Hadith #5296

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:

شَكَرَ الإحْسانَ مَنْ أثْنى على مُسْديهِ وذَكَرَ بِالجَميلِ مُولِيَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude towards those who have shown kindness and generosity. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in the light of the Quran.

The word (shakara) "شَكَرَ" in Arabic means to show gratitude or appreciation. It is derived from the root word (shakara) "شَكَرَ", which signifies acknowledging the favor or kindness bestowed upon oneself. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being grateful in the Quran. For example, in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says,

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.'

The word (ihsan) "إحْسانَ" in this Hadith refers to acts of kindness, benevolence, and excellence. It encompasses going above and beyond in one's actions, treating others with utmost goodness and sincerity. The concept of ihsan is beautifully explained in the famous Hadith of Jibril, where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes it as

to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion, then know that He sees you.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the importance of gratitude by stating that one should not only praise their benefactor but also mention them with goodness and appreciation. This means that expressing gratitude should not be limited to mere words but should also be reflected in our actions and attitudes towards those who have shown us kindness.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the importance of gratitude and appreciation. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of gratitude, where Allah promises to remember and reward those who are grateful to Him. Similarly, in Surah An-Naml (27:19), Prophet Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expressed his gratitude to Allah by saying,

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.

By praising and mentioning our benefactors with goodness and appreciation, we not only fulfill the duty of gratitude but also strengthen the bond of kindness and love between individuals. This act of gratitude has far-reaching consequences, as it fosters a positive and harmonious environment within society. When we appreciate the kindness of others, we motivate them to continue their acts of goodness and inspire others to follow suit. This ripple effect of gratitude can lead to a society that is characterized by compassion, empathy, and generosity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that gratitude is not merely a social courtesy but a spiritual obligation. It is a means of recognizing and acknowledging the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah and His creation. By expressing gratitude, we humble ourselves before our Lord and recognize our dependence on Him and His creation. Gratitude is a powerful tool that helps us maintain a positive mindset, cultivate contentment, and strengthen our relationship with Allah and our fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of expressing gratitude towards those who have shown us kindness and generosity. By praising our benefactors and mentioning them with goodness and appreciation, we fulfill the duty of gratitude and contribute to a society characterized by love, compassion, and harmony. Let us strive to embody the spirit of gratitude in our daily lives, recognizing and appreciating the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and His creation. May Allah grant us the ability to be grateful and may He shower His blessings upon us all.