Hadith #5289

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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 النِّعَمِ يُضاعِفُها ويَزيدُها۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its essence and implications.

The word (shukr) "شُكْرُ" in Arabic means gratitude or thankfulness. It is an act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and favors that Allah has bestowed upon us. Gratitude is not merely a verbal expression, but it is a state of the heart that manifests through our actions and attitudes. It is a recognition of Allah's infinite mercy and a humble acknowledgment of our dependence on Him.

The word (ni'am) "نِّعَمِ" refers to the blessings and favors of Allah. These blessings encompass both the material and spiritual aspects of our lives. They include the gift of life, health, sustenance, knowledge, guidance, and countless other blessings that we often take for granted. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that these blessings are multiplied and increased when we express gratitude for them.

The concept of gratitude is deeply rooted 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 verse highlights the direct correlation between gratitude and increase in blessings. When we express gratitude, Allah promises to multiply and augment His favors upon us.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of gratitude is found in Surah An-Naml (27:40), where Allah says,

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 denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.'

This verse narrates the story of Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon him. It teaches us that gratitude is not only a means of increasing blessings but also a test of our faith. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge that all blessings come from Allah, and we humble ourselves before Him. Conversely, ingratitude is a form of denial and arrogance, which distances us from the mercy of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in their lives. By recognizing and appreciating the blessings of Allah, we not only increase and multiply these blessings but also strengthen our relationship with our Creator. Gratitude transforms our perspective, enabling us to see the abundance in our lives and to find contentment in the simplest of blessings.

Moreover, gratitude is not limited to expressing thanks for material possessions. It extends to being grateful for the intangible blessings, such as knowledge, guidance, and spiritual growth. When we are grateful for the knowledge bestowed upon us, we seek to increase it and share it with others. When we are grateful for guidance, we strive to adhere to it and spread it to those around us. Gratitude becomes a catalyst for positive change and a means of benefiting ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude for the blessings of Allah. By expressing gratitude, we not only multiply and increase these blessings but also strengthen our relationship with our Creator. Gratitude is a transformative attitude that enables us to find contentment, seek knowledge, and spread goodness. Let us strive to be grateful Muslims, recognizing and appreciating the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. May Allah grant us the ability to be truly grateful and may He increase us in His favor.