Hadith #5271

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالشُّكْرِ تُسْتَجْلَبُ الزِّيادَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through gratitude, more is obtained.

This short but amazing Hadith holds immense wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

The word (shukr) "شُّكْرِ" in this Hadith refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is derived from the Arabic root (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which means to acknowledge, appreciate, and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not merely a feeling or an emotion, but it is a state of mind and a way of life. It involves recognizing the blessings of Allah and expressing appreciation for them through words, actions, and intentions.

The phrase (tustajlabu al-ziyadah) "تُسْتَجْلَبُ الزِّيادَةُ" means that through gratitude, more is obtained. It implies that when we are grateful for the blessings we have, Allah increases those blessings and grants us even more. This increase can be in various forms, such as spiritual growth, material provisions, and overall well-being. Gratitude opens the doors to abundance and blessings in our lives.

The importance of gratitude is emphasized in the Quran as well. 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 highlights the connection between gratitude and increase in blessings. When we express gratitude to Allah for His favors, He rewards us with even more blessings.

Another verse that supports the concept of gratitude 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 that the blessings of Allah are countless and beyond our comprehension. When we reflect upon the numerous blessings we have been granted, it naturally leads us to a state of gratitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that gratitude is not only a means to express appreciation, but it also serves as a catalyst for receiving more blessings from Allah. When we are grateful, we acknowledge the blessings we have and show contentment with what Allah has bestowed upon us. This attitude of gratitude attracts more blessings from Allah, as He is pleased with His grateful servants.

Practicing gratitude has numerous benefits in our lives. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah and increases our faith. When we recognize and appreciate the blessings in our lives, we become more aware of Allah's presence and His continuous favors upon us. This awareness deepens our connection with Him and enhances our spirituality.

Secondly, gratitude promotes a positive mindset and improves our overall well-being. When we focus on the blessings rather than the hardships, we develop a more optimistic outlook on life. This positive mindset enables us to overcome challenges with resilience and find joy in even the smallest of blessings.

Furthermore, gratitude fosters humility and contentment. When we are grateful for what we have, we are less likely to be envious or covetous of others' possessions. We learn to be satisfied with what Allah has provided for us and avoid the trap of constantly desiring more. This contentment brings inner peace and tranquility to our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that through gratitude, more blessings are obtained. Gratitude is not only a virtue but also a means to attract Allah's favor and increase in blessings. By expressing gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon us, we strengthen our relationship with Allah, develop a positive mindset, and cultivate contentment in our lives. Let us strive to be grateful Muslims, acknowledging and appreciating the blessings of Allah, and may He grant us an abundance of blessings in return.