Hadith #5278

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through prolonged praise. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" in Arabic refers to expressing gratitude and appreciation. It is an act of recognizing and acknowledging the blessings and favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (ilahika) "إلهِكَ" means "your Lord," emphasizing the personal and intimate relationship between the individual and their Creator. Lastly, the word (tulith-thana) "طُولِ الثَّناءِ" translates to "prolonged praise," indicating that gratitude should be expressed continuously and consistently.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of showing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). 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 an increase in blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude, Allah bestows upon us even more blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Naml (27:40), Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplifies the concept of prolonged praise. He says,

My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.

Here, Prophet Sulaiman acknowledges the blessings bestowed upon him and his parents and seeks to express gratitude through righteous actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that gratitude is not merely a one-time act but rather a continuous state of being. It is not limited to verbal expressions but extends to our actions, thoughts, and intentions. When we continuously praise and thank Allah for His blessings, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude and develop a deeper appreciation for the countless favors bestowed upon us.

Prolonged praise also serves as a means of self-reflection and self-improvement. When we reflect upon the blessings we have received, we become more aware of our shortcomings and are motivated to rectify them. Gratitude helps us recognize the source of our blessings and encourages us to utilize them in a manner that pleases Allah.

Moreover, expressing gratitude has profound consequences on our spiritual and emotional well-being. It instills a sense of contentment and satisfaction within our hearts, as we recognize that every blessing is a gift from Allah. Gratitude also serves as a shield against negative emotions such as envy and greed, as it reminds us of the abundance of blessings we already possess.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude to our Lord through prolonged praise. By expressing gratitude continuously and consistently, we not only increase our blessings but also cultivate a mindset of appreciation and self-improvement. Let us strive to be grateful Muslims, recognizing and acknowledging the countless favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to be truly grateful and may He shower His blessings upon us all.