Hadith #5247

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

أحقُّ مَنْ شَكَرْتَ مَنْ لايَمْنَعُ مَزيدَكَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude to those who do not hinder our progress or prevent us from acquiring more blessings. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ahqu) "أحقُّ" in this Hadith means "the most deserving." It implies that among all those whom we express gratitude towards, there are certain individuals who hold a higher level of deservingness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of acknowledging and appreciating those who not only contribute to our well-being but also support our growth and progress.

The word (shakarta) "شَكَرْتَ" means

you have expressed gratitude.

Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith as Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude in the Quran. For example, in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says,

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.'

The phrase (man la yamna'u mazidak) "مَنْ لايَمْنَعُ مَزيدَكَ" means

the one who does not prevent you from acquiring more.

This part of the Hadith highlights the quality of those individuals who not only contribute to our well-being but also encourage and support our growth and progress. They do not hinder us from acquiring more blessings, knowledge, or opportunities.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to surround ourselves with righteous companions who support our journey towards Him. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude to those who support our growth and progress because they play a vital role in our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These individuals not only contribute to our well-being but also inspire us to strive for excellence, acquire knowledge, and seize opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

By expressing gratitude to such individuals, we acknowledge their positive influence in our lives and motivate them to continue supporting us. Moreover, gratitude is a means of purifying our hearts and increasing our blessings. When we express gratitude, we recognize the countless favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to express gratitude to those who do not hinder our progress and growth. By acknowledging and appreciating their support, we not only strengthen our relationships but also inspire others to continue supporting us on our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to express gratitude to those who deserve it and increase us in His blessings.