Hadith #2876

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A Praiser should praise none but his Lord.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of directing our praise and gratitude solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (haamid) "حامِدٌ" in the Hadith refers to someone who praises or extols. It is derived from the root word (hamd) "حَمْد", which means to express gratitude, appreciation, and praise. This word is often used in the Quran to describe Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself, as He is the ultimate recipient of all praise and gratitude.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Fatiha (1:2-4),

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment.

These verses highlight that Allah is the source of all praise and that He deserves our utmost gratitude and appreciation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:44), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving.

This verse emphasizes that everything in the universe praises and glorifies Allah, even if we may not fully comprehend it.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that our praise and gratitude should be directed solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). While it is natural for us to appreciate and acknowledge the good qualities and actions of others, we must remember that all goodness ultimately comes from Allah. Therefore, it is essential to attribute praise and gratitude to Him alone.

By focusing our praise on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we cultivate a deep sense of humility and reliance on Him. We recognize that He is the source of all blessings and that our abilities and accomplishments are ultimately gifts from Him. This understanding helps us maintain a balanced perspective and prevents us from becoming arrogant or attributing success solely to our own efforts.

Moreover, directing our praise towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) strengthens our bond with Him and increases our love for Him. When we acknowledge His countless blessings and express gratitude for them, we develop a deeper appreciation for His mercy and generosity. This, in turn, motivates us to strive harder in our worship and obedience to Him.

Additionally, this Hadith teaches us to be cautious of falling into the trap of idolizing or excessively praising other human beings. While it is permissible to acknowledge and appreciate the good qualities and actions of others, we must remember that they are mere vessels through which Allah's blessings flow. Our ultimate praise and gratitude should always be directed towards Allah alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that as Muslims, we should direct our praise and gratitude solely towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we maintain humility, strengthen our relationship with our Creator, and recognize that all goodness ultimately comes from Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to constantly praise and thank Him, and may He accept our worship and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.