Hadith #5302

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (bind) "قَيِّدُوا" signifies the need to hold on tightly to the approaching blessings, while (approaching) "قَوادِمَ" refers to the blessings that are yet to come. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to bind these blessings with gratitude, as a means of preserving and increasing them.

The word (blessings) "نِعَمِ" encompasses all the favors and bounties that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us, both material and spiritual. It includes health, wealth, knowledge, guidance, and countless other blessings that we often take for granted. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that gratitude is the key to preserving these blessings and preventing them from slipping away.

To further understand the significance of gratitude in Islam, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude. In Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says,

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 highlights the direct correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah rewards us with even more.

Another verse that supports the concept of gratitude is found in Surah An-Naml (27:40), where Allah says,

Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, 'I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, 'This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'

This verse narrates the story of Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and highlights the importance of gratitude in recognizing and acknowledging the favors bestowed upon us by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

for not everything that escapes comes back,

serves as a reminder that blessings are not guaranteed to remain with us forever. If we fail to appreciate and express gratitude for the blessings we have, they may slip away from us. This can be understood from the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Isra (17:83), where Allah says,

And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and distances himself; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication.

This verse highlights the tendency of human beings to take blessings for granted and only turn to Allah in times of hardship.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exhortation to bind approaching blessings with gratitude serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings they have and to express their gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through their words, actions, and intentions. Gratitude not only preserves and increases our blessings, but it also strengthens our relationship with Allah and brings us closer to Him. By recognizing and appreciating the blessings in our lives, we cultivate a positive mindset and a sense of contentment, which leads to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to bind our approaching blessings with gratitude and to be among those who are constantly grateful for His favors. May He increase us in blessings and protect us from ingratitude. Ameen.