Hadith #5233

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الشُّكْرُ أحَدُ الجَزائَيْن۔" This can be translated as,

Gratitude is one of the two rewards.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of gratitude and its position as one of the two rewards that a person can attain.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the concept of gratitude in the light of the Quran. Gratitude, or "shukr" in Arabic, is derived from the root word "shakara," which means to acknowledge, appreciate, and express thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of the heart and a manifestation of humility and recognition of the favors of our Creator.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of gratitude in numerous verses. 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 direct correlation between gratitude and the abundance of blessings. When we express gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), He promises to increase us in His favors.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Naml (27:40), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, 'I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, 'This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'

This verse narrates the story of Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and highlights the importance of gratitude. Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognized that the blessings bestowed upon him were a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He understood that gratitude is not only beneficial for oneself but also a means of acknowledging the generosity and abundance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Returning to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that gratitude is not merely a virtue but a reward in itself. When we express gratitude, we are not only fulfilling our duty as servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also opening the doors for further blessings and rewards from Him. Gratitude is a means of drawing closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the significance of gratitude in our lives. By recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us, we cultivate a positive mindset, increase our contentment, and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude allows us to see the beauty in every situation, even in times of hardship, and helps us develop resilience and patience.

Moreover, gratitude is not limited to expressing thanks for material blessings but extends to acknowledging the intangible gifts such as health, knowledge, guidance, and the opportunity to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a comprehensive attitude that permeates every aspect of our lives, including our relationships with others. When we express gratitude to our fellow human beings, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and foster a culture of appreciation and kindness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense value of gratitude in our lives. It is not only a virtue but also a reward in itself. By expressing gratitude, we acknowledge the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and open the doors for further favors. Gratitude is a transformative attitude that brings contentment, resilience, and a deeper connection with our Creator. Let us strive to cultivate gratitude in our hearts and express it in our words and actions, for it is through gratitude that we attain true fulfillment and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).