Hadith #5238

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 gratitude and contentment. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (ishtaghl) "اِشْتَغِلْ" means to occupy oneself or engage in something. It implies being fully absorbed and focused on a particular matter. The word (bishukr) "بِشُكْرِ" means gratitude or thankfulness. It refers to acknowledging and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, the word (an-ni'mah) "النِّعْمَةِ" means blessings or favors. It encompasses all the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us, both tangible and intangible. It includes our health, wealth, knowledge, and all the other countless blessings we enjoy.

The word (ani) "عَنِ" means "from" or "away from." It indicates a sense of distance or separation. Finally, the word (attatarub) "التَّطَرُّبِ" means being delighted, amused, or captivated by something.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support and shed light on the message of this Hadith. 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 highlights the importance of gratitude and its connection to the increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase them. Gratitude is a means of attracting more blessings into our lives.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah An-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 that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. It is impossible for us to fully comprehend and enumerate all the blessings we have received. Therefore, it is essential to occupy ourselves with gratitude rather than being captivated or delighted by the blessings themselves.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to shift our focus from being captivated by the blessings to being grateful for them. This shift in perspective is crucial for our spiritual growth and contentment.

When we become too attached or delighted by the blessings, we risk becoming arrogant, ungrateful, and forgetful of the One who bestowed those blessings upon us. We may start taking them for granted and fail to recognize the true source of our blessings.

However, when we occupy ourselves with gratitude, we develop a deep sense of appreciation and humility. We acknowledge that every blessing we have is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that we are utterly dependent on Him. Gratitude helps us maintain a state of mindfulness and awareness of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) presence in our lives.

Moreover, gratitude is not limited to mere words or lip service. It should manifest in our actions and behavior. When we are truly grateful, we strive to utilize the blessings we have been given in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We use our knowledge, wealth, and health to serve others, contribute to society, and spread goodness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to prioritize gratitude over being captivated by the blessings. By occupying ourselves with gratitude, we cultivate a deep sense of appreciation, humility, and contentment. We recognize that every blessing is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to utilize those blessings in a manner that pleases Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly grateful for all His blessings.