Hadith #5281

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,

شُكْرُ مَنْ دُونَكَ بِسَيْبِ العَطاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

The gratitude of one who is under you is through generous bestowal.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" in Arabic refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and favors bestowed upon us. The word (dunaka) "دُونَكَ" means "under you" or "below you." It signifies a position of subordination or being in a lower status. And the word (sayb) "سَيْبِ" can be translated as "generous bestowal" or "abundant giving."

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says,

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 in blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah increases them manifold.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:18), Allah states,

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 bestowed upon us by Allah are countless and immeasurable. Therefore, it is our duty to recognize and appreciate these blessings through gratitude.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that when we are in a position of authority or superiority over others, our gratitude towards them should manifest through generous bestowal. This means that we should use our power, resources, and knowledge to benefit and uplift those who are under our care or influence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and generosity were unparalleled. He would go above and beyond to help those in need, regardless of their social status. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) actions were a manifestation of his gratitude towards Allah for the blessings bestowed upon him.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their position in society. Whether we are leaders, parents, teachers, or simply individuals with influence over others, we should always remember the importance of gratitude and generous bestowal. By using our resources and abilities to uplift and empower those around us, we not only fulfill our duty towards them but also express our gratitude towards Allah for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives are profound. When we practice gratitude through generous bestowal, we create a positive and harmonious environment. We foster a sense of unity and compassion within our communities. Moreover, by uplifting others, we contribute to their growth and well-being, which in turn benefits society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that gratitude should be expressed through generous bestowal when we are in a position of authority or superiority. This principle aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of gratitude and recognizing the blessings bestowed upon us. By implementing this Hadith in our lives, we can create a positive and compassionate society, where everyone is uplifted and empowered. May Allah guide us to practice gratitude and generous bestowal in all aspects of our lives.