Hadith #5268

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إذا أنْعَمْتَ بِالنِّعْمَةِ فَقَدْ قَضَيْتَ شُكْرَها۔

This can be translated as,

When you do good to others with a blessing [that you have been bestowed with], then you have shown gratitude for it.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةِ", which refers to a blessing or favor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all the blessings that we receive in our lives, whether they are material, spiritual, or intellectual. These blessings are gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is our duty to recognize and appreciate them.

The Hadith emphasizes that when we are blessed with a ni'mah, we should not only be grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we should also express our gratitude by using that blessing to benefit others. By doing good to others with the blessings we have been given, we are showing true gratitude.

This concept of expressing gratitude through actions is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:9),

We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks.

This verse highlights the importance of using our blessings to benefit others, without expecting anything in return. It is a selfless act of gratitude that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and being grateful to Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. One of the ways to show gratitude is by using our blessings to benefit others, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

When we reflect on the Hadith, we realize that it encourages us to be proactive in expressing our gratitude. It motivates us to use our blessings to make a positive impact on the lives of others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty of showing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also contribute to the betterment of society.

For example, if we are blessed with wealth, we can use it to support charitable causes, help those in need, and alleviate poverty. If we are blessed with knowledge, we can share it with others, educate the ignorant, and promote intellectual growth. If we are blessed with good health, we can use it to serve the sick, care for the elderly, and promote well-being in our communities.

The consequences of practicing this Hadith are far-reaching. Not only do we fulfill our duty of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also become a source of blessings for others. Our actions inspire others to be grateful and to use their blessings for the benefit of humanity. This creates a ripple effect of gratitude and goodness in society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound concept of expressing gratitude through actions. It reminds us that when we are blessed with a ni'mah, we should not only be grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we should also use that blessing to benefit others. By doing so, we demonstrate true gratitude and become a means of blessings for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice this Hadith in our lives and be a source of goodness for humanity.