Hadith #5330

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,

مَنْ لَمْ يَشْكُرِ النِّعْمَةَ مُنِعَ الزِّيادَةَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (shukr) "شكر" in Arabic refers to expressing gratitude or thankfulness. It involves acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us and recognizing their source, which is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not merely a verbal expression but also a state of the heart and actions that reflect appreciation for the blessings received.

The Hadith states that (man lam yashkur in-ni'mah)

مَنْ لَمْ يَشْكُرِ النِّعْمَةَ

meaning

one who does not show gratitude for the blessing.

This implies that gratitude is not an option but rather an obligation upon every Muslim. It is a fundamental aspect of our faith to express gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the significance of gratitude, let us turn to the Quran. 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 direct correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to bestow upon us even more blessings.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of gratitude is found in Surah An-Naml (27:40), where 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 denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.'

In this verse, Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges the blessings bestowed upon him by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and expresses gratitude. He recognizes that gratitude is not only for the benefit of oneself but also a means of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a test of our faith and a reflection of our character.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we understand that gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith. It is through gratitude that we acknowledge the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and express our appreciation. By doing so, we open the doors for more blessings to come our way.

Conversely, if we fail to show gratitude for the blessings we have, we risk being deprived of further blessings. This deprivation is not a punishment from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but rather a consequence of our own actions. When we fail to appreciate and acknowledge the blessings in our lives, we become blind to the countless other blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has in store for us.

As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to cultivate a mindset of gratitude. We should constantly reflect upon the blessings in our lives, both big and small, and express our gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This can be done through sincere supplication, acts of worship, and by utilizing the blessings we have been given in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not only a duty but also a means of increasing our blessings. By showing appreciation for what we have, we open the doors for more blessings to come our way. Conversely, failing to express gratitude can lead to deprivation of further blessings. Let us strive to be grateful Muslims, recognizing and acknowledging the countless blessings in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and increase us in His favor.