Hadith #3470

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,

رُبَّ كادِح لِمَنْ لايَشْكُرُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Many a person toils for the one who is not grateful to him.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (kaadih) "كادِح" in this Hadith refers to someone who works hard, toils, or exerts effort. It signifies a person who puts in their utmost effort and struggles in their endeavors. The word (layashkuruhu) "لايَشْكُرُهُ" means

is not grateful to him.

It implies that despite the hard work and effort put in by the individual, the recipient of their efforts fails to show gratitude or appreciation.

This Hadith highlights the reality that there are individuals who work tirelessly, sacrificing their time, energy, and resources for the benefit of others, only to be met with ingratitude. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of others.

The Quran emphasizes the significance 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 connection between gratitude and abundance. When we express gratitude to Allah and to others, we open ourselves up to receiving even more blessings and favors from Allah. Conversely, ingratitude leads to deprivation and punishment.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Luqman (31:12), where Allah says,

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the personal benefit of gratitude. When we express gratitude, we are not benefiting Allah, but rather ourselves. Gratitude is a means of recognizing and acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us, which in turn brings about contentment and inner peace.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that it serves as a reminder to Muslims to appreciate the efforts of those around them. It encourages us to be grateful for the hard work and sacrifices made by others, whether it be our parents, teachers, friends, or colleagues.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of reciprocating kindness and showing gratitude to those who work tirelessly for our benefit. When we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of others, we not only uplift their spirits but also create an atmosphere of positivity and unity within our communities.

Conversely, failing to express gratitude can lead to resentment, demotivation, and a breakdown in relationships. It is essential for Muslims to be mindful of the impact their words and actions have on those who work hard for their benefit.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of expressing gratitude to Allah and to those around us. As Muslims, we should strive to be grateful individuals, recognizing and acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices made by others, and reciprocating kindness whenever possible. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and appreciative, and may He bless us with abundance in this life and the Hereafter.