Hadith #9379

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "عادَةُ اللِّئامِ الجُحُودُ۔" which translates to

The habit of vile people is denial [the blessings they have been given].

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the characteristic of ingratitude and denial that is often found in the behavior of wicked individuals.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. The word (aadatu) "عادَةُ" refers to a habit or a customary behavior that is consistently practiced by an individual. (al-li'aam) "اللِّئامِ" refers to vile or wicked people who possess negative qualities and engage in immoral actions. And finally, (al-juhood) "الجُحُودُ" means denial or rejection, specifically in the context of denying the blessings and favors bestowed upon them.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah reminds us in Surah Ibrahim (14:7) that if we are grateful, He will surely increase us in blessings. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of faith and a means of drawing closer to Allah.

In Surah Al-Nahl (16:18), Allah 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 that the blessings of Allah are countless and beyond our ability to fully comprehend or enumerate. Therefore, denying or being ungrateful for these blessings is a grave injustice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own behavior and attitudes. It warns us against falling into the trap of ingratitude and denial, which are traits of the wicked.

When we deny or fail to acknowledge the blessings we have been given, we not only display a lack of appreciation towards Allah, but we also undermine our own spiritual growth and well-being. Gratitude is a transformative quality that brings about contentment, humility, and a deeper connection with our Creator.

Denial of blessings can manifest in various ways. It can be as simple as taking our health, wealth, or relationships for granted, or it can be more profound, such as denying the existence of Allah or rejecting His guidance. In either case, the consequences are detrimental to our spiritual and emotional well-being.

By recognizing and acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude that permeates every aspect of our lives. Gratitude enables us to see the beauty and goodness in the world around us, even in the face of challenges and hardships. It allows us to appreciate the smallest blessings and find solace in the knowledge that every difficulty is an opportunity for growth and learning.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith serves as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect on their own behavior and strive to cultivate a habit of gratitude. Let us not be among the vile and wicked individuals who deny the blessings they have been given. Instead, let us be among the grateful ones who recognize and appreciate the countless favors of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to express our gratitude through our words, actions, and attitudes.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful for His blessings and protect us from the habit of denial. May He guide us to a life of gratitude and contentment, and may He bless us with His infinite mercy and forgiveness.