Hadith #5297

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,

عَلَيْكَ بِالشُّكْرِ فِي السَّرّاءِ والضَّرّاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

You must give thanks [both] in ease and adversity.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (shukr) "شُّكْرِ" refers to expressing gratitude and appreciation towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His blessings and favors upon us. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both verbal expressions of gratitude and the internal state of being grateful. The word (sarra) "سَّرَّاءِ" refers to times of ease, comfort, and prosperity. On the other hand, the word (darra) "ضَّرَّاءِ" refers to times of hardship, adversity, and difficulty.

This profound Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all circumstances, whether we are experiencing moments of ease or facing challenges. It teaches us that gratitude is not limited to times of abundance and prosperity, but it is equally important during times of hardship and adversity.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 connection between gratitude and the abundance of blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in His favors.

Furthermore, in Surah Ibrahim, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 emphasizes the importance of gratitude in times of ease and prosperity. It reminds us that expressing gratitude during times of abundance is a means of acknowledging Allah's blessings and recognizing that they come from Him alone.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith. It is a way of recognizing and appreciating the countless blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. Secondly, it teaches us that gratitude should not be limited to certain situations or conditions. We should be grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) both in times of ease and adversity, as both are opportunities for growth and learning.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the wisdom behind expressing gratitude during times of hardship. When we face challenges, expressing gratitude helps us maintain a positive mindset and strengthens our resilience. It reminds us that even in difficult times, there are still blessings and lessons to be grateful for. By focusing on gratitude, we shift our perspective from the hardships we face to the blessings we have been granted.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all circumstances. It teaches us that gratitude is not limited to times of ease and prosperity, but it is equally important during times of hardship and adversity. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we deepen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and invite His blessings and mercy into our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful in all situations and increase us in His favors.