Hadith #9267

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, "آفَةُ النِّعَمِ الكُفْرانُ۔" This can be translated as,

The bane of blessings is ingratitude.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental consequence of being ungrateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. The word "آفَةُ" refers to a calamity, a misfortune, or a harmful consequence. It signifies the negative outcome that arises from a particular action or attitude. In this context, it refers to the harmful consequence that befalls individuals who fail to appreciate and acknowledge the blessings bestowed upon them. The word "النِّعَمِ" refers to blessings, favors, or bounties. It encompasses all the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation, both tangible and intangible. Finally, the word "الكُفْرانُ" refers to ingratitude or disbelief. It signifies the act of denying or rejecting the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) or failing to express gratitude for them.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude and warns against the consequences of ingratitude. 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 of blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase them. Conversely, ingratitude leads to the withdrawal or reduction of blessings and invites the punishment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah An-Nahl (16:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 of the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), which are beyond our ability to fully comprehend or enumerate. It serves as a reminder to be grateful for these blessings and to acknowledge the immense mercy and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings in our lives. Gratitude is not merely a verbal expression; it is a state of the heart and a way of life. When we are grateful, we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and we recognize His infinite mercy and generosity. Gratitude also fosters contentment and humility, as we realize that we are not entitled to these blessings, but rather they are gifts from our Creator.

Conversely, ingratitude leads to a multitude of negative consequences. It breeds arrogance, entitlement, and a sense of self-sufficiency. When we fail to recognize the blessings in our lives, we become unappreciative and take them for granted. This attitude distances us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and weakens our relationship with Him. Moreover, ingratitude can lead to a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction, as we constantly seek more without appreciating what we already have.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate gratitude in our lives. We should constantly remind ourselves of the blessings we have been granted, both big and small. By expressing gratitude, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also invite an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be grateful for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate His blessings, and may He protect us from the harmful consequences of ingratitude.