كافِلُ المَزيدِ الشُّكْرُ۔
The guarantor of increase is gratitude.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Gratitude And The Grateful)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors who followed in his footsteps.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
The guarantor of increase is gratitude.
This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation in our lives. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.
The word "kafil" in Arabic means "guarantor" or
one who takes responsibility.
It signifies the role of gratitude as a guarantee for increase and abundance in our lives. Gratitude acts as a catalyst for attracting blessings and favors from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a powerful tool that ensures the continuous flow of blessings and increases the goodness in our lives.
The word "mazid" means "increase" or "growth." It refers to the expansion and multiplication of blessings, whether they are material, spiritual, or emotional. Gratitude is the key that unlocks the doors to abundance and prosperity. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the blessings bestowed upon us and open ourselves up to receiving even more.
Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and shed light on the wisdom behind this Hadith. 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 clearly emphasizes the correlation between gratitude and increase. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to multiply His blessings upon those who are grateful. By expressing gratitude, we not only acknowledge the favors of Allah but also invite more blessings into our lives.
Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Nahl (16:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,
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 that Allah has bestowed upon us. It is impossible to enumerate them all, but by expressing gratitude, we acknowledge His infinite mercy and kindness. Gratitude helps us maintain a positive mindset and recognize the blessings that we often take for granted.
Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that gratitude is not just a mere expression of thanks but a transformative attitude that shapes our perception of the world. When we adopt an attitude of gratitude, we become more aware of the blessings around us, no matter how small they may seem. We learn to appreciate the beauty of life and find contentment in what we have been given.
Moreover, gratitude has a profound impact on our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It strengthens our connection with Him and deepens our faith. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge that every blessing comes from Allah alone, and we humble ourselves before His greatness.
Gratitude also has a positive effect on our interactions with others. When we express gratitude to our fellow human beings, we uplift their spirits and strengthen the bonds of love and kindness. It creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to also be grateful and spread positivity in their own lives.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that gratitude is the guarantor of increase. By expressing gratitude, we open the doors to abundance and attract more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude transforms our perception, strengthens our relationship with Allah, and fosters positivity in our interactions with others. Let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our lives and witness the transformative power it holds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly grateful and increase us in His blessings.
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