Hadith #5236

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, "أُشْكُرْ تَزِدْ۔" which translates to

Be grateful and you will increase.

This short yet enlightening Hadith holds immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their journey towards spiritual growth and prosperity.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their meanings. The word (ushkur) "أُشْكُرْ" is derived from the Arabic root (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which means to express gratitude, appreciation, and acknowledgment for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not merely a verbal expression but a state of the heart that is reflected in our actions and attitudes.

The word (tazid) "تَزِدْ" is derived from the Arabic root (ziyada) "زِيَادَة", which means increase, growth, and abundance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that by being grateful, we open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reminder that gratitude is not only a virtue in and of itself but also a means to attract further blessings and increase in our lives.

The concept of gratitude is beautifully 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 affirms the correlation between gratitude and increase, highlighting that gratitude is a key to unlocking Allah's abundant blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-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 denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.'

This verse highlights the story of Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his gratitude towards Allah's blessings. It teaches us that gratitude is not only a personal virtue but also a means of testing our faith and devotion to Allah. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah alone, and this recognition deepens our connection with Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate a grateful heart and to express gratitude in all aspects of their lives. By being grateful for the blessings we have, whether big or small, we invite more blessings into our lives. Gratitude is a transformative attitude that brings contentment, humility, and a sense of fulfillment.

When we are grateful, we become more aware of the countless blessings that surround us, such as the gift of life, health, family, and provisions. Gratitude also helps us overcome challenges and hardships by shifting our focus towards the positive aspects of our lives. It enables us to see the wisdom and lessons behind every trial, leading to personal growth and resilience.

Moreover, gratitude is not limited to expressing thanks to Allah alone. It extends to showing appreciation to others and acknowledging their kindness. By expressing gratitude towards our fellow Muslims and society at large, we foster a sense of unity, love, and compassion within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Be grateful and you will increase

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate gratitude in their lives. By expressing gratitude to Allah and others, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings from Allah. Gratitude is a transformative attitude that brings about personal growth, contentment, and a deeper connection with our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly grateful and increase us in His blessings.