Hadith #9261

Bismillah, All praise is due to Allah, the Most High, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

كُفْرُ النِّعَمِ مَجْلَبَةٌ لِحُلُولِ النِّقَمِ

which translates to

Ingratitude for blessings is the thing that brings [divine] retribution.

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

The word (kufr) "كُفْرُ" in this Hadith refers to ingratitude or disbelief. It signifies a rejection or denial of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is important to note that kufr here does not refer to the major disbelief that takes a person out of the fold of Islam, but rather to the ingratitude and lack of appreciation for the countless blessings we receive from Allah.

The term (ni'am) "نِّعَمِ" in this Hadith refers to blessings, favors, or bounties. It encompasses all the blessings that Allah bestows upon us, both tangible and intangible, such as health, wealth, knowledge, guidance, and countless other blessings that we often take for granted.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that ingratitude for these blessings is the cause of divine retribution, as stated in the latter part of the Hadith, (majlabatun lihulul in-niqam) "مَجْلَبَةٌ لِحُلُولِ النِّقَمِ". This phrase emphasizes that ingratitude is the very thing that attracts and invites the divine punishment and retribution upon us.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 clearly highlights the correlation between gratitude and increase in blessings, as well as ingratitude and the severity of divine punishment.

Another verse that reinforces the message of this Hadith is found in Surah An-Nahl (16:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reminds us of the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, which are beyond our ability to comprehend or count. It serves as a reminder to be grateful for these blessings and to avoid falling into the trap of ingratitude.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that ingratitude for the blessings of Allah leads to a multitude of negative consequences. Firstly, it distances us from the remembrance of Allah and weakens our connection with Him. Secondly, it breeds discontentment and dissatisfaction, as we constantly focus on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have been given. Thirdly, it can lead to arrogance and a sense of entitlement, as we begin to believe that we deserve these blessings without acknowledging the One who bestowed them upon us.

Conversely, gratitude for the blessings of Allah brings about numerous positive consequences. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah and increases our faith. Secondly, it cultivates contentment and inner peace, as we recognize and appreciate the abundance of blessings in our lives. Thirdly, it fosters humility and a sense of humility, as we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah and are not a result of our own efforts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Ingratitude for these blessings not only leads to divine retribution but also has negative consequences in our daily lives. By practicing gratitude, we strengthen our relationship with Allah, cultivate contentment, and foster humility. May Allah grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate His blessings and protect us from the trap of ingratitude.