Hadith #5265

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

إنْ أتاكُمُ اللّهُ بِنِعْمَة فَاشْكُرُوا۔

This translates to,

If Allah bestows you with a blessing then show gratitude.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَة" in this Hadith refers to the blessings and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His servants. These blessings can be both tangible and intangible, encompassing various aspects of our lives such as health, wealth, knowledge, and relationships. It is important to recognize that every blessing we receive is a gift from Allah, and it is our duty as Muslims to express gratitude for these blessings.

The concept of gratitude is emphasized throughout the Quran. 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 reciprocal nature of gratitude. When we express gratitude for the blessings we receive, Allah promises to increase us in favor. Conversely, ingratitude leads to severe consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Naml (27:40), Allah reminds us,

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 his recognition of the blessings bestowed upon him. He understood that gratitude is not only a means of expressing appreciation to Allah, but it also serves as a test of our character. Gratitude benefits the individual who expresses it, as it cultivates humility, contentment, and a deeper connection with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of gratitude in this Hadith. By acknowledging and appreciating the blessings we receive, we develop a sense of humility and recognize our dependence on Allah. Gratitude also serves as a means of purifying our hearts and increasing our faith.

When we express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also pave the way for further blessings. Allah, in His infinite mercy, promises to increase us in favor when we are grateful. Gratitude is a transformative practice that allows us to find contentment and joy in the blessings, big or small, that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Let us reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate His blessings, and may He increase us in favor and mercy.