Hadith #5311

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ أُلْهِمَ الشُّكْرَ لَمْ يَعْدَمَ الزِّيادَةَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is inspired to show gratitude will not be deprived of increase.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of gratitude and its connection to receiving blessings and abundance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (ulhima) "أُلْهِمَ" in the Hadith refers to being divinely inspired or guided towards a particular action or behavior. In this context, it signifies the inspiration to show gratitude. Gratitude, or (ash-shukr) "الشُّكْرَ", is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of the heart and a manifestation of humility and recognition of Allah's benevolence.

The phrase (lam ya'dam az-ziyadah) "لَمْ يَعْدَمَ الزِّيادَةَ" means that the one who practices gratitude will not be deprived of increase. This increase can be understood in various ways. It can refer to an increase in blessings, provisions, or even spiritual growth. When a person sincerely expresses gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessings they have received, it opens the doors for further blessings and abundance.

The concept of gratitude and its connection to increase is beautifully emphasized in the Quran as well. 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 clearly highlights the correlation between gratitude and increase, affirming the message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith.

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

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages us to reflect upon the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to express gratitude for them. By acknowledging and appreciating the blessings, we invite more blessings into our lives.

The act of showing gratitude is not limited to mere words of thanks. It encompasses a deep sense of appreciation, humility, and recognition of Allah's favors. Gratitude can be expressed through acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as through kind deeds towards others. It is a state of the heart that reflects a person's awareness of Allah's constant presence and blessings.

When we cultivate gratitude in our lives, we not only attract more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also experience a positive transformation within ourselves. Gratitude helps us develop a positive mindset, increases our contentment, and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us to focus on the blessings we have, rather than dwelling on what we lack.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of gratitude and its connection to increase. By expressing gratitude for the blessings we have received, we open ourselves up to further blessings and abundance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is a transformative state of the heart that brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and enhances our overall well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) inspire us to be grateful and may He increase us in His blessings.