Hadith #2366

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بِفِعْلِ المَعْرُوفِ يُسْتَدامُ الشُّكْرُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Through benevolence, gratitude lasts.

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

The word "فِعْلِ المَعْرُوفِ" in this Hadith refers to performing acts of kindness, goodness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others. This includes acts of charity, helping the needy, showing compassion, and fulfilling one's responsibilities towards family, society, and the wider community.

Allah, in the Quran, emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and encourages Muslims to engage in acts of benevolence. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the significance of performing acts of kindness towards parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy.

By engaging in acts of benevolence, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also express gratitude to Allah for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The word "شُّكْرُ" in the Hadith refers to gratitude. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of faith and is highly valued in Islam. It is a means of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings of Allah.

In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 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.'

This verse highlights the direct correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings from Allah. When we express gratitude for the blessings we have, Allah promises to bestow upon us even more.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), through this Hadith, reminds us that by engaging in acts of benevolence, we not only benefit others but also cultivate a state of gratitude within ourselves. When we perform acts of kindness, we become more aware of the blessings bestowed upon us, and this awareness deepens our gratitude towards Allah.

Moreover, the Hadith also implies that gratitude is not a fleeting emotion but rather a lasting state that is sustained through continuous acts of benevolence. When we consistently engage in acts of goodness, our gratitude becomes ingrained in our character, and it becomes a part of our identity as Muslims.

For example, when we regularly give charity to the poor and needy, we develop a sense of gratitude for the resources we have been blessed with. This gratitude motivates us to continue giving and helping others, thus perpetuating a cycle of gratitude and benevolence.

Furthermore, the Hadith also highlights the reciprocal nature of gratitude and benevolence. When we show kindness to others, they are more likely to reciprocate with gratitude and appreciation. This creates a positive and harmonious environment where gratitude is not only expressed but also received.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through acts of benevolence, gratitude becomes a lasting state within us. By engaging in acts of kindness and righteousness, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also express gratitude to Allah for His blessings. This Hadith reminds us of the importance of cultivating a grateful heart and continuously striving to perform acts of goodness. May Allah enable us to embody this teaching in our lives and may He grant us the ability to be benevolent and grateful Muslims.