Hadith #5252

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

No one acquires gratitude except by giving [generously] from his wealth.

In this Hadith, there are a few important words that require our attention.

The first word is "shukr," which translates to "gratitude" in English. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of faith, and it entails acknowledging and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of the heart that manifests through words, actions, and intentions.

The second word is "yahuz," which means "acquires" or "obtains." This word implies that gratitude is not something that can be attained easily or automatically. It requires effort and action on our part.

The third word is "bathala," which can be translated as "giving" or "spending." It refers to the act of generously parting with one's wealth for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and for the benefit of others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that when we express gratitude to Allah, He, in turn, remembers us and showers us with His blessings. Gratitude is not only a means of acknowledging Allah's favors but also a way to strengthen our relationship with Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 direct correlation between gratitude and increase in blessings. When we are grateful for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase those blessings. On the other hand, denying or being ungrateful for His favors may lead to severe consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the importance of giving generously from our wealth as a means of acquiring gratitude. When we selflessly give to others, we acknowledge that our wealth is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that we are merely custodians of it. By sharing our wealth with those in need, we demonstrate gratitude towards Allah and recognize that our possessions are not solely for our own benefit.

Moreover, when we give from our wealth, we experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping others. This act of generosity not only benefits the recipient but also uplifts our own souls and strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of practicing this Hadith are profound. By giving generously, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude within ourselves and become more aware of the countless blessings bestowed upon us. We develop a sense of empathy and compassion towards those in need, and our hearts become more inclined towards acts of kindness and charity.

Additionally, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our relationship with wealth. It reminds us that true gratitude lies not in accumulating wealth for ourselves but in using it to benefit others and fulfill our responsibilities towards society. It teaches us the importance of being mindful of the blessings we have and using them in a manner that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that gratitude is acquired through generous giving from our wealth. It reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and using our blessings to benefit others. By practicing this Hadith, we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude within ourselves, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and contribute to the well-being of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this beautiful teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).