Hadith #5242

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being good neighbors to the blessings of both religion and the worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to show gratitude to the one who guides us towards these blessings. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its connotation in light of the Quran.

The word (jūwāra) "جُوارَ" in the Hadith refers to being good neighbors or companions. It implies being kind, helpful, and considerate towards others. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies our relationship with the blessings of religion and the worldly life. We are encouraged to treat these blessings as our neighbors, meaning we should value and appreciate them.

The phrase (niʿami al-dīni wa al-dunyā) "نِعَمِ الدّينِ والدُّنيا" in the Hadith refers to the blessings of religion and the worldly life. The word (niʿami) "نِعَمِ" signifies the various favors and blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These blessings encompass both the spiritual and material aspects of our lives. They include guidance, knowledge, faith, health, wealth, and all the other blessings that contribute to our well-being in this world and the Hereafter.

To understand the importance of being good neighbors to these blessings, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah An-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:18)

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 immeasurable. We should be grateful for these blessings and show our appreciation by being good neighbors to them.

Furthermore, in Surah Ibrahim, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 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 importance of gratitude. When we show gratitude for the blessings of religion and the worldly life, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in favor. Gratitude is a means of preserving and enhancing these blessings in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to show gratitude to the one who guides us to these blessings. This guidance can come from various sources, such as teachers, scholars, mentors, and even our fellow Muslims. When someone directs us towards the blessings of religion and the worldly life, it is essential to acknowledge their role and express our gratitude.

The act of showing gratitude not only benefits the one who guides us but also has a positive impact on ourselves. Gratitude cultivates humility, contentment, and a sense of appreciation. It strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and deepens our understanding of His blessings. When we recognize the efforts of others in guiding us towards these blessings, we become more aware of the value and significance of these gifts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be good neighbors to the blessings of religion and the worldly life by showing gratitude to the one who guides us to them. We should appreciate the countless favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and express our gratitude for these blessings. By doing so, we not only honor the guidance we receive but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and deepen our understanding of His blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and good neighbors to His blessings.