When to Thank God
Imam Ali’s (AS) principles of life were, in all aspects, based on the Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In his social life, he also acted based on the Divine orders and Nabawi Seerah, which can be considered as a perfect example for everyone.
Bakhshali Ghanbari, a Nahj al-Balagha researcher, discussed “social morality based on Nahj al-Balagha” in a series of lectures. Following are excerpts from the 16th session on “Being Thankful to God”:
We discussed style of life in Nahj al-Balagha and talked about different subjects in this field. In this session, we will talk about Sermon 35 of Nahj al-Balagha and the need to praise and thank God.
There are three words used in this sermon for praising and thanking God, one is Hamd, the next is Mad’h and the third is Shukr. These are somehow synonymous words although they have tiny differences as well.
Let us read part of this sermon: “All praise is due to Allah even though time has brought (for us) crushing calamity and great occurrence.”
Imam Ali (AS) uses the word Hamd for praising God event when we are going through calamities and adversities. Imam (AS) says that we should always be thankful to God and that all praises in the past, present and future belong to God.
For example, many people have been hit by earthquakes. Can they thank God and say Alhamdu Lillah (Praise be to God)? Of course they can. The answer is yes according to Imam Ali (AS).
What about in times of happiness and joy? Can we say Alhamdu Lillah then? Yes we can say it both in good times and in difficulties and hardships.
The word Shukr has been used a lot in Nahj al-Balagha and it is for blessings. When you are given a blessing, says Shukr to Allah.
The word Mad’h (admiration) is for things that have been given assets and we admire those assets. For example I praise the sun and nature and the word used here is Mad’h. We cannot Hamd (say thanks) to them.
So, in short, Imam Ali (AS) teaches us that we should thank God in all conditions and in all times. God willing, we will not be among ungrateful servants of God but will thank God in every calamity and for every blessing.
