Hadith #5243

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,

اِغْتَنِمُوا الشُّكْرَ، فَأدْنَى نَفْعِهِ الزِّيَادَةُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of gratitude and highlights its numerous benefits. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ightanimu) "اِغْتَنِمُوا" in the Hadith means to take advantage or make the most of something. It implies actively seeking and utilizing the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is the key to unlocking the full potential of these blessings. The word (ash-shukr) "الشُّكْرَ" refers to gratitude, appreciation, and thankfulness. It is an essential quality that every Muslim should cultivate in their hearts and express through their actions.

The Hadith further states, (fa adna naf'ihi az-ziyadah) "فَأدْنَى نَفْعِهِ الزِّيَادَةُ", which translates to

for the least of its benefits is increment [of blessings].

This implies that gratitude not only allows us to appreciate the blessings we already have but also attracts further blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) increases those blessings and bestows upon us even more.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of gratitude and its benefits. 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 link between gratitude and the increase of blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to multiply His favors upon us.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Naml (27:40), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.'

In this verse, Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that the blessings bestowed upon him are a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He recognizes that gratitude is not only beneficial for oneself but also a means of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This aligns with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its positive impact on our lives.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can see that gratitude is not merely a superficial expression of thanks but a transformative attitude that shapes our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we are grateful, we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and we recognize His infinite mercy and generosity. Gratitude also helps us maintain a positive mindset and fosters contentment, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Furthermore, gratitude is a means of purifying our hearts and increasing our faith. When we are grateful, we become more aware of the countless blessings that surround us, both big and small. This awareness strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and deepens our trust in His divine plan. Gratitude also serves as a protection against arrogance and entitlement, as it reminds us that everything we have is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its manifold benefits. By actively practicing gratitude, we not only appreciate the blessings we already have but also attract more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is a transformative attitude that deepens our faith, purifies our hearts, and brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to cultivate gratitude in our lives and reap the abundant rewards that come with it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and increase us in His blessings.