Hadith #10327

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:

نِعْمَةٌ لاتُشْكَرُ كَسَيِّئَة لاتُغْفَرُ۔

This beautiful Hadith can be translated as:

The blessing that is not appreciated is like the evil that is not forgiven.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةٌ" refers to a blessing or favor bestowed upon someone. It encompasses both material and spiritual blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. The word (la tushkar) "لاتُشْكَرُ" means to not show gratitude or appreciation for the blessings received. On the other hand, the word (kasayyiah) "كَسَيِّئَة" refers to an evil or wrongdoing, while (la tughfar) "لاتُغْفَرُ" means to not be forgiven or pardoned.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon us. When we acknowledge and express gratitude for the blessings, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in His favor. Conversely, if we fail to appreciate the blessings and deny their significance, we risk facing the severe punishment of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of ingratitude is found in Surah An-Nahl (16:18):

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us that the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are countless and immeasurable. It is impossible for us to fully comprehend and enumerate them. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to express gratitude and appreciation for these blessings, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is Forgiving and Merciful.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The comparison between an unappreciated blessing and an unforgiven evil highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the blessings we receive. When we fail to appreciate the blessings, we diminish their significance and take them for granted. This ingratitude can lead to a decrease in the blessings or even their eventual loss. Just as an evil act that is not forgiven carries consequences and may lead to punishment, the failure to appreciate blessings can result in their withdrawal or the loss of their benefits.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of gratitude and appreciation in our lives. By recognizing and expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, we not only acknowledge the generosity of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also invite an increase in His favors. Conversely, when we neglect to appreciate these blessings, we risk losing their benefits and face the consequences of our ingratitude.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and appreciation for the countless blessings we have been granted. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also enhance our own spiritual well-being and strengthen our relationship with our Creator. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate His blessings, and may He forgive us for any shortcomings in expressing gratitude.