Hadith #5318

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لَمْ يَشْكُرِ الإنْعامَ فَلْيُعَدَّ مِنَ الأنْعامِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who does not show gratitude for favours should be counted [as being] from the livestock [rather than being human].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (shukr) "شُكْرِ", which means gratitude or thankfulness. Gratitude is an essential quality that distinguishes humans from animals. It is a recognition and acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not merely a verbal expression, but it is a state of the heart that manifests through our actions and attitudes.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude in numerous verses. 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 the increase in blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude for the favors bestowed upon us, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase those blessings. Conversely, if we are ungrateful and fail to recognize the favors, we risk losing them and facing the consequences of our ingratitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of gratitude in our lives. It urges us to reflect on our actions and attitudes towards the countless blessings we have been granted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we fail to show gratitude for the favors bestowed upon us, we are essentially disregarding the blessings and behaving like livestock. Livestock, unlike humans, are unable to comprehend and appreciate the favors they receive. They simply consume and benefit from them without any acknowledgment or gratitude.

By likening those who do not show gratitude to livestock, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings we receive. Gratitude is not only a duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it also has profound effects on our spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being.

When we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, we become more aware of the blessings in our lives, both big and small. This awareness leads to a greater sense of contentment, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment. Gratitude also strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as we recognize that every blessing is a manifestation of His mercy and love for us.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our lives. Gratitude is a distinguishing characteristic of humans and is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. By expressing gratitude for the favors bestowed upon us, we not only fulfill our duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also experience an increase in blessings and a deeper connection with our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to show gratitude in all aspects of our lives.