Hadith #5334

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَعَ الشُّكْرِ تَدُومُ النِّعْمَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

With gratitude, blessings last [longer].

This short but beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of expressing gratitude and its impact on the continuation and preservation of blessings.

The word (shukr) "شُّكْرِ" in this Hadith refers to gratitude or thankfulness. Gratitude is the act of recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of acknowledging the favors and benevolence of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and expressing heartfelt thanks for them.

The word (tadūm) "تَدُومُ" means to last or endure. It implies the continuation and preservation of blessings. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we express gratitude for the blessings we have received, those blessings are more likely to endure and remain with us.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. 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 emphasizes the connection 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 those blessings. This increase can manifest in various forms, such as increased provisions, improved well-being, and enhanced spiritual growth.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Nahl (16:18),

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. Expressing gratitude for these blessings is a means of acknowledging and valuing them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that gratitude is not only a moral virtue but also a practical approach to life. When we cultivate a mindset of gratitude and express thanks to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His blessings, we develop a deeper appreciation for what we have. This gratitude leads to contentment and satisfaction, which in turn brings peace and tranquility to our hearts.

Moreover, expressing gratitude also has a transformative effect on our relationships with others. When we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings and favors we receive from others, we strengthen the bonds of love, kindness, and compassion. Gratitude fosters a sense of reciprocity and encourages us to reciprocate the kindness shown to us.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our lives. By expressing gratitude for the blessings we have received, we not only preserve and prolong those blessings but also cultivate a positive mindset and nurture our relationships with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and others. Let us strive to be grateful Muslims, recognizing and appreciating the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and expressing our thanks in words and actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly grateful and may He increase us in His blessings.