Hadith #5264

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,

الشُّكْرُ مَأخُوذٌ عَلى أهْلِ النِّعَمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Gratitude is obligatory upon the people of blessings.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is derived from the Arabic root "ش-ك-ر" which means to acknowledge, appreciate, and express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that gratitude is not just a mere sentiment or feeling, but rather an obligation upon the (people of blessings) "أهْلِ النِّعَمِ". This phrase refers to those individuals who have been blessed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with various favors and bounties in their lives. It encompasses both material and spiritual blessings, such as health, wealth, knowledge, guidance, and the opportunity to worship Allah.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of gratitude and its connection to faith. 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 reciprocal relationship between gratitude and the increase in blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in favor.

Additionally, in Surah An-Naml (27:40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.'

This verse encourages us to reflect upon the signs of Allah's creation and His blessings in the world around us. By doing so, we develop a deeper appreciation for His favors and are motivated to express gratitude.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that gratitude is not limited to mere words of thanks, but it should be manifested through our actions. Gratitude should motivate us to utilize the blessings bestowed upon us in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). For example, if we are blessed with wealth, we should use it to help those in need and support charitable causes. If we are blessed with knowledge, we should share it with others and use it to seek the truth and benefit humanity.

Furthermore, gratitude should also lead us to recognize the source of all blessings, which is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself. It should deepen our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him. As Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

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

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that gratitude is not just a personal choice, but rather an obligation upon us as Muslims. It is a means of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude should be expressed through our words, actions, and attitudes, and it should lead us to utilize our blessings in a manner that pleases Allah and benefits others. May we all strive to be among the people of gratitude and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) increase us in His favor.