Hadith #1505

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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 مَنَعَ بِرّاً مُنِعَ شُكْراً۔

This can be translated as,

One who prevents righteousness is deprived of gratitude.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "one who" or "whoever." (mana'a) "مَنَعَ" means "to prevent" or "to hinder." (birran) "بِرّاً" refers to righteousness, goodness, or acts of virtue. And (shukran) "شُكْراً" means gratitude or thankfulness.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness as the best provision for our journey in this world.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Lail, verses 17-18, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Then he will be satisfied. Indeed, our Lord is ever Seeing of His servants.

These verses highlight the consequence of gratitude, as it leads to contentment and satisfaction. When we prevent righteousness, we are depriving ourselves of the opportunity to express gratitude and experience the blessings that come with it.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that preventing righteousness not only hinders our ability to do good deeds but also deprives us of the ability to express gratitude. Righteousness encompasses acts of kindness, justice, and piety. It includes fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and His creation, such as performing prayers, giving charity, and treating others with kindness and fairness.

When we prevent ourselves from engaging in acts of righteousness, we are closing the doors to gratitude. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith as Muslims. It is the recognition and acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude is not limited to mere words of thanks but is manifested through our actions and attitudes.

By preventing righteousness, we fail to appreciate the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. We become ungrateful and oblivious to the favors of Allah, which leads to a sense of entitlement and ingratitude. This ingratitude distances us from Allah and weakens our relationship with Him.

Moreover, preventing righteousness not only affects our relationship with Allah but also impacts our interactions with others. When we refrain from acts of kindness and justice, we contribute to a society that lacks compassion and fairness. This deprivation of righteousness not only harms ourselves but also deprives others of the benefits and blessings that come with acts of goodness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize righteousness in their lives. By preventing righteousness, we not only hinder our ability to do good deeds but also deprive ourselves of the opportunity to express gratitude. Righteousness and gratitude are intertwined, and they both play a crucial role in our spiritual growth and well-being. Let us strive to engage in acts of righteousness and express gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings upon us. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to be grateful servants.