Hadith #5245

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

أحْسَنُ شُكْرِ النِّعَمِ اَلإنْعامُ بِها۔

This can be translated into English as:

The best gratitude for blessings is favoring others with them.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" in the Hadith signifies the utmost level of excellence and goodness. It emphasizes the importance of going beyond mere gratitude and expressing it in the best possible manner. It implies that true gratitude is not limited to words or feelings but is manifested through actions that benefit others.

The term (shukr) "شُكْرِ" refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is a fundamental aspect of faith in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being grateful for His blessings in the Quran. Gratitude is a means of acknowledging and appreciating the favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (ni'am) "نِّعَمِ" refers to blessings or favors. It encompasses all the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us, including material, spiritual, and intellectual blessings. These blessings are not limited to wealth, health, or status, but also include knowledge, wisdom, and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the best way to show gratitude for these blessings is by (al-in'am biha) "الإنْعامُ بِها", which means to favor others with them. This implies that we should not hoard or selfishly cling to the blessings we have received, but rather, we should share them with others and use them to benefit society.

This concept of favoring others with our blessings is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity, kindness, and generosity towards others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:215)

They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, 'Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.'

This verse highlights the importance of using our blessings to benefit those in need, such as our parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It encourages us to be proactive in sharing our wealth, knowledge, and resources with others, thereby fulfilling our duty of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefiting the wider community.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that the act of giving and favoring others with our blessings not only benefits the recipients but also has positive consequences for the giver. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the concept of (al-in'am) "الإنْعامُ", which is mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When we use our blessings to benefit others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) multiplies and increases those blessings for us. It is a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining His mercy and rewards.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is not limited to words or feelings alone. It requires us to go beyond mere gratitude and actively use our blessings to benefit others. By favoring others with our blessings, we not only fulfill our duty of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also contribute to the betterment of society and reap the rewards of our actions in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to practice this profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and may He bless us with the opportunity to favor others with the blessings He has bestowed upon us.