Hadith #5285

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

شُكْرُ النِّعْمَةِ أمانٌ مِنْ تَحْويلِها، وكَفيلٌ بِتَأييدِها۔

This can be translated as,

Gratitude for blessing is a safeguard from its alteration and a guarantee of its sustentation.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words and concepts. The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" refers to gratitude or thankfulness. It is an act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. The word (ni'mah) "نِّعْمَةِ" refers to blessings or favors, encompassing both material and spiritual gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (aman) "أمانٌ" means safeguard or protection, while (tahweel) "تَحْويلِها" means alteration or change. Finally, (ta'yeed) "تَأييدِها" means sustentation or support.

To understand the significance of gratitude as a safeguard and guarantee, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.'

This verse highlights the direct relationship between expressing gratitude and receiving an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude acts as a means of preserving and enhancing the blessings we have been granted.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nahl (16:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us, which are too numerous to count. Gratitude helps us recognize and appreciate these blessings, leading to a deeper sense of contentment and happiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, we create a positive mindset and attract more blessings into our lives. Gratitude acts as a shield, protecting our blessings from being altered or diminished. It also serves as a guarantee of sustentation, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase our blessings when we are grateful.

For example, imagine a person who is grateful for their health. They take care of their body, eat nutritious food, and engage in regular exercise. Their gratitude for the blessing of good health motivates them to maintain and improve it. On the other hand, someone who takes their health for granted may neglect it, leading to health issues and a decline in their well-being. This illustrates how gratitude serves as a safeguard and guarantee for the blessings we have.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Gratitude acts as a safeguard, protecting our blessings from alteration, and a guarantee of sustentation, ensuring their continuity and increase. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we can enhance our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and experience the transformative power of gratitude in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful for His blessings and increase us in His favor.