Hadith #9291

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation towards those who have shown kindness and goodness towards us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to extend our hand in recompense to those who have done good to us. This means that we should reciprocate their kindness and show them gratitude in return.

The word (extend) "أطِلْ" in the Hadith refers to the action of reaching out or stretching one's hand towards someone. It symbolizes the act of reciprocating the good that has been done to us. By extending our hand, we are showing our willingness to give back and repay the kindness we have received.

The word (recompense) "مُكافاةِ" in the Hadith refers to the act of compensating or rewarding someone for their good deeds. It implies that we should not only acknowledge the kindness shown to us but also take action to repay it in some way. This can be done through acts of kindness, support, or any form of assistance that benefits the person who has done good to us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further advises that if we are unable to physically recompense the person, then the very least we should do is express our gratitude and thank them. This highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the good that others do for us, even if we are unable to repay them in the same manner.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation. 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 reminds us that gratitude leads to an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude towards others, we are also acknowledging the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us through them. This act of gratitude opens the doors for more blessings and increases the goodness in our lives.

Another verse that supports the teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Luqman (31:12):

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights that gratitude is not only beneficial for the person who receives it but also for the one who expresses it. When we show gratitude, we are acknowledging the favors of Allah and recognizing His blessings in our lives. This act of gratitude brings about a sense of contentment and fulfillment within ourselves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching reminds us of the importance of reciprocating kindness and expressing gratitude. It encourages us to go beyond mere words and take action to repay the goodness shown to us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increase the blessings in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of extending our hand in recompense to those who have done good to us. It emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation, both in words and actions. By following this teaching, we can strengthen our relationships, increase blessings in our lives, and fulfill our duties as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice this teaching and be grateful for the blessings in our lives.