Hadith #5321

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 word used in this hadith is (haṭa) "حاطَ" or (khalata) "خَلَطَ", which can be translated as "guards" or "mixes." The word (niʿama) "نِعَمَ" refers to blessings or favors, and (ash-shukr) "الشُّكْرِ" means gratitude. The word (hayṭa) "حيطَ" means to be surrounded or encompassed, and (al-mazīd) "المَزيدِ" means more or additional blessings.

This hadith emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its connection to receiving more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we guard or mix our blessings with gratitude, we are rewarded with an abundance of additional blessings from Allah.

The concept of gratitude is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us to be grateful for His blessings. 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.'

This ayah clearly supports the message of the hadith, as it highlights the direct correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to bestow upon us even more blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:18), Allah says,

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 beyond our ability to fully comprehend or enumerate. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to express gratitude for the blessings we recognize and those that we may not even be aware of.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to express gratitude for these blessings. By doing so, we not only acknowledge the source of our blessings but also invite more blessings into our lives.

When we guard or mix our blessings with gratitude, we develop a mindset of appreciation and contentment. We become more aware of the countless blessings around us, both big and small. This awareness leads to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment in our lives.

Moreover, expressing gratitude is not limited to mere words; it should be reflected in our actions. Gratitude should motivate us to utilize our blessings in ways that benefit ourselves and others. For example, if we are blessed with wealth, we should be grateful and use it to help those in need. If we are blessed with knowledge, we should be grateful and share it with others.

The consequences of practicing gratitude are profound. When we are grateful for the blessings we have, we develop a positive outlook on life. We become more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, knowing that we have been blessed with numerous favors from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude also strengthens our relationship with Allah, as it is an act of worship that demonstrates our recognition of His blessings and our humility before Him.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of guarding or mixing our blessings with gratitude. By expressing gratitude for the blessings we have, we invite more blessings into our lives. This concept is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the connection between gratitude and an increase in favors from Allah. Gratitude not only brings us closer to Allah but also enhances our overall well-being and happiness. As Muslims, let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and be mindful of the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).