization humbles us and instills a sense of humility and contentment within us. Gratitude also helps us develop a positive outlook on life, as we focus on the blessings rather than dwelling on what we lack.

Moreover, gratitude has the power to transform our relationships with others. When we express gratitude to those who have been a source of blessings in our lives, we strengthen our bonds with them and foster a culture of appreciation and kindness. Gratitude has the potential to create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and harmony within our communities.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying,

Nothing guards blessings like gratitude,

highlights the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude acts as a shield that protects and preserves our blessings, while also attracting more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It fosters humility, contentment, and positive relationships with others. As Muslims, let us strive to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and express our thanks to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and those around us for the countless blessings we have been bestowed with.