Hadith #10285

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully explains the relationship between blessings, gratitude, and increase. The Arabic word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةُ" refers to blessings or favors bestowed upon an individual by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (mawsulah) "مَوْصُولَةٌ" means connected or linked, indicating that blessings are intrinsically tied to gratitude.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that gratitude, represented by the word (shukr) "شُكْرُ", is also connected to increase. The word (mazid) "مَزِيدِ" refers to an increase or augmentation. Therefore, gratitude leads to an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This hadith beautifully illustrates the concept of gratitude as a means to attract and maintain blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings we receive, as well as expressing gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His favors.

The connection between blessings and gratitude is also emphasized in the Quran. 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 ayah clearly states that gratitude leads to an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to bestow upon us even more favors and blessings. It is a cycle of gratitude and increase that continues as long as we remain thankful.

Another ayah that supports this concept is found in Surah An-Naml (27:40):

Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, 'I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, 'This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'

In this ayah, Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acknowledges that the blessings he received were a test of his gratitude. He understood that gratitude is not only beneficial for oneself but also a means to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It demonstrates that gratitude is an essential quality that should be cultivated in order to maintain and increase blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings they have been bestowed with. By expressing gratitude, we not only acknowledge the favors of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also invite more blessings into our lives. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform our perspective and lead to a more fulfilling and content life.

Furthermore, this hadith also highlights the importance of recognizing the source of all blessings, which is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that all blessings come from Him and that we should never take them for granted. By acknowledging and appreciating the blessings we receive, we strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increase our chances of receiving even more blessings.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith beautifully explains the interconnectedness of blessings, gratitude, and increase. It reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude for the favors we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the role it plays in attracting and maintaining blessings. Let us strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our lives and continuously thank Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His countless blessings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and may He continue to shower His blessings upon us.