Hadith #5335

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 noble companions.

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

لا تَنْسَوْا عِنْدَ النِّعْمَةِ شُكْرَكُمْ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not forget to show your gratitude when you receive blessings.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude when we are bestowed with blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةِ" in this Hadith refers to blessings or favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. These blessings can be both material and spiritual, such as good health, wealth, knowledge, guidance, and countless other forms of goodness that we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Gratitude, or (shukr) "شُكْرَ", is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It involves recognizing that these blessings are not a result of our own efforts alone, but are ultimately gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is expressed through words of thanks, acts of worship, and utilizing these blessings in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The importance of gratitude is emphasized in the Quran, where 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 highlights the correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude for the blessings we receive, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in favor.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Naml (27:40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 his recognition of the blessings bestowed upon him. It highlights the importance of gratitude by emphasizing that it is for our own benefit. Gratitude allows us to acknowledge the blessings and seek their proper utilization, leading to personal growth and spiritual development.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us not to forget expressing gratitude when we receive blessings. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly be aware of the blessings bestowed upon them and to actively express gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also open the doors for more blessings and increase in favor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Gratitude is a transformative attitude that shapes our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the world around us. It instills humility, contentment, and a sense of appreciation for the blessings we often take for granted. When we express gratitude for our blessings, we become more aware of the immense mercy and love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) towards His creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to never forget expressing gratitude when they receive blessings. Gratitude is not only a duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it is also a means of personal growth and spiritual development. By acknowledging and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us, we open the doors for more blessings and increase in favor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our lives and be mindful of the countless blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to express gratitude in all circumstances.